Operation Orator 1942
I have had an equiry come to me in relation to the attached cover.
On Active Service to Aberdeen cancelled (undated) London Official Paid and signed 'Censored - B J Sanderman W/Cdr RAF. To reverse addressed from an Australian airman AUS 15009 LAC Merchant V. RAAF Base PO London.
The question relates to the pencil annotation on the rear flap 'From Northern Russia recd 19 Sept 1942. I have sent the below response and wonder if members could may add any other information?
I cannot find any information on a Wing Commander B J Sanderman as the front signature. But the reverse details of the sender Aus 15009 LAC Merchant V, I assumed as ‘Victor’ and found the following link https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C252884 this shows Victor Merchant in a 1943 picture serving with 455 Squadron RAAF.
455 Squadron did take part in Operator Orator https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._455_Squadron_RAAF in 1942.
So, it is possible that the cover was posted from Russia, by bag back to London, where Wing Commander Sanderman censored the letter and the London Official Paid cancellation was applied.
From Ancestry: Barnard Johnston Sandeman B Glasgow 18/05/1915, D Helensburgh 16/06/1968 M 03/1944 - one son
Flying Officer, Fleet Air Arm, 12/01/1938 (Navy List)
Squ. Leader, RAF General Duties, 01/06/1941 (RAF List 1942)
Wg Cdr, RAF General Duties, 01/06/1942 (RAF List 09/1942)
Not sure this helps