Poster stamp encouraging Canadian support of WWII
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 1.125 inches (2.858 cm) | Width: 1.125 inches (2.858 cm)
Archival History
The poster stamp was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2018 by Forrest J. Robinson, Jr.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of Forrest James Robinson, Jr.
Scope and Content
Poster stamp encouraging Canadian support of World War II (1939-1945). Poster stamps were collectable stamps, slightly larger than postage stamps, with designs similar to posters. Although they were not valid for postage, poster stamps could be affixed to letters and envelopes as a means for fundraising, propaganda, and educational purposes. Unlike World War I (1914-1918), Britain’s September 1939 declaration of war against Germany did not commit Canada to the conflict. However, Canada declared war on Germany later that month in support of Britain and France. Over 1 million Canadians served in the military during the war. The Royal Canadian Navy acted as convoy escorts in the Atlantic, hunted U-Boats, and supported amphibious landings in Sicily, Italy’s mainland, and Normandy. The Royal Canadian Air Force hunted U-Boats in the North Atlantic and served in the European Theater. The Canadian army fought alongside American and British forces in Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Square poster stamp on silver foil with an embossed design and adhesive backing. The stamp features four central red and blue billowing flags of British territories on poles, superimposed over a blue leaf wreath with two red ribbons and floral ornaments hanging from the bottom. In the center of the wreath is a red shield with silver text and the background has a red stippled pattern. There is adhesive residue on the back.
Subjects
- World War, 1939-1945--Poster Stamps.
- Military assistance, Canadian.
- Canada.
- Poster Stamps.
Genre
- Posters
- Stamps.
- Object