Hungary Stamps
1942
During World War II, the Kingdom of Hungary was a member of the Axis alliance. In 1938 Hungary adopted a policy similar to Germany's, attempting to incorporate ethnic Hungarian areas in neighboring countries into a greater Hungary. Hungary benefited territorially from its relationship with the Axis, settlements were negotiated regarding territorial disputes with the Czechoslovak Republic, the Slovak Republic, and the Kingdom of Romania. In 1940, Hungary joined the Axis powers. The following year, Hungarian forces participated in the invasion of Yugoslavia and the invasion of the Soviet Union.
While waging war against the Soviet Union, Hungary engaged in armistice negotiations with the Allied powers. Hitler discovered this betrayal, and in March 1944, German forces occupied Hungary. When Soviet forces began threatening Hungary, an armistice was signed between Hungary and the USSR by Regent Miklós Horthy. Soon afterward, Horthy's son was kidnapped by German commandos and Horthy was forced to revoke the armistice. The Regent was then deposed from power, while Hungarian fascist leader Ferenc Szálasi established a new government, with German backing. In 1945, Hungarian and German forces in Hungary were defeated by advancing Soviet armies. The remaining defenders finally surrendered 13 February 1945.
Michel 687 to 690
"Horthy's Aviation Fund"
Issued: 15th Mar 1942 to raise money for the Horthy's Aviation Fund. These stamps are printed perf 12:12½ on watermarked paper.
Michel 691 to 694
"Red Cross Fund"
Issued: 1st Sep 1942 to raise funds for the Red Cross. These stamps are printed on watermarked paper and perf 12½:12.
Michel 695
"Death of István Horthy (I)"
Issued: 15th Oct 1942 to comemmorate the death of István Horthy. Printed on watermarked paper and perf 12½:12
Michel 696 to 698
"Red Cross"
Issued: 1st Dec 1942 to raise funds for the Red Cross. These stamps are printed on watermarked paper and are perf 12:12½ for Type A and imperforate for Type B.
Michel 699 to 704
"Hungarian Kings"
Issued: 21st Dec 1942 to celebrate Hungarian Kings. These stamps are printed on watermarked paper and perf 12½:12.
