The year 2014 marked the 50th anniversary of the first year of operation of the Germany & Colonies Philatelic Society following the amalgamation of the Germany & Colonies Stamp Club (established 1947) and the Stockton German Study Group (1960).
The G&CPS celebrated its inaugural year in 1964 with the first Germania Posta philatelic exhibition held in Stockton.
I have two covers from French prisoners held in Danzig during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870/1. Both were sent free of postage with an explanatory manuscript endorsement which appears to read 'F.L.O.V. 7.8.70' which I take to stand for 'Frei Laut Ordnung von 7.8.70. I understand that the Prussian War Ministry issued an order on that date enabling the postage free concession for French prisoners of war.
Two questions:
1) Does anyone have similar covers from Danzig or other German cities where the 400,000 or so French POWs were held ?
2) Does anyone have any more information on the Prussian War Ministry edict of 7.8.1870 ?
Thanks
Giles