The Volkstrauertag, a national day of mourning, was a quiet day of remembrance dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the First World War during the time of the Weimar Republic. As of 1935, under the National Socialist Party, this national day soon became a day of honoring the soldiers. The day's celebrations were now focused on honoring the heroes to the benefit of the Wehrmacht and the Nazi party. The propagandistic effect of this day aimed to increase the population's willingness to sacrifice and readiness to defend.
On the occasion of Memorial Day on 12th March 1944, the 13-parted "Day of the Wehrmacht" stamp collection was released. The 13 semi-postal stamps with military themes include a surcharge on top of the regular postage which was suggested as a donation in addition to the price of the stamp.
Contrary to earlier stamp editions, these stamps bore the new official country name - "Grossdeutsches Reich"
This already in 1938 publicized name became the official country name in June 1943.
Paratroopers
Floodlights
Arado AR 196 maritime patrol aircraft
Smoke launcher
Assault boat
U-Boat commander at the periscope
E-Boat S26-29
Waffen-SS grenade launcher
Machine gunners
German mountain troopers
Half-track motorbike
Sturmgeschutz III
Railroad gun
