Complete Set, 1943-44 Overrun Countries Issue

Complete Set of 13 Overrun Countries Stamps

The World War II Axis powers consisted of Germany, Italy, and Japan.  During the war, these countries conquered large territories.  The Axis powers had long prepared for war, developing devastating military technologies.  Although many armies bravely opposed the Axis, the enemy's strength and strategies were too much. 

The Overrun Countries Series honors the 13 countries occupied by the Axis:  Poland, Czechoslovakia, Norway, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Greece, Yugoslavia, Albania, Austria, Denmark, and Korea.  On the left of each stamp is a phoenix, the great bird of fire from Greek mythology, representing eternal rebirth.  On the right is a female, breaking the bonds of oppression.