Lot No. 2123
| Auction No. | 27 |
| Category |
Pre-decimal Australia |
| Est. | $120 |
| Status | SOLD $230 |
1945 (2nd Sept) airmail cover to NSW with 3d KGVI tied by woodcut Tokyo cds with "H.M.A.S. SHROPSHIRE Official signing Of Japanese Surrender." cachet & neighbouring "H.M.A. SHIPS" h/s. Very good cond & a rare survivor. Commissioned in 1926 Shropshire was originally part of the British Mediterranean Fleet. She was present for the Spanish Civil War & supported the evacuation of refugees from Barcelona. At the outbreak of World War II in September 1939 the cruiser was re-assigned to the South Atlantic for trade protection. Following the loss of the Australian heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra, it was announced that Shropshire would be transferred to the RAN as a gift. In March 1944, Shropshire was involved in the Admiralty Islands campaign, in early October Shropshire was re-assigned to Task Force 77 & participated in the Battle of Surigao Strait on 25 October. The cruiser was involved in the Battle of Luzon during January 1945 before returning to the Philippines in time for the Japanese surrender of the islands. She then proceeded to Japan & was present at Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945 for the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender.
Image represents the entire lot.