12th November 1941
Serbian Mi.P1-P6

Serbia Postal Stationery

(post Yugoslavian armistice and surrender 18th April 1941)

The invasion of Yugoslavia, also known as the April War or Operation 25, was a German-led attack on the Kingdom of Yugoslavia by the Axis powers which began on 6th April 1941 during World War II. The order for the invasion was put forward in 'Führer Directive No. 25', which Adolf Hitler issued on 27th March 1941, following a Yugoslav coup d'état that overthrew the pro-Axis government.

The invasion commenced with an overwhelming air attack on Belgrade and facilities of the Royal Yugoslav Air Force (VVKJ) by the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) and attacks by German land forces from southwestern Bulgaria. These attacks were followed by German thrusts from Romania, Hungary and the Ostmark (modern-day Austria, then part of Germany). Italian forces were limited to air and artillery attacks until 11th April, when the Italian Army attacked towards Ljubljana (in modern-day Slovenia) and through Istria and Lika and down the Dalmatian coast. On the same day, Hungarian forces entered Yugoslav Bačka and Baranya, but like the Italians they faced practically light resistance. Italians moved into Dalmatia also from Italian-controlled Albania, after repelling an initial Yugoslav attack there.

Scholars have proposed several theories to explain the sudden collapse of the Royal Yugoslav forces, including poor training and equipment, generals eager to secure a quick cessation of hostilities, and fifth column activities by groups of Croatians, Slovenians, and ethnic Germans. The latter has been questioned by scholars who have suggested that the fifth column had little effect on the ultimate outcome. The invasion ended when an armistice was signed on 17th April 1941, based on the unconditional surrender of the Yugoslav army, which came into effect at noon on 18th April. The Kingdom of Yugoslavia was then occupied and partitioned by the Axis powers. Most of Serbia and the Banat became a German zone of occupation while other areas of Yugoslavia were annexed by neighbouring Axis countries, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Albania and Bulgaria.

Source: Wikipedia (2025)

Mi.VP77 (1 Din red - issued 1937)

Mi.VP78 (2 Din Carmine-red - issued 1937)

Mi.VP85 (1 Din green - issued 1940)

Mi.P1 (1 Din green with decorative green mesh - issued June 1941)

Mi.P2 (1 Din green with decorative red mesh and 'SERBIEN' - issued July 1941)

Mi.P3 (1.50 Din overprint on 1 Din green and 'SRBIJA' - issued August 1942)

Mi.P4 (1.50 Din overprint on 1.50 Din green and 'SRBIJA' - issued 1943 onwards)

Mi.P5 (undecorated postcard with Serbia Cyrillic text 'SRBIJA' above 'POST KARTE' - issued June 1943)

Mi.P6 (2 Din green - issued August 1944)

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