George V Era
1928 : Admiral Issue
To Great Britain Via U.S. Airmail (July 1, 1926 to December 24, 1928)
Canadian letters could receive air mail service in the United States is the U.S. air mail rate of 10 cents per one-half ounce was prepaid in U.S. postage in addition to Canadian surface postage.
Vancouver to Inverness, Scotland, February 24, 1928
3 cents Canadian letter rate to Great Britain + 10 cents U.S. air mail fee
"AIR MAIL FROM SEATTLE" in manuscript
The air mail stamp received Blaine & Seattle RPO cancellation
New York Transit:
February 27, 1928
1928 - 1930 : Scroll Issue
To Europe ( June 1, 1930 - February 1, 1931)
Air mail service was provided in North America and Europe. Trans-Atlantic transit was by ship.
Vancouver to Sala, Sweden, December 9, 1930
15 cents air mail rate to Sweden
1930 - 1932 : Arch Issue
To Great Britain
The air mail letter rate to Great Britain was 6 cents for the first ounce. Air mail service was only provided in North America.
Vancouver to London, December 10, 1932
6 cents air mail rate
Vancouver to London, April 26, 1933
6 cents air mail rate
To Europe
The air mail rate to Europe introduced on July 1, 1931 was 10 cents per one-half ounce. Trans-Atlantic transit was by ship.
Regina to Blaichach, Germany, March 18, 1932
10 cents air mail rate to Europe
Toronto to Berlin, February 6, 1932
10 cents air mail rate
Other
The letter below was mailed from Toronto to Nairobi, Kenya Colony, via New York, and prepaid 30 cents.
November 31, 1931
1932 - 1935 : Medallion Issue
To West Indies, Mexico, Cuba, Central America, and British Guiana
The air mail rate was 15 cents for each one-half ounce.
15 cents air mail rate to the West Indies
To Europe
The air mail rate to Europe was 10 cents for each one-half ounce. Air surface was provided in North America and Europe.
Vancouver to s'Gravenhage, Netherlands, February 23, 1935
10 cents air mail rate
Montreal to Helsinki, Finland, March 12, 1935
10 cents air mail rate to Europe
Humboldt to Braunschweig, Germany, May 16, 1934
10 cents air mail rate
Catapult Service in Europe Requested :
Via S.S. Bremen (or) S.S. Ehropa
+ Airplane Ship-to-Shore
Regina to Augsburg, Germany, December 1, 1933
10 cent air mail rate
To Great Britain
The air mail letter rate to Great Britain was 6 cents for the first ounce. Air mail service was provided in North America only.
Montreal to Leith, Scotland, May 10, 1935
6 cents air mail rate ( service in North America)
Via Rimouski per SS. Duchess of Bedford
Air mail service was provided from Montreal to Rimouski
The Duchess of Bedford sailed from Rimouski
Vancouver to London, August 22, 1934
6 cents air mail rate (air mail in North America only)
Vancouver to Sheffield, August 29, 1934
6 cents air mail rate + 10 cents registration fee
To India via England
The air mail letter rate to India was 15 cents per one-half ounce. Sea to England then air to India.
Belleville to Peshawar, India, November 16, 1933
15 cents air mail rate to India ( Air service England to India)
Air Mail
Crowden - Karachi
To South Africa via England
The air mail letter rate to South Africa was 25 cents for each one-half ounce. Sea to England then air to South Africa.
Vancouver to Grahamstown, South Africa, December 20, 1935
25 cents air mail rate ( Air from England to South Africa)
Dated Die Issue : 1935 - 1937
To Great Britain
The air mail letter rate to Great Britain was 6 cents for the first ounce. Air mail service was provided in North America only.
Montreal to Leith, Scotland, May 10, 1935
6 cents air mail rate ( service in North America)
Via Rimouski per SS. Duchess of Bedford
Air mail service was provided from Montreal to Rimouski
The Duchess of Bedford sailed from Rimouski
Vancouver to London, August 22, 1934
6 cents air mail rate (air mail in North America only)
Vancouver to Sheffield, August 29, 1934
6 cents air mail rate + 10 cents registration fee
To India via England
The air mail letter rate to India was 15 cents per one-half ounce. Sea to England then air to India.
Belleville to Peshawar, India, November 16, 1933
15 cents air mail rate to India ( Air service England to India)
Air Mail
Crowden - Karachi
To South Africa via England
The air mail letter rate to South Africa was 25 cents for each one-half ounce. Sea to England then air to South Africa.
Vancouver to Grahamstown, South Africa, December 20, 1935
25 cents air mail rate ( Air from England to South Africa)
Dated Die Issue : 1935 - 1937
Europe
The air mail rate to Europe was 10 cents. Air service in North America, sea to Europe, air service in Europe.
