Description

1896 (May 31) Minature 112 x 73mm stampless envelope to Loiret & redirected to Orleans then to Chinon endorsed “Corps Expeditionnaire de Madagascar” cancelled Reunion /St. Denis cds & with on reverse blue circular Conseil D’Adm(inistrat)ion /Batalion /D’Infanterie /de /Marine /Reunion hand stamp & with Orleans/R. Du Colombier + Orleans/Loire (both 28 Jun) transit + Chinon/Nore et Loire (29 Jun) arrival cds…. scarce from Reunion……..The 2nd Madagascar Expedition commenced 1 Mar 1895. A French colony was declared 6 Aug 1896 & a Pacification period continued until 1902 with scattered disturbances till 1905.