South Africa – Southern Rhodesian Volunteers
The Southern Rhodesian Volunteers (SRV) were formed in late 1898 and were commanded by Major P.W. Forbes. The force was divided into the Eastern Division, based in Salisbury, and Western Division based in Bulawayo.
The SRV served in the Boer War and took part in the relief of Mafeking. The first King’s Colour and Regimental Colour was awarded to the SRV. The unit did not take part in the First World War, the territory being represented by the Rhodesia Regiment, and was disbanded in 1920, although a few rifle companies were retained in each of the main towns.
The label was one of a series produced by a French printer Gaston Fontanille, known as Delandre. Thought at the time the label that it had been produced to commemorate the part that the S.R.V. played in the Boer War. However most of Delandre’s work is connected with World War I.
It is not known if these labels were used in Rhodesia.
Details
- Date of Issue:
- Designer: Delandre (Gaston Fontanille)
- Printer:
- Process:
- Paper:
- Perf: Line 12.5
- Sheet:
- Booklet:
- Quantity:
Contributors
- Geoff Brakspear
- Keith Harrop