Hamilton to Canadian Rowing Team, Olympic Village, Berlin, Germany, July 6, 1936
10 cents air mail rate
New Westminster to Bremen, January 4, 1937
10 cents air mail rate
Opened by German authorities for currency control
Resealed with tape
Bremen handstamp, January 18, 1937
Toronto to Malung, Sweden, April 1, 1936
10 cents air mail rate to Europe
To the West Indies
The air mail letter rate to the West Indies was 25 cents for each one-half ounce.
Toronto to Malvern, Jamaica, September 16, 1937
25 cents air mail rate
Saint John to Port-au-Prince, January 18, 1937
25 cents air mail rate
To Africa
The air mail letter rate to Africa was 25 cents for each one-half ounce.
Vancouver to Bulewayo, Southern Rhodesia, October 23, 1936
25 cents air mail letter rate
George VI Era
1937 - 1942 : Mufti Issue
A. Pre-War Years : 1937 -1939
1. "Clipper Service" to the Pacific
Air mail to the United States has been discussed in an earlier post, but air mail to its Pacific territories such as Hawaii have yet to be considered. Pan American Airways (PAA) had introduced its Trans-Pacific "Clipper" service in 1936. Air mail from Canada to Hawaii could be despatched by the Clipper service from San Francisco at a rate of 25 cents per half-ounce. Clipper service was also available to Guam and Fiji (50 cents/half ounce), the Philipinnes (75 cents/half ounce), Macau, and Hong Kong (90 cents/half ounce).
Ottawa to Honolulu, December 17, 1938
25 cents for each half-ounce
Vancouver to Honolulu, April 3, 1939
50 cents paying the one ounce double weight step trans-Pacific Clipper rate
Toronto to Honolulu, December 16, 1937
25 cents Clipper rate
Shortpaid 10 cents and taxed 20 cents
2. Great Britain
Trans-Atlantic mail service was not available until 1939. Air mail service to Great Britain before this was for air mail conveyance within Canada only. The rate was 6 cents for the first ounce and 5 cents for each additional ounce.
Vancouver to Huddersfield, England, June 30, 1938
6 cents air mail rate to Great Britain for air mail service only in North America
Victoria to Cheltenham, England, July 27, 1939
6 cents air mail rate to Great Britain for air mail service only in North America
Saskatoon to Coventry, England, April 22, 1939.
6 cents air mail rate to Great Britain for air mail service only in North America
Trans-Atlantic Service
In June 1939, Trans-Atlantic air mail service was inaugurated. The rate for mail to Britain from Canada was 30 cents for each half ounce.
Montreal to London, August 10, 1939
30 cents trans-Atlantic air mail rate
3. Europe
Air service to Europe consisted of air mail conveyance within North America, ship to Europe, then air within Europe. The rate was 10 cents for each half ounce.
Vancouver to Le Havre, France, August 24, 1938
10 cents rate for air service in North America and Europe only
Vancouver to Arnhem, Netherlands, April 4, 1939
10 cents rate for air service in North America and Europe only
Vancouver to Neustadt, Germany, November 10, 1938
10 cents rate for air service in North America and Europe only
4. Empire Air Mail Scheme Countries (From February 28, 1938)
The Empire Air Mail Scheme was a British plan to convey all ‘first class’ mail within the British Empire by air at no extra cost. The scheme was completed in stages from June 1937 to July 1938. On February 28, 1938, the Empire Air Mail Scheme was inaugurated in Canada. First class mail posted in Canada for specified Empire countries was conveyed to Britain by ship then carried exclusively by air BEYOND ENGLAND under the Empire Air Mail Scheme.
Empire Air Mail Route
(African Routes not shown)
The rate for letters was 6 cents per half ounce and 4 cents each for postcards. The 1937-38 Official Postal Guide had the following description of the service:
Montreal to Pretoria, South Africa, April 25, 1938
6 cents per half-ounce Empire Air Mail Scheme
Kentville Sanatorium to Bloemfontein, South Africa, November 13, 1938
12 cents paying the 1 ounce, double weight, Empire Air Mail Scheme rate (2 x 6 cents/1/2 ounce)
5. Africa and Asia
The air mail rate to Africa and Asia (except for PAA Clipper service and to places served by the Empire Air Mail Scheme) was 25 cents for each ounce.
Toronto to Johannesburg, South Africa, April 11, 1937
25 cents for each half ounce air mail rate to South Africa
(Pre-Empire Air Mail Scheme rate)
Toronto to Durban, South Africa, November 8, 1937
$1.75 paying the 3 1/2 ounce rate (7 x 25 cents/half ounce)
(Pre-Empire Air Mail Scheme rate)
6. Australasia
Mail to Australasia (via England) prior to the introduction of the Empire Air Mail Scheme was 35 cents for each half ounce.
