CONGO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC #735 ZAIRE RIVER EXPEDITION COVER #5A OF ELEVEN 1975

Description

CONGO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC #735 THE ZAIRE RIVER EXPEDITION COVER #5A OF ELEVEN - - You are bidding on one cacheted and addressed cover franked with Congo Democratic Republic #735, the 10s Grass Monkeys tied by Kinshasa 3-1-75 Circle Date Cancellation. Also rubber stamped By Beaver to Luozi in violet. The emblem of the Scientific Exploration Society is also shown. Flap is unsealed. Penciled note on reverse states "only this cover was parachute dropped".
This cover represents the friendship and cooperation between Great Britain and the Republic of Zaire. The assistance given by  Zaire in the planning stages which started in 1971 continued into the actual Expedition when they provided 40 members of their Armed Forces and scientific institutions to accompany sections on the river and with scientific and support groups.
The Beaver Aircraft of the Army Air Corps pictured on the cachet supported the Expedition throughout its time in Zaire. It was used to carry personnel, stores, rations, mail, and spare parts all over Zaire. It was crewed by pilots from the Army Air Corps and Royal Air Force. A most important task which was carried out by the Beaver was the reconnaisance of the rapids on the river. Using Polaroid and also Video cameras the skippers of the boats could see what hazards were ahead of them and which route to take through the rapids.
The water plant and bird on the cachet represent botanical and ornithological studies during the Expedition.
A sound cover with sound stamp.
Scans at 1.5X show the complete lot.
U.S. domestic shipping & handling free. Overseas buyers please request cost by email.
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