WW2 Union Aid to Russia (Soviet Union)
WW2 Propaganda labels are an interesting collecting field. I found these at the recent London Stampex International 2025. I bought them for my 2d 'Sailor' War Issue collection which I thought they would enhance as examples of the wider war as it affected South Africans at home. It is ironic but not surprising that once the Nats came to power in 1948, Communist Russia became the Big Bogeyman.
1944. Cover. PIETERSBURG '9 XI 44' to Johannesburg. 2d Bantam machine cancelled (mc) with slogan.
'Friendship with the Soviet Union' Bantam label tied to cover with mc.
1944. Cover. JOHANNESBURG '13 VI 44' to Johannesburg '14 VI 44'
2d Bantam machine tied to cover / cancelled (mc) without slogan.
'Friendship with the Soviet Union' Bantam label tied to cover with mc.
The two Bantam labels above are uncommon but not scarce. What is unusual is the label used to seal the cover, below. This is possibly an example of re-used mail delivered by hand. The cover was originally posted to Johannesburg from Montagu, Cape, then re-used with an applied address label and a promotional 'Medical Aid for Russia' label to seal it. It does not appear to have been posted again.
1944. Cover. MONTAGU '1 DEC 44' to Johannesburg.
Originally addressed to 'The Secretary Medical Aid for Russia, PO Box 2920, Johannesburg'.
Re-addressed with typewritten label.
Sealed with 'For our Ally Medical Aid for Russia' Russia.
Presunmably delivered by hand to City Hall, Johannesburg.
This label measures approx. 127mm x 45 mm.