The Lovinac Post Office in the Period from April to September 1941

Abstract

In historiography generally, as in postal history, heightened interest is sparked by periods of profound social change, such as the onset and end of armed conflicts, as well as the collapse of old states or the establishment of new ones. The spring and summer in 1941 was one such period, when the Nazi forces attacked the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, leading to its rapid disintegration, and the subsequent creation of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH), which was also tied to the Italian army entering the territory of Lika. This paper provides an overview of the changes affecting postal transport at the Lovinac Post Office from April to September 1941, drawing on philatelic sources in the possession of the author and other collectors. The military and political currents and events in the Lovinac area at that time are concisely described to gain historical and social contextualization.