7. Bermuda
Until direct PAA Clipper service to Bermuda was introduced in 1938, the air mail rate of 6 cents per ounce only provided air service from Canada to the United States.
Winnipeg to Shelly Bay, Bermuda, January 18, 1938
6 cent air mail rate to Bermuda +10 cents registration fee
(2 cents overpayment)
Pan-Am clipper, Baltimore to Bermuda
(Not in author's collection)
FAM 17 Baltimore-Bermuda First Flight
March 16, 1938
With the inception of Clipper service to Bermuda, the rate for air mail service from Canada to Bermuda was set at 15 cents per quarter ounce.
8. West Indies and British Guiana, Mexico, Cuba and Central America
Until December 14, 1937, the air mail rate to the West Indies and British Guiana, Mexico, Cuba and Central America was 25 cents for each half ounce. Rates to these destinations were reduced to 10 cents for each quarter ounce on December 15, 1937.
Hamilton to Georgetown, British Guiana, December 5, 1938
10 cents for each quarter ounce rate to British Guiana
9. South America
There were two rate groups for South America:
a) Northern rate group : Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, French Guiana, Dutch Guiana
i) To December 14, 1938 : 50 cents for each half ounce
ii) From December 15, 1938: 25 cents for each quarter ounce
b) Southern rate group: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay
i) To December 14, 1938 : 70 cents for each quarter ounce
Montreal to Buenos Aires, Argentina, September 18, 1937
70 cents for each half ounce air mail rate to Argentina
ii) From December 15, 1938 : 35 cents for each quarter ounce
Registered, air mail letter, Toronto to Montevideo, Uruguay, August 29, 1939
70 cents for double weight step half ounce rate to Uruguay ( 2 x 35 cents/quarter ounce) + 1o cents registration fee
B. The War Years : 1939 - 1942
International air mail service and rates became even more complicated during the war years with the suspension of routes and the introduction of new services.
This section is organized as follows:
1. Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Eire, and Europe
2. Western Hemisphere Countries
3. War-time Empire Air Mail Scheme
4. Trans-Pacific via Pan American Airways
5. South Atlantic Routes via Pan American Airways (From December 1941)
1. Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Eire, and Europe
The Trans-Atlantic air mail rate to Great Britain and Europe was 30 cents for each half ounce. Air mail from Canada to most European countries was discontinued by June 1940.
London, Ont., to London, England, October 31, 1939
30 cents for each half ounce air mail rate to Great Britain
Truro to London, June 23, 1941
60 cents double weight step air mail rate for 1 ounce ( 2 x 30 cents/half ounce)
Toronto to London, October 29, 1942
60 cents double weight step air mail rate for 1 ounce ( 2 x 30 cents/half ounce)
Montreal to London, November 3, 1939
90 cents triple weight step air mail rate for 1 1/2 ounce ( 3 x 30 cents/half ounce)
Stratford to Maidstone, England, February 13, 1940
60 cents double weight step air mail rate for 1 ounce ( 2 x 30 cents/half ounce)
Port Hope to Sleaford, England, January 8, 1940
60 cents double weight step air mail rate for 1 ounce ( 2 x 30 cents/half ounce)
Shortpaid 30 cents (Double deficiency 60 cents)
Canadian Tax - 300 gold centimes (60 cents x 5 gold centimes/cent)
British Charge - 2s. 6d.
Shortpaid 30 cents (Double deficiency 60 cents)
Canadian Tax - 300 gold centimes (60 cents x 5 gold centimes/cent)
British Charge - 2s. 6d.
Hamilton to Dublin, Eire, February 28, 1942
30 cents for each half-ounce air mail rate to Eire
Montreal to Paris, September 30, 1939
30 cents for each half-ounce air mail rate to Europe
Montreal to Paris, April 25, 1940
60 cents for double weight step 1 ounce air mail rate to Europe (2 x 30 cents/half ounce)
Hamilton to Lisbon, Portugal, October 10, 1940
30 cents for each half-ounce air mail rate to Europe
North Bay to Budapest, September 10, 1940
30 cents for each half-ounce air mail rate to Europe
Sweden
Air mail service to Sweden had been cancelled by June 1940. However, service resumed in May 1942. The rate was 40 cents for each per half ounce. This included air conveyance from Canada across the Atlantic.
The cover below was mailed in October, 1942, a few months after the War Issue stamps replaced the Mufti series.
Toronto "Little Norway" to Hoglandstorget, Sweden, October 5, 1942
40 cents for each half ounce rate to Sweden
"Onward Air Transmission" handstamp, London
2. Western Hemisphere Countries
a) Bermuda
The air mail rate to Bermuda remained at the pre-war rate of 15 cents for each half-ounce.
b) West Indies and British Guiana, Mexico, Cuba and Central America
The air mail rates to the West Indies and British Guiana, Mexico and Central America remained at 10 cents for each quarter ounce.
