6th February 1945 St.Nazaire Pocket 6th February 1945 St.Nazaire Pocket 1/1 Rare feldpost envelope sent from the the Saint Nazaire pocket (Festung). The feldpost number 22742D indicates it was sent from a soldier of the 4th Battery Marine Flak Division 809. Ref: 06.02.1945 - Fleurs & Papillons, MFP4/326 Presentation 2nd May 2026 (G&CPS Midland regional group) Festung St. Nazaire On the 6th June northern France was attacked with landings east of Cherbourg on beaches code named Utah, Omaha, Gold, June and Sword. The allied advance was arduous but decisive, with Cherbourg liberated on 27th June, Rennes of the 6th August and Nantes 12th August. As the German resistance in the east faulted, the armies of the Reich retreated to coastal ports forming ‘pockets’, commonly known as Atlantic Pockets. Most notably at St. Malo, Brest, Lorient, St. Nazaire, La Rochelle and Royan. St.Malo was liberated 2nd September 1944, Brest on 20th September 1944, and Royan on the 20th April 1945 (it’s noted that during the battle of Royan the early implementation of napalm incendiary bombs was used). However, attacks on Lorient, St. Nazaire and La Rochelle proved ineffective in breaking the German defences. They each held out until the end of the war in May of 1945. The largest of these pockets was St. Nazaire. The pocket is illustrated here with the boundary indicated with black dots. It was in August 1944 that the pocket established itself, with Allied forces facing fierce resistance as they advanced towards the town. With changing priorities most of the Allied troops were transferred to the main battles in Normandy and the East. The containment of the German forces was left to the combined units of the Free French Forces (F.F.I.) and the American 66th and 94th Divisions. St. Nazaire itself had been devastated by heavy bombing in 1943 and to all intents and purposes looked more like a ghost town. In 1945 it’s 15,00 daytime population was reduced to 5,000 in the evenings - due to evacuation to the countryside (note that the pre-war population was in excess of 43,000). The postal service at this time comprised of a postmaster, two employees and two postmen. The Pocket remained almost unchanged during it’s nine months existence. The encircled Germans undertook attacks, partly to improve morale but chiefly to obtain extra food supplies for the garrison. So with the aid of minefields, destroyed bridges, artillery barrages and skirmishes the pocket held out. From August 1944 the civil postal system was effectively cut off from the rest of France. Letters from France to St. Nazaire were returned to the sender, and those from within the pocket to the outside were retained for delivery after the war For the defending Germans the situation with mail had also become problematic following the invasion of June 1944, and now these surrounded ‘festungs’ were becoming increasing isolated. Direct communication by sea was not possible and so the German Naval High Command set out to provide air communication, with mail being landed (St. Nazaire had a airport nearby), dropped, or by delivered by sea-planes. Records show that 14 flights were made to St. Nazaire up to the end of October 1944, with 8 in November and 3 in December. It appears that little mail was flown in or out after January 1945. Therefore, what I’m presenting here is quite a rarity with its date stamp of 6th February 1945. However, it is unclear how the envelope was transported from St. Nazaire to Germany. The censorship office used in Germany was based in Frankfurt. The Frankfurt office applied the red hand-stamp (Landsmann EP4.1), and is catalogued as being in use from August 1944 until March 1945, and mostly on Atlantic fortress mail. The wording at the head is ‘Zensurstelle’ (censorship office) with the Frankfurt office designation ‘e’ to either side of the eagle. The designated censor has the number ‘17’ (there were 30 numbers). The wording to the foot states ‘Geprüft’ meaning ‘approved’. The sealing tape (Landsmann EV4.1) again states ‘Zensurstelle’ and the Frankfurt designation of ‘e’. Amongst other things, it is recognised due to the damaged head of the letter ‘G’ in ‘Geöffnet’ (opened). The hand-stamp and tape are both cataloged as scarce. Research material: The Saint Nazaire Pocket by Robert Stuckey (1982) Contact Brief History to inform us of additional information regarding this page

