[Hugh]

People often think that occupation stamps are largely confined to the two world wars of the 20th century. There were (and are) a lot of occupations all over the world that leave a trail in postal history over the last three hundred years. 

Here, for example, is a cover from October 24, 1961. A CDS from Gaza was applied to this FDC with two UAR issued occupation stamps. The United Arab Republic was a short-lived union of Egypt and Syria between February 22, 1958 and September 28, 1961 when, following a coup d'etat in Syria, the union was ended. However, Egypt continued to be known officially as the UAR until it was formally dissolved in September 1971.

This cover, therefore, was cancelled after Syria had pulled out of the UAR.

The UAR stamps, also issued on this date, celebrated the UN Technical Assistance Program (UNTAP) and the 16th Anniversary of the UN. The stamps on the cover, however, which were printed in different colours, are the 'occupation' version of the stamps and were produced for use in Palestine (Gaza). Egypt had occupied the Gaza strip since 1948.

   

Stamps:
UAR - UNTAP / World Refuge Year (Occupation Series)
Issued on October 24, 1961

10m, Dark Blue and Orange
Sc. N81

35m, Vermilion and Black
Sc. N82