Toronto to New Amsterdam, British Guiana, August 18, 1942
10 cents for each quarter ounce rate to British Guiana
Hollyburn to St. Anne's Bay, Jamaica, April 20, 1940
20 cent for double weight step half ounce air mail rate to West Indies (2 x 10 cents/quarter ounce)
Montreal to Scarborough, Tobago
30 cents for triple weight step three-quarter ounce air mail rate to West Indies ( 3 x 10 cents/quarter ounce)
c) South America
The pre-war rates were unchanged to the two South American rate groups:
i) Northern rate group : Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, French Guiana, Dutch Guiana
The rate was 25 cents for each quarter ounce
Montreal to Cartagena, Colombia, May 29, 1941
25 cents for each quarter ounce air mail rate to Colombia
Vancouver to , Venezuela, March 11, 1940
25 cents for each quarter ounce air mail rate to Maracaibo,Venezuela
Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre to Caracas, Venezuela, December 11, 1940
25 cents for each quarter ounce air mail rate to Venezuela
ii) Southern rate group: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay
35 cents for each quarter ounce
Montreal to Santiago, Chile, October 18, 1941
35 cents for each quarter ounce air mail rate to Chile
St. John to Buenos Aires, July 13, 1940
35 cents for each quarter ounce air mail rate to Argentina
Montreal to Bello Horizonte, Brazil, December 26, 1940
35 cents for each quarter ounce air mail rate to Brazil
3. War-Time Empire Air Mail Scheme
On September 3, 1939, the Empire Air Mail Scheme which provided for the conveyance of all first class mail by air(6 cents/half ounce for letters and 4 cents for postcards) was suspended. A new Empire Air Mail Scheme was introduced which provided air mail service by the British Empire routes connecting Great Britain to Africa, Asia, and Oceania at 30 cents per half ounce.
Vancouver to Bombay, India, September 8, 1939
30 cents for each half ounce rate to India
An early Empire Route rate cover
Vancouver to Bombay, January 27, 1940
30 cents for each half ounce rate to India
Mailed : January 27, 1940
Received : February 2, 1940
Transit Time : 6 days
Vancouver to Bombay, April 17, 1949
30 cents for each half ounce rate to India
Mailed : April 17, 1940
Received : May 8, 1940
Transit Time : 18 days
Horseshoe RouteIn June 1940, the Italy declared war on Great Britain and the Empire route across the Mediterranean was cancelled, breaking the British routes to Australia and South Africa. A new route, known as the "Horseshoe Route", was established. Mail was conveyed by steamer to Durban, South Africa then flown north to Cairo. Mail was then conveyed via India and Singapore to Australia.
Horseshoe Route 1940 - 1941
Following the Japanese invasion of Southeast Asia in December 1941, the Horseshoe route to Australia was temporarily broken but resumed in February 1942 with the introduction of the Ceylon-Australia route.
Horseshoe Route from 1942
Ceylon- Australian route in red
The rate remained at 30 cent for each half ounce for the duration of the war, but service was very slow as shown below.
To Nigeria
Mail for Nigeria was sent by steamer to Durban then north to Cairo via the Horseshoe Route. From Cairo, the mail was flown across Africa to Lagos, Nigeria, using a route that began operation in August, 1940.
Montreal to Ibadan, Nigeria, November 16, 1940
30 cents Empire Route rate for each half-ounce rate to Nigeria
Horseshoe Route to Cairo then air to Nigeria
Mailed : November 16, 1940
Received : January 13, 1940
Transit Time : 58 days
India
Vancouver to Bombay, India, June 20, 1940
30 cents for each half ounce rate to India
Early "Horseshoe Route" Cover
Sent: June 20, 1940
Received : August 17, 1940
Transit Time : 58 days
4. Trans-Pacific via Pan American Airways
PAA flights over the Pacific continued during the early war years. New trans-Pacific destinations were added in 1940 providing faster service than the Horseshoe Route to Empire destinations. All routes except the San Francisco to Hawaii route were cancelled in December 1941.
New Destinations from August 1940
In August, 1940, PAA service was extended to Canton Island (45 cents/half ounce), New Caledonia (60 cents/half ounce), New Zealand (75 cents/half-ounce), and Australia (90 cents/half ounce).
90 cents 1/2 ounce Clipper rate to Australia
Toronto to Melbourne, Australia, October 8, 1941
$2.70 paying the 1 1/2 ounce triple weight step Clipper rate to Australia
New Destinations June 1941
In June 1941, PAA service was extended to Singapore with connections to India, the Middle East, and Egypt via BOAC. The rate to each destination was 90 cents/half-ounce.