6th February 1945 Kurland 6th February 1945 Kurland 1/1 Repurposed feldpost letter sheet/envelope sent from FPN45057B (Stellungs-Beobachtungs-Abteilung 48) to a family member in Vienna. The envelope has the printed Latvian text, 'Zemkopibas minitrijas/ Mežu departamentam/ Rīgā' (Ministry of Agriculture/ Forestry Department/ Riga). Ref: 06.02.1945, MFP334 Stellungs-Beobachtungs-Abteilung 48 (Position Observation Department 48) used primarily to locate enemy artillery and to spot for ones own artillery. Advance warning units were located close behind the front, and sound measurement troops who were equipped with microphones and recording devices, as well as telephone and radio teams were ready to inform the batteries. 'Position observation department 48' was set up on July 22, 1942 near Tschudowo in northern Russia (south of Leningrad). The department was created as an army troop from soldiers of 'Position sound measurement battery 643' and 'Observation replacement department 2'. In October 1943 the department was renamed 'Observation Department 48 (tbew.)' At the end of the war, the division was in action with the L (50th) Army Corps in Kurland. The corps was then enclosed in the Kurland Basin and deployed north of Mitau. At the turn of the year 1944/45, the corps fought in the Rubeni area to the northeast of Lake Lielauce. In March 1945 the corps was returned to the 18th Army. On May 8, 1945, the corps was captured in the Kurland kessel.

Fleurs & Papillons Fleurs & Papillons 1/0 Fleurs & Papillons Prices and description from German Postal History website (USA) and other internet based sources. Most of which is commercial pricing which appears exaggerated but nonetheless reflects what may be achieved. c.1931 (Rare and original, early (1929!) SA / SS propaganda donation card to aid NS Gefangenen und Verwundetenhilfe / National Socialist Prisoners and Wounded injured and imprisoned from their various street battles suppressing the vote and harassing Communmists, Jewish people, etc. With imprinted slogan and signature of Ernst Roehm, Hitler's sergeant and mentor before his execution at Hitler's order in 1934. Only the slightest of wear; in very good condition. $1199 , 2024) , 26.08.1931 , 11.03.1932 , 02.04.1933 (Shows the German steel helmet introduced later in WWI, superimposed on the swastika, for the NS Deutscher Frontkaempfer-Bund / National Socialist (Nazi) Front Soldier's Federation. With eight revenues of three distinct types. $179 . Note: the Fleurs & Papillon card has a photograph, also hand-stamp dated 7th November 1935, the day of dissolution, hence should be $200+? ), 03.05.1933 ( 3rd Reich Germany 1933 May Day Tag der Arbeit Labor Day Cover UNUSED1933 -- the first May Day in NSDAP Germany: 1. Mai Tag der Nationalen Arbeit / May 1st National Labor Day holiday propaganda postcard. Slightly worn, very good condition. $199 ), 09.09.1933 (Rare and original 1933 Hitlerjunge Quex card for the propaganda film of the same name. Unused in top condition - without the additional overprint upper left reverse. $299 , 2024) , 07.09.1934 ( Scarce Stuermer Verlag Nuernberg Reichsparteitag / Nuremberg Rally Day propaganda card. A bit worn, creased upper right corner; used at the Rally in 1934 with event cancel. $229 ), 13.01.1935 , 14.04.1935 , 07.07.1935 , 13.04.1936 , 15.06.1936 (Nadolny, Rudolf. Diplomat (1873-1953). Autographed sentence with signature, with original completed form section and original signature. Constantinople. 1 page folio (223:282 mm). Album page with printed border, printed footer "Contribution to the autograph album 'Germany's Future'" and printed form for biographical data, mounted on a sheet of parchment paper (approx. 330:344 mm). $ 571/550 € .), 18.02.1939 , 23.02.1939 (Anti-Bolshevik, anti-Communist "Bolschewismus ohne Maske (Bolshevism Unmasked) exposition with Anti-Bolschewistische Ausstellung Wien expo machine cancel tying 1938 Sudetenland Couple invasion memorial stamp set. Slightly worn, excellent condition, as per scans. $349 ), 10.05.1939 (2. Reichstagung des RDB: Reichsbund der Deutschen Beamten (RDB) / Imperial Meeting for German Official Workers (Police, fire, etc) in Frankfurt. Genuine use, in top condition , with message and RDB event cancel. $99 ), 23.07.1939 , 24.07.1939 ( Propaganda card for the 1939 Leistungsschau / competitive exhibition of the Hitler Youth in Thueringen Reichsparteitag / Party Rally, from the Hoffmann galleries. Slightly worn, good condition for a genuinely used card with contents from a participant; mailed from the competition with a special cancel from the event (card in Brief History without special cancel). $299 ), 1939 (no date), three propaganda postcards printed but unused for the Nuremberg rally of 1939; Hitler Youth holding flag, two soldiers beneath the eagle, and the eagle beneath a swastika flag with Nurnberg castle in the background, ('... prepared for the 1939 Rally Day but not used since the event was canceled with the outbreak of WWII. These used to be extremely rare, but after a bunch were found in a Nuremberg cellar, they are merely scarce. Not fully completed for the Rally, the backs on all are scenic wallpaper! $139 each). 31.07.1940 (Daughter-in-law of Richard Wagner who was a friend of Hitler and ran the Bayreuth Festival after her husband's death in 1930 until the end of World War II (1897–1980). Matte-finish 4 x 5.75 postcard photo of Wagner in near-profile, signed in black ink, “Herzlichen Dank! Winifred Wagner.” In fine condition, with trivial creasing and the signature and inscription a shade light. Pre-certified PSA/DNA - R&R Auctions sold $400 inc. premium) , 02.06.1941 ( $400 +/- ), 14.11.1941 (Up for auction is a beautiful cover from a detainee in the concentration extermination camp of Auschwitz in Germany occupied Poland. Konzentrationlager KZ and it is addressed to Krakow Poland. Priced to sell. Dated in January 13, 1942. For the serious collector of Judaica and Holocaust related philately this is an exceptional item. Cover is in excellent condition - $300 - Ebay), 26.02.1942 ( £400 , 2022?), 06.02.1945 St. Nzaire feldpost ( €350+ )

