On July 1, 1950, the Post Office of the Sudan Government placed on sale the current set of air stamps, and the 4'/2 piastres denomination depicts the oil‑engine‑driven stem‑wheeler Gordon. Pasha. This unusual craft was built by the Rowhedge Ironworks Co., Ltd., at Rowhedge, near Colchester, towards the end of 1932 and was shipped to Khartoum North Dockyard in 1933. The vessel was built in sections for re‑erection abroad. After completion reference marks were painted on each separate part, the same reference marks appearing on the constructional plans for the reerection. The vessel was then packed in crates and sent by sea to Port Sudan, the journey from there to Khartoum being made by rail where the vessel was unpacked, re‑erected, riveted and launched in the normal way at the dockyard.
Ever since then she has been in service on the Southern Reaches of the Nile carrying passengers and cargo and operating between Juba in the extreme south of the Sudan, near the Uganda frontier, and Kosti which is now the northern terminal Point on this service and which lies approximately 200 miles south of Khartoum. The service is fortnightly, and calls are made at the main river postal stations en route. Many of the Sudan stem‑wheelers have a barge attached to them which is pushed ahead of the steamer, or is towed alongside, no astern towing being employed whatever.
On the barge is a travelling post office.
Sea Breezes October 1952
Sudan SG120