Toronto to Calcutta, India, September 5, 1940
90 cents for each 1/2 ounce trans-Pacific Clipper rate
Vancouver to Singapore, Straits Settlements, September 5, 1941
$1.80 paying the 1 ounce double weight step Clipper rate to Singapore
4. South Atlantic Route (From December 1941)
In December 1941, Pan American Airways was awarded the South Atlantic air mail route (FAM 22) from Miami via Natal, Brazil to Bathurst, Gambia.
Air Mail service from Canada over the South Atlantic Route was introduced in early 1942 to African, Middle East and Asian destinations.
India
Scarborough to Palampur, India, February 6, 1942
Route requested in manuscript: "FLORIDA - BRAZIL"
$1.00 South Atlantic rate via Miami and Brazil to West Africa
The route followed would have been:
PAA FAM 22: Miami-Brazil-Africa
BOAC : Lagos, Nigeria-Khartoum-Cairo-Middle East-India
1942 - 1945 : War Issue
The following air mail rates published in the 1944-1945 Postal Guide were in effect for most of the "War Issue" period:
Newfoundland
The air mail rate to Newfoundland was 7 cents for the first ounce.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Eire
a) Air Services in Canada Only
The rate for air service in Canada only was 6 cents per ounce until March 31, 1943. On April 1, 1943, a 1 cent War Tax was added to the first step air mail rate. The cover shown below was mailed during the 6 cent period.
Carberry Military Post Office (MPO 1007) Manitoba, to Shrewsbury, England, February 5, 1943
6 cents air service within Canada rate
The Royal Air Force (RAF), opened No. 33 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) at Carberry December 1940 and formally became part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in 1942. The 6 cent stamp depicts a pilot, training under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in Canada, entering the cockpit of a training plane.
b) Including trans-Atlantic Conveyance
The rate was thirty cents for each ounce.
Paulson Military Post Office (MPO 1005) Man., to Mancherster, England, April 8, 1944
30 cents for each half-ounce air mail rate including trans-Atlantic conveyance
Winnipeg to addressee c/o Royal Bank of Canada, London, October 13, 1942
90 cents triple weight step rate for 1 1/2 ounces
(Forwarded twice)
Montreal to Dublin, Eire, July 6, 1943
60 cents double weight step rate for 1 ounce
Europe
The rate to Europe by surface route to England then onward air conveyance was 10 cents for each ounce. The rate, including trans-Atlantic conveyance, was 30 cents for each ounce.
Vancouver to Geneva, Switzerland, June 29, 1943
30 cents for each half ounce rate to Europe
Montreal to Baden, Switzerland, December 6, 1943
60 cents double weight step for 1 ounce rate
Sweden
The air mail rate for air transmission throughout was 40 cents for each half ounce.
Nanaimo to Palgard, Sweden, November 23, 1943
80 cents double weight step rate for 1 ounce
London O.A.T (Onward Air Transmission) handstamp.
West Indies and British Guiana, Mexico, Cuba, Central America
The rate was 10 cents for each quarter ounce.
Toronto to Kingston, Jamaica, May 9, 1944
10 cents air mail rate for each quarter ounce to the West Indies
Toronto to Nassau, Bahamas, January 9, 1943
20 cents double weight step for 1/2 ounce to the West Indies
Montreal to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, December 10, 1942
20 cents double weight step for 1/2 ounce
Fort William to Curacao, Dutch West Indies, February 4, 1943
20 cents double weight step for 1/2 ounce
Montreal to Georgetown, British Guiana, January 11, 1945
20 cents double weight step for 1/2 ounce to British Guiana
Bermuda
The rate to Bermuda was 15 cents for each 1/2 ounce.
Orangedale, N.S., to Spanish Point, Bermuda, May 12, 1943
15 cents rate to Bermuda (via FAM 17)
South America
(a) Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Netherlands Guiana, and French Guiana
The rate was 25 cents for each quarter ounce.
Georgetown to Parmaribo, Netherlands Guiana, September 18, 1943
25 cents for each quarter ounce rate to Netherlands Guiana
Dundurn Military Post Office (MPO 1201) Saskatchewan, to Maracaibo, Venezuela, March 19, 1943
25 cents for each quarter ounce rate to Venezuela (5 cents overpayment)
b) Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay
The rate was 35 cents each quarter ounce.
Vancouver to Gallao, Peru, August 9, 1943
35 cent for each quarter ounce rate to Peru
Montreal to Rio de Janiero, Brazil, October 27, 1943
70 cents double weight step for 1/2 ounce to Brazil
Vancouver to Buenos Aires, August 10, 1945
35 cents for each quarter ounce rate to Argentina
Frankford, Ont., to Rio de Janiero, May 22, 1944
35 cents for each quarter ounce air mail rate to Brazil + 10 cents registration fee
St. Catharines to Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 2, 1944
Toronto and Niagara Falls RPO
35 cents for each quarter ounce rate to Argentina
South Atlantic Route (From December 1941)
In December 1941, Pan American Airways was awarded the South Atlantic air mail route (FAM 22) from Miami via Natal, Brazil to Bathurst, Gambia. Air Mail service from Canada over the South Atlantic Route was introduced in early 1942 to African, Middle East and Asian destinations.
