Stamps series "50th Anniversary of Acquisition of Heligoland"

A small island of eight square miles, situated in the North Sea, thirty six miles N.W. of the mouth of the River Elbe. Heligoland is a Danish word meaning "Holy Island". In the 15th century it belonged to Schleswig, and in 1714 it became Danish. During this time, in 1796, the Free City of Hamburg provided postal service. England occupied the island in 1807, and this was officially recognised in 1810.

Heligoland was ceded to Germany, 9th August 1890 and henceforth only the stamps of Germany were used on the island. During World War II, Heligoland became a fortified island, and the R.A.F. made a 1,000 bomber raid on it 18th April 1942. It was used as a bombing target for the R.A.F. after the war, and was then once more ceded back to Germany 6th September 1952.