Poland – occupation issues

There were two periods of occupation in the 20th Century.

World War I

 * At the outbreak of the war, Poland did not exist as a nation. What was historic Poland was split between the Russian Empire and Prussia.
 * So, the first occupation issues in 1915 were overprinted Russisch- / Polen.
 * With more territory captured, the 1916-17 issue was overprinted Gen.-Gouv. / Warschau.
 * In late 1918, Poland became an independent country once again.

 File:Poland German occup.jpg File:Poland Germ occup Warsaw.jpg 

World War II

 * IN September 1939, Germany,Slovakia and the Soviet Union invaded Poland. The General Government, or Generalgouvernement, was establish in German-occupied areas that were not annexed to Germany or occupied by Soviet forces.
 * In 1939, German stamps were surcharged with Deutsche Post / OSTEN.
 * In 1940, Polish stamps were surcharged with the eagle emblem and General / Gouvernement.
 * Following issues were inscribed GENERALGOUVERNEMENT.
 * Beginning sometime in 1941, DEUTSCHES REICH was added above GENERALGOUVERNEMENT. Soviet occupied areas were taken by this time.
 * The October 1944 issue was inscribed GROSSDEUTSCHES REICH.
 * By early 1945, Soviet troops had occupied Poland on their drive toward Berlin.

 File:Poland OSTEN.jpg File:Poland occ castle.jpg File:Poland occup semi.jpg File:Poland occup.jpg 

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