Page 74 - 148 Years of the Royal Philatelic Society London

In 1939: Not much happened in 1939. Tina Turner, Marvin Gaye, Phil Everly,

Dusty Springfield, Hervey Keitel, Lee Majors, John Cleese and Ralph Lauren were born.

At the RPSL: 'Vigorous recruiting campaign' results in exactly the same number of members.

World situation causes reduction of staff and afternoon meetings to avoid blackouts.

RPSL President was Sir John Wilson, Bart, Patron H.M. King George VI. Membership 531.

FIRST REGULAR NORTH RONALDSHAY

AIR MAIL BY SCOTTISH AIRWAYS

From the collection of Peter Lister FRPSL.

Member since 2004. Lives in England.

NORTH
AON&lDSAY e 31 st JULY 1939
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KIRllW.UL e J.Hv t ?'l'l<-S e,

In January 1939 a plebiscite was held at which all Islanders between 14 & 80 voted, 127 to 24, in

favour of an air mail service. On 31st July Captain E. Fresson inaugurated a thrice weekly service

piloting G-ACIT, carrying 26kg of mail to North Ronaldshay, and 37kg on the return. The company

Scottish Airways printed vignettes depicting the islands, but these were not available to the public

prior to the flight. The service was withdrawn at the outbreak of war. The cover illustrated is the only

recorded example of the company envelope flown both to and from the Isles and it is back stamped.