East African Forces (E.A.F.) Issue – 1943
- Stamps: Overprinted E.A.F. on Great Britain stamps (SG Nos. S1-S9).
- Background: During World War II, these stamps were issued for use in territories under British military control in East Africa, including Somalia. Uniquely, these overprinted stamps were also authorized for use in the United Kingdom starting in the summer of 1950.
- Significance: These stamps symbolized British military governance in Italian territories and were used to support administrative operations during the occupation.
British Military Administration (B.M.A.) Issue – 1948
- Stamps: Great Britain stamps surcharged B.M.A. SOMALIA and overprinted with new values in cents and shillings (SG Nos. S10-S20).
- Context: After the liberation of Italian East Africa, the British Military Administration governed the region. These stamps facilitated local postal services under the interim military authority.
- Notable Design Elements: The overprint clearly displayed the British governance in the region, with denominations in the East African currency system.
British Administration (B.A.) Issue – 1950
- Stamps: Great Britain stamps surcharged B.A. SOMALIA and adjusted for local values (SG Nos. S21-S31).
- Significance: With the transition from military to civilian administration under British oversight, these stamps reflect the period before Italian Somaliland transitioned into the UN Trust Territory under Italian administration in 1950.
- Usage: These stamps were employed for postal purposes during the transitional phase of governance.
Historical Context
- Italian East Africa Formation (1936): This colony merged Italian Somaliland, Italian Eritrea, and the newly conquered Ethiopian Empire. It was divided into six governorates, with Somalia being a key region.
- World War II Impact: British-led forces, including Ethiopian troops, liberated the region from Italian control. This marked the end of Italian East Africa and the beginning of British occupation.
- Post-War Transition:
- Ethiopia regained independence in 1941.
- Italian Somaliland came under British administration before becoming a UN Trust Territory in 1949, managed by Italy until Somali independence in 1960.
- Eritrea’s future was later determined separately, eventually federating with Ethiopia in 1952.
These stamps remain a testament to the complex historical transitions of governance in the Horn of Africa during and after World War II. They highlight the postal history associated with military and civilian administration in a region undergoing profound political change.