europe: British Armed Forces

Great Britain

(United Kingdom - England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland)

British Armed Forces

Currency - Pound Sterling (GBP)

Here, I have posted eight British Armed Special Voucher (BAFSV) notes issued by the British Armed Forces between 1948 and 1972. These are British military currency notes issued to be used by the British armed forces of territories or bases occupied by the British army, mainly in West Germany and Austria after the end of the Second World War. These Special Vouchers were used from 1946 until it was withdrawn in 1979. On 14 FEbruary 1991, The Ministry of Defence auctioned off their remaining stock of uncirculated notes from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th series to a consortium of dealers. Needless to say, these BAFSV has not real value apart for collecting them as survivors to collectors. It should be noted that whilst most of them are cheap notes to find, some are quite expensive due to it's rarity.

The purpose of using these Special Vouchers was to prevent British troops from using real money in local black markets. These notes can only be used inside official military canteens, Officers' and Sergeants messes and NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes).

First Series

I have none. The first series was short lived as to avoid money laundering and under a cloak of secrecy, a new set of BAFSV (second series) was prepared to limit the conversion of illicitly-gained from the first series. Unlike later issues, the notes are not printed with any series indication on the notes. Seven denominations were printed from 3 pence to 1 pound all (nd)1946.

Second Series

The second series was issued on 6 January 1948, replacing the First Series Special Vouchers which was issued on 1 August 1946. Unlike the first series, this series is printed with '2nd Series' on all the notes printed. Eight denominations were printed from 3 pence to 5 pounds, all (nd)1948.

One Pound

Sizes - 138mm x 70mm

Five Pounds

Sizes - 148.5 x 79mm

Missing - 3 and 6 pence; 1, 2/6, 5 and 10 shillings, and 1 and 5 pounds.

Third Series

Issued in 1956 and printed by J. Waddington Ltd. These notes were issued during the Suez Canal Crisis (July to December 1956, invasion of Egypt by Britain, France and Israel).

Ten Shillings - Reminder with two punch holes cancelled

Sizes - 138.5mm x 70mm

One Pound

Sizes - 138mm x 69.5mm

Missing - 3 and 6 pence, 1 and 2/6 shillings

Fourth Series

Issued in (nd)1962

Sizes - 138.5mm x 69.5mm

Missing - 1, 6 pence, and 1, 2/6 and 10 shillings.

Fifth Series

I believe none were issued

Sixth Series

This series was issued in 1972 due to the United Kingdom has changed over to decimal currency and because of this, the value on the notes are printed with the word 'New Pence'. Only three values issued with 5, 10 and 50 New Pence.

Printer - De La Rue (nd)1972