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Luftschutz Cancellations Luftschutz Cancellations 1/0 Luftschutz cancellations JB:140A/816 - see 27.05.1940 - 23/85 JB:140G/816 - see 04.12.1933 JB:164/819 - see 30/28 (and 10.07.1935 - variation) JB:203/822 - 'Erfülle Deine/ Luftschutzpflicht!' (special cancellation used in six German cities: Berlin, Duisburg, Hannover, Kassel, Saarbrücken, Trier). Ref: 08.09.1936 JB:203/822 variation - 'Erfülle Deine/ Luftschutzpflicht!' (special cancellation used in six German cities: Berlin, Duisburg, Hannover, Kassel, Saarbrücken, Trier). Ref: 15.09.1940 JB:285/830 - 5 Jahre/ Reichsluftschutz-/ bund!/ 5 Jahre/ Einsatz für/ Deutschland!/ 1933 - 1938' (used in 15 cities). Ref: 29.05.1938 JB:316/833 - see 29/34 JB:325/834 - see 29/65 Contact Brief History to inform us of additional information regarding this page

Commercial postcard sent by Hagemann & Döpping to a radio shop in Sonneberg. Featuring postage stamp: Mi.465, first issued in January 1932. Ref: 11.02.1933. German stamps Pre-1933 (used after 30th January 1933) 11_02_1933 Hagemann Radio reverse.webp 11_02_1933 Hagemann Radio reverse.webp 1/1 Commercial postcard sent by Hagemann & Döpping to a radio shop in Sonneberg. Featuring postage stamp: Mi.465, first issued in January 1932. Ref: 11.02.1933. Pre-Third Reich postage stamps (used after 30th January 1930) 1922 Mi.238-Mi.245 (12.1922-06.1923) Regular issue: Worker. Mi.244 (March 1923) with 'Sammlerverein GERMANIA Coblenz.' overprint. Unfranked to the reverse of a 1946 envelope. Ref: 24.04.1946 - 15/92 1923 Mi.277-Mi.296 (24.08-09.1923) - Regular issue: Partial or new issue 'Number in Rectangle, 'Worker' and 'Number in Circle', with overprint. Mi.280 (24.08.1923). 20 Tsd on 12 M. Ref: 01.03.1946 - 16/3 Mi.338-Mi.343 (01.12.1923) - Definitive issue: value in circle with rosette (basket lid). Mi.343 (Dec. 1923) Ref: 07.10.1933 1924 Mi.105-Mi.113 (03-06.1924) - Official stamps: Mi.355-361 and Mi.362-Mi.363 overprinted 'Dienstmarke'. Mi.111 Official (March 1924) Ref: 27.02.1934 - 2/69 Mi.364-Mi.367 (11.05.1924/1927) - Definitive issue: Buildings. Mi.364 (May 1924/1927) Ref: 24.12.1935 1926 Mi.378-Mi.384 (01.04.1926/04.1927) - Airmail stamps. Mi.381 (Apr. 1926) Ref: 27.09.1933 - 1/3 1928 Mi.410-Mi.422 (01.09.1928) - Definitive stamps: German Presidents (Ebert and Hindenburg). More information here. Mi.410 (Sept. 1928) Ref: 02.04.1933 Mi.411 (Sept. 1928) Ref: 23.03.1933 - 10/74 Mi.412 (Sept.1928) Ref: 08.05.1933 Mi.414 (Sept. 1928) Ref: 09.03.1933 Mi.417 (Sept. 1928) Ref: 21.04.1933 - 9/23 Mi.418 (Sept. 1928) Ref: 23.01.1933 - 9/22 Mi.420 (Sept. 1928) Ref: 11.03.1935 Mi.422 (Sept 1928) Ref: 17.01.1934 - 1/4 1930 Mi.435-Mi.437 (08.02/09.1930) - Definitive stamps: German Presidents (Ebert and Hindenburg). More information here. Mi.435 (Feb. 