Hungary Covers
1940
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 627
"Souvenir Sheet"
This souvenir sheet is inscribed "IV. Országos Bélyegkiállitás" - 'IV National Stamp Exhibition', May 19-23 1940 and "A MAGYAR AMATÖR BÉLYEGGYÜJTÖK EGYESÜLETE" or 'Hungarian Amateur Stamp Collection'.
This Souvenir Sheet is from my collection
Souvenir Sheet with Michel 627There are two stamps on the sheet, the first appears to be a private issue for the exhibition and the other is Michel 627 also issued in 1940. The sheet also has the special cancel used on the first day of the exhibition.