The France 1947 Road Maintenance Fund Stamp, featuring the milestone on the Road of Liberty (La Voie de la Liberté), is a powerful tribute to the Allied forces and their monumental efforts in liberating France during World War II. This semi-postal stamp and its associated commemorative milestones mark an enduring legacy of liberation, unity, and the road to freedom.
The 1947 Road Maintenance Fund Stamp
- Design Details:
The stamp, engraved by Dufresne and based on the design by Des Mazélin, features the symbolic milestone of the Liberty Road. It depicts the Flaming Torch of Liberty, emerging from the sea, carried eastward—a powerful symbol of the Allied forces‘ advance across France. - Semi-Postal Purpose:
Issued on September 10, 1947, the stamp had a face value of 6 francs, with a surcharge of 4 francs allocated to France’s Road Maintenance Fund, ensuring the upkeep of the Liberty Road and its commemorative markers. - Catalogue Information:
- Stanley Gibbons Number: SG 1018.
- Valuation: According to the Stanley Gibbons catalogue, it is valued at 1.70p mint and 1.60p used, making it an accessible yet historically significant addition to collections.
- Perforation: Perf 13.
The Liberty Road: A Path of Freedom
The Liberty Road (La Voie de la Liberté) is a commemorative route tracing the journey of the Allied forces, led by General Patton’s Third Army, from the D-Day landing at Utah Beach in Normandy to Bastogne near the Belgian border. Spanning 1,146 kilometer’s, this historic route passes through numerous cities, including Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, Saint-Malo, Rennes, Le Mans, Fontainebleau, Reims, Verdun, Metz, and into Luxembourg.
At every kilometer along this route, a stone milestone (borne) stands as a tribute. The first milestone lies on the shores of Utah Beach, symbolizing the starting point of liberation. These milestones are rich in symbolism:
- The Flaming Torch of Liberty, carried eastward, represents the advance of freedom.
- 48 stars encircle the dome-shaped top, representing the (then) 48 United States that participated in the liberation of France.
Historical Context: The Inauguration of the Liberty Road
The idea for the Liberty Road and its milestones was proposed by Guy de la Vasselais, a French liaison officer to General Patton. His vision of a commemorative route became a reality soon after World War II, culminating in the road’s official opening on September 17, 1947, in Fontainebleau. The ceremony was presided over by Paul Ramadier, the President of the French Council, with the presence of Jefferson Caffery, the United States Ambassador.
Notably, the Liberty Road received further recognition on the 40th anniversary of D-Day, when President Ronald Reagan, alongside other world leaders, visited the first milestone to honour the enduring legacy of Allied bravery and sacrifice.
Collecting Insights
For philatelists, the 1947 Road Maintenance Fund stamp offers a unique combination of historical and artistic significance:
- Historical Relevance: The stamp connects directly to the Liberty Road, making it a centerpiece for collections focused on WWII postal history.
- Affordable Entry: With valuations of 1.70p mint and 1.60p used, it’s an accessible and meaningful addition to any philatelic portfolio.
- Associated Memorabilia: Collectors often pair the stamp with postmarked campaign cards, commemorative materials, or milestone-themed artifacts to enhance their collection’s depth.
Call to Action
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