Description

This is cover no 6 of a series of 11 covers

This cover represents the friendship and cooperation between Great Britain and the Republic of Zaire. The assistance given by Zaire in the planning stages which started in 1971 continued into the actual Expedition when they provided 40 members of their Armed Forces and scientific institutions to accompany sections on the river and with scientific and support groups.

This cover was franked by the Expedition post NCO beside a monument consisting of two wagon type wheels which were reputed to have been used by Stanley. Hence the endorsement of “Stanley’s Wheels”.

The cachet portrays a scientist and Giant Inflatable to record the close association between the researchers and the river party. Often the river provided the only means of transport. The figure holding a spear and shield above waves was based on a statue overlooking the river Zaire at Kinshasa. The emblem of the Scientific Exploration Society is also shown.