Ronald M. Lee.

Amongst the more common Australian first day covers are those issued in 15 July 1940 to honour the Australian forces. Four stamps were issued on that date, the denominations being the one penny, two pence, three pence and six pence.

Two official first day covers specifically designed for this issue were available at the post office with stamps attached. One cover had the two lowest values and the other the complete set. Purchasers would address them themselves.

Traditionally collectors of first day covers collected covers with one set of the stamps only. To send almost any airmail overseas required additional stamps to make up the rate. The covers with additional stamps illustrate the airmail rates of the time but were shunned by fist day cover collectors at time, Nowadays they are fine airmail items.