There were several rates in effect (for each 1/2 ounce):
a) 65 cent Rate
This rate was limited to Gambia and Nigeria.
Toronto to Kano, Nigeria, November 25, 1942
65 cents for each half ounce rate to Nigeria
b) 75 cent Rate
This rate applied to African destinations other than (a) and (c)
Montreal to Winhoek, South West Africa , August 20, 1943
75 cents one half ounce rate
c) 90 cent rate
The 90 cent rate was applied to African destinations and Asia.
Montreal to Tel Aviv, Palestine, November 25 (year indistinct)
90 cents for one-half ounce to Palestine
d) $1.00 rate
Afghanistan, Bahrein Island, Ceylon, India, and Iran were countries for which the air mail rate was $1.00.
Toronto to Bombay, January 23, 1943
$1.00 for each half-ounce rate to India
e) China
The rate for surface transmission to India then by air was 40 cents. The rate for air througout was 75 cents.
London to Chungking, West China, December 15, 1942
75 cents for each quarter ounce rate to unoccupied China
A 10 cent overpayment
1945 - 1949 : War Issue / Peace Issue
1. 1945 - October 31, 1946
Great BritainEuropea) To June 1946b) To October 31, 1946West IndiesPhilippinesChinaNew Zealand
2. From November 1, 1946
Group 1 : Canada and the United StatesGroup 2 : West Indies, Mexico, Central and South AmericaGroup 3 : EuropeGroup 4 : Africa, Asia, Oceania
1. 1945 - October 31, 1946
International air mail service which had been curtailed or suspended during the war years was gradually reintroduced in the months following the end of the war. Over one dozen different air mail rates were in effect. The Canada Post Office department began to simplify air mail rates in June 1946 with the introduction of a uniform rate to Europe of 30 cents for each half ounce. In November 1946, the dozen or so different post-war air mail rates were reduced to four rate groups.
International air mail service which had been curtailed or suspended during the war years was gradually reintroduced in the months following the end of the war. Over one dozen different air mail rates were in effect. The Canada Post Office department began to simplify air mail rates in June 1946 with the introduction of a uniform rate to Europe of 30 cents for each half ounce. In November 1946, the dozen or so different post-war air mail rates were reduced to four rate groups.
The covers shown in the section below illustrate just a few of the rates in effect during the immediate post-war period prior to the November, 1946 rate simplification.
Great Britain
The rate to Great Britain for air service including Trans-Atlantic conveyance was 30 cents for each half-ounce.
Toronto to Bradford England, November 22, 1945
30 cents air mail rate to Great Britain + 10 cents registration fee
St. Catharines to Twikenham, England, August 3, 1946
60 cents double weight air mail rate for one ounce + 10 cents registration fee
Great Britain
The rate to Great Britain for air service including Trans-Atlantic conveyance was 30 cents for each half-ounce.
Toronto to Bradford England, November 22, 1945
30 cents air mail rate to Great Britain + 10 cents registration fee
St. Catharines to Twikenham, England, August 3, 1946
60 cents double weight air mail rate for one ounce + 10 cents registration fee
Europe
a) To July 1946
Air mail service was re-introduced to European countries on a piecemeal basis beginning in June, 1945. Air mail rates to European countries were not uniform. For example the rates to Norway, Italy and the Netherlands were 40c, 35c, and 30c respectively for each half ounce.
Czechoslovakia
The air mail rate to Czechoslovakia was 40 cents for each half ounce.
International Labour Office, Montreal to Prague Czechoslovakia, January 26, 1946
The air mail rate to Czechoslovakia was 40 cent per 1/2 ounce
This was a 2 ounce air mail registered letter
b) June 1946 - October 31, 1946
Europe
A uniform air mail rate to all European countries was introduced in June 1946. The rate was 30 cents for each half ounce for Trans-Atlantic conveyance. The rate for air mail service in North America then by sea to Europe was 10 cents for each ounce.
Hamilton to Totes, France, September 16, 1946
10 cents air mail rate for air mail in Canada and sea to Europe
AIR MAIL SERVICE
TO COAST ONLY
Vancouver to Budapest, Hungary, August 19, 1946
30 cents air mail letter rate to Europe
Montreal to Paris, April 23, 1946
30 cents trans-Atlantic air mail rate to France
West Indies, Mexico, Central America, Cuba, Bermuda and British Guiana
The rate was 10 cents for each quarter ounce
a) To July 1946
Air mail service was re-introduced to European countries on a piecemeal basis beginning in June, 1945. Air mail rates to European countries were not uniform. For example the rates to Norway, Italy and the Netherlands were 40c, 35c, and 30c respectively for each half ounce.
