Page 75 - South Georgia

Postal History of South Georgia, 1937 ~ 46

OPERATION TABARIN
The Operation was conceived by the British Cabinet in 1943 reacting to perceived threats of German naval activity
in the Southern Ocean and Argentine, or Chilean, desire to assert sovereignty in the South Antarctic whilst Britain
was fighting World War Two. Royal Navy Party 475 commanded by Lt.-Commander James Marr, a veteran from
Shackleton's 'Quest' Expedition and 'Discovery' Investigations, was tasked with establishing bases and scientific
work but the primary aim was political. As demonstrable, functioning Post Offices in a territory were accepted as
a proof of territorial Sovereignty, no chance to send official mail was missed, South Georgia no exception.

OFFICIAL MAIL

1944 Official Cover, 1d rate, posted from South Georgia on 24 February 1944 to a London address

1944 Official Cover, 3d UPU rate, posted from South Georgia on 24 February 1944 to a South American address
Expedition Operation Tabarin aboard SS Fitzroy visited Grytviken, 21 ~ 24 February 1944, en route to Stanley to
conclude their first Antarctic season before the advancing austral winter and frozen seas stopped sea travel within
Antarctica. The visit had wider implications; predicting the end of Falkland stamps’ usage on South Georgia mail
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