Two very different displays delighted the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society.
Members Ian English and Derek Wiltshire highlighted Serbia 1860-1918 and World War I In East Africa respectively.
Ian began by reminding the gathered audience that it was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by a Serbian student that led to the First World War.
He then gave an interesting talk about the turbulent history of the country from 1866, when Serbia issued its first stamps.
These original stamps showed Prince Michael who reigned until he was assassinated in 1868.
The set of stamps issued for the coronation of King Peter I wowed members as the heads of the King and the House of Karadorde are shown in profile and when the stamp was turned upside down, the face of King Alexander could be seen between the heads.
Ian completed his talk by showcasing how, in 1916, the Serbian Government moved to Corfu and some stamps were printed and issued there.
Derek’s display detailed many different events of World War I through historic postcards.
There were views of several ships involved in battle, including the German Konisberg.
Postcards also illustrated the various troops and armory featured in Britain trying to land in Tanga.
By 1918, the Germans began to surrender and when news of the Armistice reached them, as showcased by Derek, the postcards of the time were “most interesting to see”.
Bobby Forrest thanked his fellow members Ian and Derek for their “excellent talks and truly fascinating displays”.
The Society will hold its next meeting on Friday, November 29, at 1.30pm in Hamilton’s Caledonian Bowling Club, when guests from Borders Philatelic Society will present displays.
Anyone who has an interest in stamps, postcards and postal history is very welcome to come along.
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