List of British post offices abroad facts for kids
Great Britain, also known as the United Kingdom, has a long history of setting up postal services in many parts of the world. This often happened when Britain had a strong influence or control over certain areas. These special post offices often used British stamps that had extra printing, called an "overprint," to show they were used in that specific place. This article lists some of the places where Britain had its own postal services outside of the UK.
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British Post Offices Around the World
Why Did Britain Have Post Offices Abroad?
Britain was a powerful country for a long time, with a large empire and many trade connections. To help people send letters and packages, British post offices were set up in different countries. This was important for soldiers, traders, and government officials. Sometimes, these offices were opened during military occupations, like during wars, to manage mail for British forces and local people. Other times, they were set up in important trading cities to make sure business mail could be sent reliably.
Where Were These Post Offices Located?
British post offices were found in many different regions across the globe. They operated for various lengths of time, depending on Britain's role in that area. Here is a list of some of these locations:
Post Offices in Africa
- British post offices in Africa: Britain had various postal services across different parts of Africa.
- Cameroons (British Occupation): A postal service was set up here in 1915 during a British occupation.
- East Africa Forces: Mail services for British forces in East Africa from 1943 to 1948.
- British post in Egypt (Consular Offices): Postal services in Egypt from 1839 to 1882.
- British post in Egypt (British Military Occupation): Services during the British military presence in Egypt from 1882 to 1914.
- Egypt (British Forces): Specific services for British forces in Egypt from 1932 to 1943.
- Eritrea (British Administration): Postal services under British administration from 1950 to 1952.
- Eritrea (British Military Administration): Services during the British military rule from 1948 to 1950.
- German East Africa (British Occupation): A postal service in 1917 during a British occupation.
- Mafia Island (British Occupation): Services on this island from 1915 to 1916.
- Middle East Forces (MEF): Postal services for British forces in the Middle East from 1942 to 1947.
- Morocco Agencies: British postal agencies in Morocco from 1898 to 1957.
- Somalia (British Administration): A postal service in 1950.
- Somalia (British Military Administration): Services during British military rule from 1948 to 1950.
- Tangier: A British post office in Tangier, Morocco, from 1927 to 1957.
- Tripolitania (British Administration): Postal services from 1950 to 1952.
- Tripolitania (British Military Administration): Services during British military rule from 1948 to 1950.
Post Offices in Asia
- Baghdad (British Occupation): A postal service in Baghdad in 1917 during British occupation.
- Bangkok (British Post Office): A British post office in Bangkok, Thailand, from 1882 to 1885.
- British post offices in the Turkish Empire: British postal services across the Turkish Empire from 1885 to 1923.
- British postal agencies in Eastern Arabia: Agencies in Eastern Arabia from 1948 to 1966.
- Bushire (British Occupation): A postal service in Bushire, Iran, in 1915 during British occupation.
- China (British Post Offices): British post offices in China from 1917 to 1930.
- China (British Railway Administration): A specific postal service related to British railway administration in China in 1901.
- Iraq (British Occupation): Postal services in Iraq during British occupation from 1918 to 1923.
- Japan (British Commonwealth Occupation): Postal services for the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan from 1946 to 1949.
- Japan (British Post Offices): British post offices in Japan from 1859 to 1879.
- Malaya (British Military Administration): Postal services in Malaya from 1945 to 1948.
- North Borneo (BMA): A postal service in North Borneo in 1945.
- Sarawak (BMA): A postal service in Sarawak in 1945.
- Uzunada, formerly Chustan Island (British Occupation): A postal service on Uzunada island in 1916.
Post Offices in Europe
- Batum (British Occupation): A postal service in Batum, Georgia, during British occupation from 1919 to 1920.
- Beirut (British Post Office): A British post office in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1906.
- Crete (British Post Offices): British post offices on the island of Crete from 1898 to 1899.
- Salonika (British Field Office): A British field post office in Salonika, Greece, in 1916.
See also
