Some postal aspects of the retirement of the Belgian Government to Havre in October ([Fig. 216]) and the issue of German stamps for Belgium ([Fig. 209]) have already been referred to.
Turkey's entry into the war in November may have the effect of removing Turkey from the list of European stamp-issuing States, and has already led to the long anticipated proclamation of a British protectorate over Egypt, and the annexation of Cyprus. The fall of Tsingtau renders obsolete the German colonial type of stamp for Kiaochow, although there may have been some interesting provisional issue here, and also possibly in the Marshall and Marianne Islands.
All these and many more happenings of the past few months will leave their traces in new stamps, or in new uses for stamps, and when at last the enemy shall be vanquished and Peace reigns once more, one of the most fascinating histories of the great War will be that recorded in the pages of the stamp album.
The following is a synopsis, or check list, of distinctive postage stamps already issued in connection with the war. Issues reported but not yet seen by or satisfactorily vouched for to the present writer are not included.
AUSTRIA.
October 4, 1914. War Relief stamps. Current design adapted ([Fig. 258]) sold at 2 heller over face-value.
- 5 heller green.
- 10 heller carmine.
BELGIUM.
October 2, 1914. Red Cross Stamps. Lithographed on white wove unwatermarked paper. Perf. 13½. White gum.
(a) Head of King Albert ([Figs. 210, 211]).