1930) Ref: 23.03.1933 - 10/74 Mi.436 (Feb.1933) Ref: 01.09.1933 - 10/28 Mi.437 (Sept. 1930) Ref: 17.05.1933 - 10/6 Mi.440 (05.1930) Definitive as Mi.365 but with 'Zwei Reichsmark' (view of old Cologne) - See 13.11.1937 Mi.444-Mi.445 (30.06.1930) - Withdrawal of Allied occupation troops from the Rhineland. Mi.445 (Jun. 1930) Ref: 02.08.1934 1931 Mi.454 (15.02.1931) - Definitive stamp (Hindenburg). Mi.454 (Feb. 1931) Ref: 15.12.1933 Mi.455 (05.1931) - Airmail stamp. See 14.04.1935 Ref: Fleurs & Papillons 1932 Mi.465-Mi.466 (01.1932) - Definitive stamps: German Presidents (Ebert and Hindenburg). Mi.465 (Jan.1932) Ref: 11.02.1933 Mi.466 (Jan.1932) Ref: 24.08.1933 Mi.467-Mi.473 (01.10.1932) - Definitive stamps: Paul von Hindenburg (Medallion). Mi.467 (Oct. 1932) Ref: 24.03.1933 Mi.468 (Oct. 1932) Ref: 17.01.1934 - 1/4 Mi.469 (Oct. 1932) Ref: 15.12.1933 Mi.471 (Oct. 1932) Ref: 13.11.1933 Mi.472 (Oct. 1932) Ref: 17.01.1934 Mi.474-Mi.478 (01.11.1932) - German aid to the needy: Castles and palaces. More information here. Mi.474 (Nov. 1932) Ref: 18.03.1933 Mi.475 (Nov.1932) Ref: 28.03.1933 Mi.476 (Nov. 1932) Ref: 29.03.1933 Contact Brief History to inform us of additional information regarding this page

16th July 1934 DJH Hostels 1/1 Also see 23.07.1940 (Adolf Hitler Jugend Herberge Berchtesgaden) Contact Brief History to inform us of additional information regarding this page

Souvenir Sheets Event Issues (B) Souvenir Sheets Event Issues (B) Screenshot 2021-11-27 at 09.29.50.png Screenshot 2021-11-27 at 09.29.50.png 1/1 SOUVENIR SHEETS For specific events unrelated to stamp issues (B) 1937 B37/4 - 12th Deutsches Sängerbundesfest 1938 B38/1 - WHW Ships 09.01.1938 - 18/43 B38/19(a) - Stamp exhibition "Die Sächsische Briefmarke'. See 28/5 B38/24 - WHW (Baden) Scenery & Alpine flowers 03.12.1938 - 12/13 B38/25 - WHW (Oak Leaves) Scenery & Alpine flowers 03.12.1938 - 12/14 B38/26 - WHW (Christmas) Scenery & Alpine flowers 23.12.1938 - 12/15 1939 (B&M) - 'Iglau ist Frei!/ 15. März 1939' (85.5 x 115mm). With Mi.21 (10h Linden) tied by Iglau cancel dated 15.03.1940 (one year anniversary) - See 33/4 (B&M) - 'Amtsantritt des Generalgouverneurs für die besetzten polnischen Gebiete' (featuring special Krakau cancel and Mi.732 - WHW), 7th November 1939. See 29/98 1940 (GG) 'Ein Jahr Generalgouvernment/ 26. Oktober 1940' - see 30/72 1941 B41/3 (i-iv) - 7th KWHW Winterhilfswerk street collection (wild flowers) (B&M) 2. Kriegshilfswerk für das Deutsche Rote Kreuz 20.04.1941 - 25/77 1942 (B&M) Tag der Briefmarke, 'Erste Deutsche Werbeschau', K.d.F. Sammlergruppe Prag (Jan.1942) (B&M) 'Ausstellung 'Erholung und Gastlichkeit'. Zlin (Aug. 1942) - see 28/59 1947 Heinrich von Stephan (2nd Kiel Stamp Exhibition, April 1947) Contact Brief History to inform us of additional information regarding this page

