POSTAGE STAMPS
(1943)

This page was last updated
27-Feb-2023 06:25

MICHEL 850
8. JAHRE REICH'S ARBEITS DIENST
8th ANNIVERSARY of the R.A.D
3Rpf + 7Rpf

BACKGROUND: This was the first in a series of 4 stamps issued on 26th Jun 1943 to honour the Reich Labour force (RAD - Reichsarbeitsdienst). The RAD was in effect an extension of the Hitler Youth and although it started as a voluntary organisation by 1943 it was compulsory to join for a minimum of 6 months once the male child had become 17 years old.

As can be seen by the design of these stamps the purpose of the RAD was to assist with government building projects such as autobahns as well as military service. Designed by Müller-Rabe and engraved at the State Printing Office in Vienna these stamps were valid for use until the end of the war.

VALIDITY: 26th Jun 1943 until May 1945
VALUE: 3Rpf + 7Rpf
COLOUR: dark yellow brown
WATERMARK:
PERF: K 14
AVAILABILITY: Sheets (10x5)
QUANTITY PRINTED: Unknown

SPECIAL CANCELLATION:

VARIATIONS

ABOVE: 850 U - imperforate

PLATE FLAWS

ABOVE: 850 I - light shading under brim of cap

STAMPS FROM MY COLLECTION

All stamps from here until the end of the page are from my collection

POSTALLY UNUSED - MINT

PLATE FLAWS

ABOVE LEFT: 850 PF I
ABOVE LEFT: 850 PF I - upper edge piece.

UNRELATED SPECIAL HANDSTAMPS

The following special handstamp was used in METZ



ABOVE: METZ special cancel (P)

The following special handstamp was a DIENSTPOST cancel used in LAIBACH in 1944.



ABOVE: LAIBACH special cancel (P)