The maker of the envelope is Lion Brand, probably in Australia, in 1939.

This was the first flight across the Indian Ocean from Port Hedland, Western Australia, to Mombasa, Kenya, via the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Diego Garcia and the Seychelles, in the flying-boat 'Guba II' between 3 and 21 June 1939. Crew members included P G Taylor and J Percival and the owner of the plane, Richard Archbold. With war coming, the crossing was made to find an alternate air route to Europe.

Philatelic cover, Australia - Africa on the flying boat 'Guba', paper, envelope made by Lion Brand, Australia, 1939

Envelope flown between Cocos Island and Seychelles on the flying boat 'Guba'. In the upper right corner of the envelope is a purple ink postmark with a monogram of JSR for J S Clunies-Ross and the date 12 June 1939. There are three stamps from the Seychelles featuring King George VI and the coco-de-mere palm. There are three postmarks from Victoria, Seychelles dated June 19 1939. In the lower right corner of the envelope a black and white photograph of the crew has been attached. The envelope has been signed.

Made: Lion Brand; Australia; 1939

Stamp on front of envelope, in purple ink 'JCR (monogram) / 12 JUN 1939'

Postmarks on front of envelope, stamped in black ink 'VICTORIA / SEYCHELLES / C / JU 19 / 39'

Signature on front of envelope, handwritten in blue pen '(illeg.)

Maker mark on back of envelope, stamped 'CROXLEY CAMBRIC / LION (lion rampant within shield) BRAND'

85/112-18

1939

89 mm

150 mm