This talk: outline the contribution made by the postal service to the First World War. It not only explores the vital work of managing the postal system at home but also the huge task of delivering mail to a world at war. It also explores the role played by women who had to carry on the postal business at home managing in circumstances where vast numbers of the regular workforce were off at war. It draws throughout on original research from the Royal Mail Archive, held by The Postal Museum.
About the Speaker: Chris Taft is Head of Collections at The Postal Museum. He is a historian and museum curator who has researched the topic of the postal service in the First World War for over 14 years. Chris holds a BA in History from the University of London, an MA in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester and is an Associate of the Museums Association and a member of the Western Front Association.
Where we meet: We meet at the Royal British Legion Club, Queensway, Petts Wood, Orpington, Kent BR5 1DH. Normally, meetings are held on the on the last Thursday of each month (except December). Parking at the rear of the club is free but you need to enter your car registration into the machine (on the left as you enter the club). Failure to enter your registration can lead to a £50 fine. There's easy free parking in adjacent side streets. Meetings start at 19:30, with the doors (and the bar) opening at 18:30. There are no entrance fees but we do welcome contributions of £5 or more towards our costs.