How South African Gold Won WW2!

#1 · April 18, 2020, 4:26 pm

Jamie, thanks for your support. Here are two sheets from my Simons Town display. These shed some light on the 200+ tons of South African gold that was collected in Simons Town in January 1940 by the USS Louisville. I was amazed to hear you say that you had been searching for this info "for years"! Neither of these covers cost much - the postage was more expensive. I am so chuffed with the Louisville cover. Please correct any historical inaccuracies. The essential facts are correct but maybe not the bigger picture of Lend Lease. I did hear someone say that Britain could not have fought WW1 without the SA gold it 'acquired' in the South African War. The Louisville story suggests that SA gold continued to be a financial strategic weapon in WW2 as well as.

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Bas PAYNE has reacted to this post.

#2 · April 18, 2020, 7:50 pm

Dear Steve,

Fascinating - many thanks. I was aware of the shipment, but not that there were covers from the Lousville's visit with a special postmark.

Best,

Bas

Stratman has reacted to this post.

#3 · May 6, 2020, 10:33 am

Again, a fantastic story, little know even in SA!