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Forces xmas card decrypting help

Discussion in 'Military Service Records & Genealogical Research' started by steven, May 4, 2011.

  1. steven

    steven Member

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    This is a scan of my Wifes Grandfathers Xmas greeting. Its quite clear what most of the writing says, but can anyone shed any light on what the FMO means in FMO BOMBAY....and if possible any info on decrypting the service name and rank etc etc.....Many thanks
    [​IMG]
     
    steven, May 4, 2011
    #1
  2. Fred Wilson

    Fred Wilson "The" Rogue of Rogues

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    FMO is an abbreviation for Fleet Mail Office from whence it was distributed to stations.
    Thus family would know the general region they were in, but for reasons of security exact postal locations were not permitted.
     
    Fred Wilson, May 4, 2011
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  3. Biak

    Biak Boy from Illinois Staff Member

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    Found this link with a good description: British North America Philatelic Society - Education Section

    To disguise the origin of this mail for security reasons, it was decided that Canadian sailors' mail would be taken from the Fleet Main Office to the main post office in St. Johns. There a triangular General Post Office hand stamp was applied to show that the postage had been paid at HMCS Avalon FMO.

    Nice piece of History. Hopefully someone else can help with the service and rank.

    edit: Mr. Wilson beat me to it.
     
    Biak, May 4, 2011
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  4. steven

    steven Member

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    Thats great info thanks....any info on service and rank would be excellent!!
     
    steven, May 5, 2011
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