CORINPHILA AUCTIONS 297 - 308 Day 1

1899: Double rate cover from Jebba to Reading, Berkshire sent stampless and endorsed "No stamps available, J. Elkington, Commanding 1st W.A.F.F" (West African Frontier Force) and "Jebba 29.5.99" at top right. Reverse with transit of boxed "THE ROYAL NIGER COMPANY / CHARTERED  & LIMITED / 23 JUN. 1899 / POST OFFICE / BURUTU" in violet (Gi. Type 6). Taxed on arrival at "4d." in blue manuscript, altered to 2 d. with "2D. / 620" charge at Reading (July 10) on arrival. File fold but very scarce.rnNote: Sent by Captain J. Elkington, Commanding Officer of the W.A.F.F. which was formed by Battalions from Lagos, Niger Coast and Sierra Leone detachments. Elkington serverd with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and was with the W.A.F.F. from 11 March 1899 until 23 May 1900. He was promoted to Major on 10 April 1901. His First World War experiences were extraordinary, cashiered (wrongly) for cowardice from the British Army, he fought instead for the French forces and was awarded the Croix du Guerre and Palm and the Médaille Militaire.