Mi.111-112 (01.09.1942) B&M Red Cross 1/0 See 33/3 (on cover - last day of validity, 31.12.1942) Contact Brief History to inform us of additional information regarding this page

1st March 1942 Gino Boccasile 1/1 'Cartolina Postale per le Forze Armate' propaganda postcard illustrated by Gino Boccasile depicting German and Italian 'Brothers in Arms'. Ref: 01.03.1942 - 32/83 See 33/1 (another Forze Armate 'Brothers in Arms' postcard) See 33/2 (Il nemico vi ascolta tacete! - The enemy is listening) See 13.09.1941 (1941 - Pulling John Bull's teeth) Gino Boccasile Gino Boccasile (1901-1952) was an Italian illustrator. Born in Bari, Boccasile was the son of a perfumer. Early in his youth, he lost his left eye by having it struck by a splash of quicklime while he was drinking from a fountain. Nonetheless, he showed a precocious aptitude for design and completed studies at the fine art school of his hometown. After the death of his father in 1925, he moved to Milan. Despite some initial difficulties, he eventually gained a post at the Mauzan-Morzenti Agency. Over the next few years, he produced posters, illustrated fashion magazines and gained fame for his sensuous renderings of the female form. Following the lead of fellow poster artist Achille Mauzan, Boccasile went to Buenos Aires, where he met his future spouse Alma Corsi. In 1932, he moved to Paris, where an issue of 'Paris Tabou' was dedicated to his work. He also participated in the Salon des Indépendants, that same year. Shortly after returning to Milan, he opened a publicity agency called ACTA, in Galleria del Corso, with his friend Franco Aloi. He illustrated for the Italian periodicals 'La Donna' (1932), 'Dea' and 'La Lettura' (1934), 'Bertoldo' (1936), 'Il Milione' (1938), 'L'Illustrazione del Medico' (1939), 'Ecco', 'Settebello' and 'Il Dramma' (1939) and designed many book covers for publishers Mondadori and Rizzoli'. A supporter of Benito Mussolini, Boccasile produced propaganda material for his government. As the tide of war turned against Fascism he became more involved in it, becoming a supporter of the German puppet state, RSI, established by Mussolini in Northern and Central Italy after his liberation from the Gran Sasso exile. Boccasile enlisted in the Italian SS Division, drawing their recruitment posters and illustrating propaganda material. After the war, Boccasile was imprisoned and tried for collaborating with the fascists. Though acquitted, he remained an outcast. He could not find work for several years, as his notoriety was feared by prospective employers. He supported himself briefly by doing pornographic sketches for English and French publishers, and by 1946, after changing his style, Boccasile was back at work. He set up his own agency in Milan where he created memorable posters for Paglieri cosmetics, Chlorodont toothpaste, Iperchina liquors and Zenith footwear. He died in Milan, from bronchitis and pleurisy, in 1952. Source: Wikipedia (2025) Contact Brief History to inform us of additional information regarding this page

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Mi.85-88 (20.04.1942) B&M Adolf Hitler's 53rd birthday 1/1 Commemorative cover published by Paul Kuhrt, Prague, on the occasion of Adolf Hitler's 53rd birthday. Featuring a complete set of Bohemia and Moravia postage stamps issued to mark Hitler's 53rd birthday. Ref: 20.04.1942 - 7/35 See 33/3 - cover with Mi.85,87 & 88 on last day of issue Mi.85 - 88 Bohemia and Moravia: Adolf Hitler's 53rd Birthday Mi.85. Ref: 20.04.1942 - 7/35 Mi.86. Ref: 20.04.1942 - 7/35 Mi.87. Ref: 20.04.1942 - 7/35 Mi.88. Ref: 20.04.1942 - 7/35 Souvenir Sheets 'Deutsche/ Sondermarken/ im Kriege' (C12) Souvenir sheet (C12) featuring B&M Mi.85-88. Ref: 20.04.1942 - 32/38 Contact Brief History to inform us of additional information regarding this page