Channel Islands Stamps
1940
The German forces invaded and occupied the Channel Islands between June 30 and July 3, 1940 following an air raid by German bombers and remained there until May 1945. Although local inter-island mail services continued, all overseas mail was stopped, except for some mail handled by the Red Cross. Up until this point the Channel Islands had used postage stamps issued by the General Post Office in Britain. At the time of the occupation the stamps in use were King George VI defintitive stamps (1937-1939) as well as the Postage Stamp Centenary set of 1940.
Issued on 27th Dec 1940 and valid for use until 22nd Feb 1941, British Stamps bisected diagonally were used for all mail between the islands. Due to the scarcity of 1d stamps the British Post Office authorised the use of 2d bisected stamps with the following message being printed in the local newspapers:
"The Post Office advises that further supplies of 1d Postage Stamps are not at present available and that until further notice payment of Penny Postage (for printed matter, etc) can be effected by using one half of a 2d stamp providing the division is made by cutting the stamp diagonally... It is emphasised that the bisection of the stamps should be done carefully and that correspondence bearing half stamps not cut in the manner indicated will be liable to surcharge. [H.C. CHAPPEL Acting Head Postmaster December 24th 1940]"
Guernsey
Michel I and II
"British Stamps cut in half diagonally"
Issued on 27th Dec 1940 and valid for use until 22nd Feb 1941, British Stamps bisected diagonally were used in the Channel Islands.
Guernsey
Michel 130H, 157H and 178H
"British Stamps bisected diagonally"
Issued: 27th Dec 1940. British Stamps bisected diagonally.
