Blocks “Messages”, blocks 3-10.

In the beginning of 1941, in London, Paul Weyemberg, an invalid of WWI, started a monthly issue of “Messages Belgium Review” with as goal to improve the image of Belgium and to strengthen the bands with England.

Very soon this monthly issue became a grip-hold for all Belgians whom escaped to England, but also for fellow countrymen who had fled to other countries, especially those staying in Africa. The Belgian government in exile in London gave the Belgian Post the order to make a special issue to support this monthly review, hence the name of the issue “Messages”.

The 8 Belgian Congo and 4 Ruanda-Urundi blocks were sold only by subscription for Bfr 1,500 (37 Euro). Each member of the monthly issue received 1 block extra for free. The monthly issue nr 55 appeared for the last time in June of 1946.

Remainders of these eight miniature sheets received marginal overprints in various colors in 1950 specifying a surtax of 100fr per sheet and paying tribute to the U.P.U.

Date of issue: December 1943

Expiration date:

Design:

Engraving and printing: Waterlow and Sons, London

Perforation: 12.5

Size sheet: approximately 83 x 77 mm

Size stamp: 26 x 30 mm & 35 x 23.5 mm

Circulation: minimum of 6,000 series. *

* What was left after the subscription sale, was overprinted and sold as U.P.U. blocks

BL3. 30c, clear blue (no 233)

BL4. 75c, violet & black (no 236)

BL5. 1,75F, brown-black (no 239)

BL6. 2,50F, carmine (no 241)

BL7. 50c, green (no 254)

BL8. 60c, brown (no 255)

BL9. 1,25F, carmine & black (no 258)

BL10. 2,50F, carmine (no 261)

The series:

There are no variations or curiosities known for any of the above shown material.

Curiosity:

This is a non-adopted design for the European Athletics Championships held in Brussels from 23-27 August 1950, or it is a “joke” made in the time.

A mini sheet with the same text, but different image was issued by the Belgian Post in August 1950 (block 29).