Exceptional WWII Colditz Commemorative Cover – Limited Edition (15/16) – Signed by Two Former Colditz Prisoners of War – Flown Cover A highly unusual and historically important commemorative cover celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Liberation of Colditz Castle and Victory in Europe (VE Day). This cover was issued in 1985 and combines postal history, military history and authentic wartime signatures into one exceptionally scarce collector's item. The envelope bears the official Alderney First Day Issue (24 September 1985) commemorating the famous Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) garrison stationed at Colditz Castle during the Second World War. Highlights • Official commemorative cover celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Liberation of Colditz Castle • Commemorates VE Day (8 May 1945 – 8 May 1985) • Official Alderney First Day Issue • Special British Forces Postal Services commemorative cancellation • Additional "Organisation Todt" cachet • Personally signed by Major T. Kimber R.E. • Personally signed by Major A. P. Cholmondeley Closters • Both signatories were prisoners of war held at Oflag IV-C Colditz Castle • Reverse confirms the cover was flown Guernsey – Alderney – Guernsey aboard Trislander G-BEPI of Aurigny Air Services, captained by Peter Ethridge • Individually numbered Certified Copy No. 15 of only 16 produced Historical significance Colditz Castle (Oflag IV-C) became one of the most famous German prisoner-of-war camps during World War II. It housed Allied officers considered particularly likely to escape and has become legendary through numerous books, documentaries and films. This cover is enhanced by the authentic signatures of two former Colditz prisoners: Major T. Kimber R.E. • Captured: 9 June 1940 • Arrived at Colditz: 1 August 1941 • Left: 16 March 1943 • Returned: 17 June 1943 Major A. P. Cholmondeley Closters • Captured: 31 May 1940 • Arrived at Colditz: 14 July 1943 Condition Very good overall condition. The cover has been well preserved with clean cancellations, strong signatures and an intact reverse certification. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description. Rarity Only 16 certified copies were produced. This example is No. 15 of 16, making it an exceptionally scarce piece of WWII postal history. A wonderful addition for collectors of: • WWII memorabilia • Colditz Castle history • Prisoner of War memorabilia • Military autographs • Postal history • VE Day commemoratives • Guernsey & Alderney postal history • British military history