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| Issuer | War Department (United Kingdom) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1941-1946 |
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| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Shape | Rectangular |
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| Obverse description | Black letterpress text printed over an overall orange underprint of repeating section-sign (§) characters. The heading "PRISONERS OF WAR CAMPS" runs across the top above a dotted rule reserving a line for the "CAMP OF ISSUE" designation; the denomination "TWO SHILLINGS" occupies a central rectangular panel enclosed by a dotted border, with the value numeral "2s. 0d." at the lower right, a serial number at the lower left, and the War Department initials "W D" within the design. The foot of the note carries the restricting legend "AVAILABLE IN CAMP OF ISSUE ONLY". |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | PRISONERS OF WAR CAMPS CAMP OF ISSUE TWO SHILLINGS W D 2s. 0d. AVAILABLE IN CAMP OF ISSUE ONLY |
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| Comments |
British Armed Forces Special Vouchers — commonly called BAFSVs — were issued by the War Department for use within military canteens, NAAFI establishments, and other controlled environments where sterling cash was either impractical or a security risk. The 2 Shilling denomination circulated among ordinary servicemen as small change within this closed economy, theoretically preventing local currency from leaking into occupied or sensitive territories.
The series ran across several distinct printings between 1941 and 1946, and differentiating them by prefix letter and serial block is the only reliable method of attribution. Campbell 5018 falls within the early wartime run.