1940 Guernsey Bisect, George VI 1940 Centenary 2d Stamp

27^th December 1940 Guernsey Bisect first day with a George VI 1940 Penny Black Centenary 2d commemorative bisect. Plain cover with a Guernsey CDS and typed address.

During the German occupation the Postal Services remained under the jurisdiction of the British Post Office. In Guernsey supplies soon ran low, especially the ½d & 1d local rate stamps The German authorities suggested that 2d stamps be bisected diagonally until new stamps could be produced. This was authorised on 24^th December with the first cancellations the day after the Christmas Holidays ended on 27^th December 1940. They were used until 22^nd February 1941, but as this was a Saturday many covers can be found with a 24^th February postmark. Five different 2d stamps were officially bisected.