This set has two versions, as described in our original Churchman reference book (RB.10) published in 1948. This listing reads :
154. JULY 1939. 48. WINGS OVER THE EMPIRE (titled series). Size 2 7/10” x 2 1/10” or 68 x 53 m/m. Numbered 1-48. Fronts printed by letterpress, 4-colour half tone process. Backs in dark green, with descriptions, album clause and I.T.C. Clause Printed by Mardon, Son & Hall.
155. 48. WINGS OVER THE EMPIRE. Identical to item (154), but omitting album and I.T.C. Clauses. Overseas issue
By the way the album and I.T.C. clauses here are along the top and bottom edge, unlike Wills and several other issuers, who chose instead to print theirs along the side edge.
And technically there is a sub-title, of “A Series of 48 Aerial Views”
Now in our World Tobacco Issues Indexes all changes. The home issue appears under section 2.B of the Churchman listings, “Issues with I.T.C. Clause 1922-39", and reads just :
WINGS OVER THE EMPIRE. Md. Nd. (48)
There is no mention of an export issue, but it is there, languishing away under section 3 “Export Issues without I.T.C. Clause”, the header of which tells us that these cards were “Issued 1937-39 through B.A.T. in Channel Islands, Malta and British Garrisons overseas.” However here it does tell us that “All series are similar to the corresponding Home Issue under Section 2.B.” That makes it even odder that there is not an opposite link in section 2.B, which comes first.
Anyway the listing for this Export version is exactly the same as above, with no word as to the differences with the Clauses. It does have new codes though, of C504-790 in the updated W.T.I.I., and C82-99 in the original version
The curious thing for me about this set, given the date of issue and its closeness to the impending Second World War. are some of the subjects chosen. Look at the first three cards, which cover Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament, and St. Pauls Cathedral - mighty targets indeed.
Slightly further on comes card 5, Windsor Castle, where Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret spent the war to keep then away from London.
Then there is card 11, which gives a clear view of Southampton Docks; so vitally important in the First World War that they were known as Military Embarkation Port No.1, thronging with soldiers and supplies, who were encamped in the immediate area. This also occurred in the Second World War, making it quite a target. It was also the home of the Spitfire aeroplane. And indeed almost sixty raids hit the city, the first on the 13th of August 1940. The following month the Supermarine factory was hit for the first time, making it relocate and disperse so that if one was struck the other could keep going.