Kurland Stamps
1945
On 17th June 1940 the Soviet Army occupied Latvia under the terms of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The German Army later invaded the Soviet Union (code name Operation Barbarossa) on 22nd June 1941 and occupied the region as it pushed the Russians back. The tide of war turned again with the German defeat at Stalingrad in 1942 and the Russians advanced rapidly trapping around 200,000 German troops in what came to be known as the Kurland pocket in 1944. The German Army remained trapped in the pocket until they finally surrendered in May 1945 at the war's end.
Michel 1 to 3
"Hitler Medallions"
Issued on 20th Apr 1945. Regular issue Third Reich Hitler Medallions, 1941 Michel 784, Michel 787 and Michel 791 with black overprinted 'KURLAND'.
Michel 4
"Feldpost Approval Stamp"
Issued on 20th Apr 1945. 1942 Michel 2 with black overprint 'KURLAND'.
