Army Postal Service(APS) Special Covers- Introduction.

Army Postal Service(APS) Special Covers- Introduction

Army Postal Service in India functions as part of Postal Set up but administratively it is under the Army.It Provides all types of Postal Services to Army,Navy, Air Force,Armed Forces Establishments ,Para Military forces and Indian Forces deployed abroad as UNO Peace Keeping Forces.

The Origin of APS dates back to 1856 when the First FPO accompanied the British Expeditionary Forces to Persia. During WWI Army requisitioned FPO’s from Dept of Posts.During WW II Volunteers from Dept of Posts were drawn as Combatants to run the FPO’s. In 1947 J& K Operations remainder of personnel left with occupation forces in Japan were sent to provide postal cover to troops.

Initially affiliated to Army service Corps (ASC) it was formed as a separate Corps in 1972. The Philatelic bureaus at 1 CBPO and 2 CBPO cater to needs of troops . The Philatelic Bureau started in APS on 18 Jul 1970. The bureaus provide “56 APO” & “99 APO” cancellation on Philatelic materials issued by Dept of Posts.

APS Covers – The APS started issuing special covers called APS covers from 15 Jan 1971 onwards. These covers reflect on the history and contribution of Defence Forces to Nation . It also reflects on landmarks in history of Battalions , Regiments , Formations, Institutes, Establisments, Training Centres, Training Academies, Gallantry Award Winners,Centenary Celebrations, Jubilees,Reunions etc.

We shall bring to you a glimpse of this Glorious aspect of Forces Philately in the coming days and on regular basis. We shall also try and cover other Countries Forces Philately where concept of Forces Covers exists.

Do keep a watch.