Czechoslovakia
The air mail rate to Czechoslovakia was 40 cents for each half ounce.
International Labour Office, Montreal to Prague Czechoslovakia, January 26, 1946
The air mail rate to Czechoslovakia was 40 cent per 1/2 ounce
This was a 2 ounce air mail registered letter
b) June 1946 - October 31, 1946
Europe
A uniform air mail rate to all European countries was introduced in June 1946. The rate was 30 cents for each half ounce for Trans-Atlantic conveyance. The rate for air mail service in North America then by sea to Europe was 10 cents for each ounce.
Hamilton to Totes, France, September 16, 1946
10 cents air mail rate for air mail in Canada and sea to Europe
AIR MAIL SERVICE
TO COAST ONLY
Vancouver to Budapest, Hungary, August 19, 1946
30 cents air mail letter rate to Europe
Montreal to Paris, April 23, 1946
30 cents trans-Atlantic air mail rate to France
West Indies, Mexico, Central America, Cuba, Bermuda and British Guiana
The rate was 10 cents for each quarter ounce
Dawson College to San Salvador, El Salvador, October 24, 1946
10 cents air mail rate for 1/4 ounce to Central America
Brookfield to Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, February 4, 1946
10 cents air mail rate for 1/4 ounce to Central America
Trail to St. Georges, Bermuda, November 16, 1945
20 cents air mail rate for 1/2 ounce (2 x 10 cents/1/4 ounce) + 10 cents registration fee
Philippines
The air mail rate to the Philippines was 75 cents for each half ounce.
Vancouver to Manila, Philippines, April 5, 1946
75 cents per one-half ounce air mail rate to the Philippines
China
The air mail rate to China was 75 cents for each half ounce.
Calgary to Shanghai, China, March 19, 1946
75 cents one-half ounce rate to China
New Zealand
The rate to New Zealand was 50 cents for each half ounce.
Toronto to Wellington, N.Z., March 5, 1946
50 cents per one-half ounce air mail rate to New Zealand
The air mail rate to the Philippines was 75 cents for each half ounce.
Vancouver to Manila, Philippines, April 5, 1946
75 cents per one-half ounce air mail rate to the Philippines
China
The air mail rate to China was 75 cents for each half ounce.
Calgary to Shanghai, China, March 19, 1946
75 cents one-half ounce rate to China
New Zealand
The rate to New Zealand was 50 cents for each half ounce.
Toronto to Wellington, N.Z., March 5, 1946
50 cents per one-half ounce air mail rate to New Zealand
2. From November 1, 1946
In November 1946, a simplified air mail rate structure consisting of four different rate groups was introduced:
Group 1 : Canada and the United States
Group 2 : West Indies, Central and South America
Group 3 : Europe
Group 4 : Asia, Africa, Oceania
[A warning to the reader : I have assumed that the four rate group rate structure was introduced on November 1, 1946. This may be incorrect. Please contact me if you can provide further information... philcovex@ gmail.com]
West Indies, Central and South America
10c each quarter ounce
South American countries were now in the same group as the West Indies, Mexico and Central America.
Rothesay to Paget West, Bernuda, August 7, 1947
10 cents air mail rate for 1/4 ounce to Bermuda
Montreal to Soufriere, St. Lucia, March 23, 1948
10 cents air mail rate for 1/4 ounce to the West Indies
Halifax to Balboa, Canal Zone, February 5, 1949
10 cents air mail rate for 1/4 ounce to Panama Canal Zone
Regina to Buenos Aires, Argentina, December 2, 1946
10 cents air mail rate for 1/4 ounce to South America
Galt to La Paz, Bolivia, May 18, 1948
10 cents air mail rate for 1/4 ounce to South America
Hamilton to Lima, Peru, June 10, 1947
10 cents air mail rate for 1/4 ounce to South America
Charlesbourg to Rio de Janiero, Brazil, May 13, 1948
10 cents air mail rate for 1/4 ounce to South America
Great Britain , Ireland and Europe 15c for each quarter ounce
The previous minimum uniform air mail rate to Europe was 30 cents for up to 1/2 ounce. The minimum was now reduced to 15 cents for up to 1/4 ounce. Air mail post cards could now be mailed to Europe for 15 cents instead of the minimum 30 cent rate.
