The North East first Air Mail service

In February 1913 the Robert Sinclair Tobacco Company, a Newcastle based tobacco wholesaler hired the services of Bentfield C. Hucks to deliver a new brand of tobacco in special souvenir tins from the Newcastle Town Moor to the surrounding area including Blyth and Seaham. Hucks, an aviator who had participated in the 1911 Daily Mail air race flew his Bleriot monoplane powered by a 80hp engine from the Town Moor between 11th and 18th February.
A stamp printed in deep green commemorating the event was produced showing Hucks in his aeroplane with the words "First Aerial Delivery" above the picture and "By the Robert Sinclair Tobacco Co. Ltd., Newcastle-on-Tyne, Feb. 1913" below.


B.C. Hucks flying his Bleriot Monoplane on behalf of the Robert Sinclair Tobacco Co. Ltd