V-mail

V-mail (Victory Mail) was a postal system used during World War II to reduce the volume of mail transported overseas. It was initiated by both the United States and the United Kingdom. V-mail enabled letters to be microfilmed, significantly reducing the space required for transport. Upon arrival at their destination, the microfilmed letters were enlarged and printed, then delivered to the recipient.

The process involved sending a specially designed V-mail form. Senders wrote their message on the form, which was then photographed and reduced to a small negative. Thousands of these negatives were stored on a single roll of microfilm. The film was shipped overseas, where it was developed, printed, and enlarged to approximately one-quarter the original size. This printed copy was then delivered to the intended recipient.

The advantages of V-mail were numerous. It dramatically reduced the weight and bulk of mail, freeing up valuable cargo space for war materials. It also conserved paper, which was in short supply. In addition, V-mail offered a degree of censorship control, as the microfilming process allowed for easier screening of messages.

V-mail was popular with both soldiers and their families. It provided a relatively quick and reliable way to communicate during wartime, despite the limitations in space and the impersonal nature of the printed copy. The system was discontinued after the war.