Victoria to Limberleigh, England, April 1, 1947
15 cents per quarter-ounce air mail rate to Great Britain
Windsor to Kew Gardens, December 12, 1946
30 cents per half ounce air mail rate to Great Britain
Eire
Montreal to Dublin, Ireland, July 22, 1947
15 cent per quarter ounce air mail rate to Europe
Montreal to Dublin, Ireland, July 22, 1947
15 cent per quarter ounce air mail rate to Europe
Switzerland
Ottawa to Le Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, December 19, 1948
15 cent per quarter ounce air mail rate to Europe
Netherlands
Nicolet to Meersen, Netherlands, December 12, 1947
15 cents one-quarter ounce air mail rate to Europe
Sweden
Winnipeg to Orebro, Sweden, March 2, 1949
15 cents one-quarter ounce air mail rate to Europe
Czechoslovakia
Whitby to Piestany, Czechoslovakia, August 26, 1948
30 cents rate for 1/2 ounce letter ( 2 x 15 cents/ 1/4 ounce)
Africa, Asia, Oceania
25 cents for each quarter ounce
Preston to Tunis, Tunisia, January 25, 1947
25 cents air mail rate for 1/4 ounce to Tunisia
Arvida to Tananarive, Madagascar, May 12, 1948
25 cents air mail rate for 1/4 ounce to Madagascar
Vancouver to Bloemfontein, South Africa, February 22, 1949
25 cents air mail rate for 1/4 ounce to South Africa
Asia
Toronto to Shanghai, China, October 13, 1948
25 cents one-quarter ounce rate to China
Oceania
Toronto to Sydney, Australia, October 22, 1948
25 cents per one-quarter ounce air mail rate to Australia
Calgary to Shanghai, China, March 5, 1947
50 cents one-half ounce rate to China
( 2 x 25 cents/ 1/4 ounce)
Toronto to Wellington, New Zealand, April 12, 1947
$1.50 paying the 1 1/2 ounce air mail rate to New Zealand
(6 x 25 cents/ 1/4 ounce)
Vancouver to Christchurch, New Zealand, March 23, 1949
25 cents per one-quarter ounce air mail rate to New Zealand
Toronto to Wellington, New Zealand, April 12, 1947
$1.50 paying the 1 1/2 ounce air mail rate to New Zealand
(6 x 25 cents/ 1/4 ounce)
Vancouver to Christchurch, New Zealand, March 23, 1949
25 cents per one-quarter ounce air mail rate to New Zealand
1949 - 1953 : George VI Birthday Issue (Wildings)
International air mail letter rates introduced in November 1946 continued to be in effect until the end of the George VI era.
Organization:
1. Fifteen cents (15¢) each quarter ounce destinations
2. Ten cents (10¢) each quarter ounce destinations
3. Twenty-five cents (25¢) each quarter ounce destinations
1. Fifteen cents (15¢) each quarter ounce destinations
Toronto to London, England, November 1, 1951
15 cents air mail rate to Great Britain
London "diamond" cancellation applied to count incoming mail for UPU census
Winnipeg to Gunzenhauzen, Germany, April 8, 1950
15 cents one-quarter ounce rate to Europe
Toronto to Hamburg, November 21, 1950
15 cents one-quarter ounce rate to Europe
Letter opened and sealed with currency control tape
German Currency Control
C. Douglas Wilson & Co., Toronto to Munchenstein, Switzerland, July 25, 1950
15 cents one-quarter ounce rate to Europe
1 cent original design (no postes postage) coil stamp
2. Ten cents (10¢) for each quarter ounce destinations
Toronto to Talara, Peru, July 24, 1950
10 cents one-quarter ounce air mail rate to Peru
House of Assembly, Toronto to Nassau, Bahamas, October 30, 1951
10 cents one-quarter ounce air mail rate to the West Indies
Montreal to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 25, 1952
60 cents one and one-half ounce air mail rate ( 6 x 10 cents per one-quarter once)
3. Twenty-five cents (25¢) for each quarter ounce destinations
The 25 cents for each quarter ounce air mail rate applied to the following Asian, African and Oceanian destinations:
Montreal to Tel Aviv, Israel, March 28, 1951
25 cents one-quarter ounce air mail rate to Israel
Montreal to Tel Aviv, Israel, August 26, 1950
$1.00 one ounce air mail rate to Israel ( 4 x 25 cent per one-quarter ounce rate)
Opened for customs examination
Posts, Telegraphs, & Communications
Opened for Customs examination and duly closed again at the Post Office
Toronto to Hong Kong, July, 1950
50 cents one-half ounce air mail rate to Hong Kong (2 x 25 cents one-quarter ounce rate)
Milverton to Subiaca, Australia, December 9, 1953
25 cents one-quarter ounce air mail rate to Australia
Toronto to Adelaide, Australia, July 23, 1952
50 cents one-half ounce air mail rate to Australia ( 2 x 25 cents per one-quarter ounce rate)
West Summerland to Nelson, New Zealand, June 19, 1950
75 cents three-quarter ounce air mail rate to New Zealand ( 3 x 25 cents per one-quarter ounce rate)
