Hungary Stamps
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 623 to 625
"Horthy's Aviation Fund"
Issued: 1st Jan 1940 to raise funds for the airforce. These stamps are printed on watermarked paper and perf 12½:12.
Michel 626 to 628
"20th Jubilee of Miklós Horthy"
Issued: 1st Mar 1940 to commemorate the 20th Jubilee of Miklós Horthy. These stamps are printed on watermarked paper and perf 11¾:12½.
Michel 629 to 631
"Help for Flood Victims"
Issued: 6th to 27th May 1940 to raise funds for flood victims. These stamps are printed on watermarked paper and perf 12:12½.
Michel Block 7
"Help for Flood Victims"
Issued: 6th to 27th May 1940 to raise funds for flood victims. Minisheet measures 77 x 112mm.
Michel 633 to 637
"500th Anniversary of the birth of Corvinus (I)"
Issued: 1st Jul 1940 to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the birth of Matthias Hunyadi Corvinus. These stamps are printed on watermarked paper and perf 12:12½. Large format.
Michel 638
"Rearrangement of Northern Transylvania"
Issued: 5th Sep 1940 to commemorate the rearrangement of Northern Transylvania following the 2nd Vienna Award. These stamps are printed on watermarked paper and perf 11¾:12½.
Michel Block 8
"500th Anniversary of the birth of Corvinus (I)"
Issued: 7th Nov 1940 to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the birth of Matthias Hunyadi Corvinus. Minisheet measures 78 x 112mm.
Michel 640 to 642
"Emergency aid of Transylvania"
Issued: 2nd Dec 1940 to raise Emergency aid of Transylvania. These stamps are printed on watermarked paper and perf 12½:12.
Michel 643 to 646
"Art Fund"
Issued: 31st Dec 1940. These stamps are printed on watermarked paper and perf 11¾:12¼. Large format.
