TELEGRAM FORMS

The Telegram service used a number of forms.  There was the initial form with the message (including payment details - normally with stamps attached), sometimes a form on receipt of the message at the local office and then the message form for delivery.  There were also many special greetings telegrams for special occasions, all drawn by professional artists.

The message form sent to the customer was delivered, by a delivery boy, in a sealed envelope.

Telegram form - 1872

Telegram - Date unknown

Telegram at the training school - 1950

Telegram form - 1967

Telegram form - 1970

Telegram for the Bath exhibition - PG12A - 1936

Telegram - 1926
This was sent by the radio network

Telegram - 1937
Publicity telegram showing prices

Telegram - 1939

Telegram - 1950

Telegram - 1952

Telegram - 1959

Delivery envelope for greetings telegrams - 1938

Miss Amy Turner was going to Australia on the RMS Orion, leaving Tilbury in the UK.
She received the two Telegrams, one to the ship and one to her home
Both Telegrams are pictured below
The Telegrams are dated 1953

The received Telegram on a standard form

The received Telegram on a special greetings form

1928

1935 - Ship to letter Telegram

1936

1936

1936

1936 - Greetings telegram

1944
This was sent by Cable and Wireless from Bermuda to Rochester in the UK
On receipt in the UK it was passed by the censor before delivery

This greetings telegram was received in 1954 at the actual wedding venue
Congratulations were sent from France

The same greeting telegram as above, but showing the local office stamp on the rear

This was the originating form for a telegram to go to New York from the UK
The stamps prove receipt of payment
The charge was 15s 7d - which in modern day money was 80p

Last revised: December 11, 2024