Tristan Da Cunha 1963 Resettlement FDC
Tristan Da Cunha has always been a popular country with stamp collectors. They have had a modest issuing policy and of course, produced some classic sets in the 1950s & 60s. However, the 1963 set is probably the most poignant given it was issued to celebrate the end of perhaps the island’s most traumatic events.
The Story In Brief
In 1961 Tristan Da Cunha had to be evacuated due to a volcanic eruption on Queen Mary’s Peak. This was a traumatic experience given the remote location and lack of suitable boats. Fortunately, there was no loss of life despite there being few evacuation craft at the time. The evacuation began on the 11th October 1961 and the population arrived in England on 3rd of November.
Once a geological survey had established the island was safe again a vote was held and the population decided to return. This was unexpected hence no stamp issue had been prepared and instead those of St Helena were overprinted to commemorate the return.
Cover Details
The Cover pictured has the 3d value from the set and was cancelled on the first day of issue for the stamp. This was 3 days after the first inhabitants returned, led by Willie Repitto. He has signed the cover adding considerable interest to it. Several variations exist and they are worth hunting down.
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