JS(AC)86a / AF13a Operation Overlord Airborne D-Day PARA FDC

JS(AC)86a RAF cover dual numbered AF13 as part of the Airborne Forces mini-series. The cover artwork by Tony Theobald shows Operation Mallard: Handley Page Halifaxes and Horsa Gliders carrying reinforcements for the 6th Airbourne as they prepare to leave Tarrant Rushton airfield at 19.25 hours 6 June 1944. Inset picture of Major General R N Gale OBE MC who was Commander 6th Airbourne Division Operation Overlord, right inset shows Douglas DC-3 Dakotas of 46 Group with troops of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalian arrive over LZ F 6 June 1944. Below Hamilcar gliders carrying lightweight tanks landing on LZ N on the evening of DDay.

Cover bears 1994 25p 50th Anniversary of D-Day stamp showing Commandos landing on Gold Beach and is cancelled on First Day of Issue with BFPS 2418 postmark which shows the 50th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings and the 6th Airbourne insignia and JUNO Beach 6.6.94. Cover has been flown in Hercules C Mk3 of LXX Squadron from RAF Lyneham on Exercise Normandy Salute first overflying the D-Day celebrations in Portsmouth and then proceeding to Normandy to drop units of the Parachute Regiment on the DZ at Ranville during the Airbourne Forces Celebrations which were attended by HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duke of York.

Unsigned variant
Cover size 190mm x 113mm