Sunday, 6 May 2018

Kaffirgram, Mail carried by Kaffirs runners




Mafeking, the administrative capital of Bechuanaland Protectorate, was situated within the territory of British Bechuanaland . The town was besieged by the Boers on 12th November 1899 until relieved on 17th May 1900.

During March 1900 a 'Kaffirgram' service was established, using native Kaffir runners to carry outgoing mail to Bulawayo and Kimberley .
In order to pay for the cost of the runners, stamps of Bechuanaland Protectorate, British Bechuanaland and the Cape of Good Hope were overprinted and surcharged by Townsend & Son, the publishers of the Mafeking Mail.

From March 23rd stamps were surcharged and overprinted 'MAFEKING, BESIEGED' in two lines in serifed capitals .

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