Pillar Box War

The Pillar Box War refers to a number of politically motivated acts of vandalism against post boxes in Scotland during the early 1950s in a dispute over the correct title in Scotland of the new British monarch, Elizabeth II or Elizabeth I.

The case failed on the grounds that the matter was within the royal prerogative, and thus the Queen was free to adopt any title she saw fit.

[2] Some occasions of vandalism and even explosions of post boxes which carried the Queen's 'EIIR' insignia were recorded.

[3][4] One particular pillar box in Edinburgh's Inch district was repeatedly vandalised with tar, paint and a hammer before being blown to pieces less than three months after its unveiling.

A post box with the 'EIIR' cypher was installed in Dunoon in 2018 and immediately scheduled for replacement on discovery of the error.

The Queen's Royal Cypher , surmounted by St Edward's crown
A Royal Mail van in Scotland showing the omission of the Royal Cypher.
Post-1954 pattern Royal Mail lamp post box of the type used in Scotland, showing the Crown of Scotland.