150 Years of Red Cross - Postmark - Germany - DRK-Hilfsschiff MS Flora

Date of Issue: Apr 06, 2013

A special postmark was introduced at Kiel, Germany by Deutsche Post, to commemorate 150 Years of Red

Cross. The World Red Cross Day is celebrated on May 8th - Birth date of Henry Dunant - a Swiss businessman and social activist, who on 1863 founded the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This year, 2013 marks the 150 Years of the foundation of Red Cross. This special postmark shows the German Red Cross Auxiliary Ship - MS Flora.

MS Flora: Built in 1966, MS Flora was acquired by the German Red Cross in the year 1979.  The ship was equipped for the transportation of supplies and disposal of medical aid locally using a board hospital with operating room , in which the Sisters of the Red Cross sororities were used. The hospital board

was mainly used for outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment but were also possible.

In order to bring relief without existing infrastructure on land, the ship possessed a motorized pontoon landing ( Flori starlet ), with the help of three ship cranes could be loaded. The pontoon was on the front hatch cover carried.

Thanks to friend, Mr. Wolfgang Beyer from Germany for sending me this cover to add in my collection.

Source: Wikipedia