France 1958 - Heroes of the Resistance (Part 4 - Jacques Bingen)

It is defined as the act of fighting against something that is attacking you, or refusing to accept something. This is resistance. And perhaps none typify and deserve the distinction of this title than the French Resistance, La Résistance in French.

It all began in the summer of 1940. The Nazis had barnstormed into France and the swastika was now flying high in Paris from such prominent places as the Hôtel de Ville and on top of the Eiffel Tower. Amid this turmoil, a prominent French writer by the name of Jean Cassou, penned the words, refus absurde "absurd refusal". Little did he know, these words would inspire the proud citizens of France to rise up against the Nazi intruders in any way possible. Thus the Resistance was born. The Resistance was for the most part organised into small groups of men and women who engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Nazis. Additionally, they published underground newspapers, established effective intelligence networks, and maintained escape routes for Allied soldiers trapped behind enemy lines. For more detailed information on the Resistance, click HERE.

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Jacques Bingen was a vital and high-ranking member of the French Resistance. Born in Paris on 16 March 1908, Bingen trained as an engineer at the École des mines de Paris. Interestingly, he was the brother-in-law of André Citroën, the famous car maker. Between 1930-1931, he served in the artillery branch of the French Army. Then in 1935 he was appointed director of the French shipping company, Société Anonyme de Gérance et d'Armement.

In 1939 at the onset of World War II, he was drafted back into the French Army. He fought in the Battle of France, and was wounded on 12 June 1940 at Saint-Valery-en-Caux. Following the surrender of France, he found his way to British-held Gibraltar, and from there he went to England in July. After joining the Free French under General Charles de Gaulle, he was put in charge of its burgeoning merchant marines. But he wasn't happy in this role. He craved action and desperately wanted to fight for France in a more active way. So, on 1 October 1941 he resigned and joined the Bureau Central de Renseignements et d'Action, which was the Free French intelligence service. On 16 August 1943, his wish for more action manifested when he "parachuted into France to help organize and unite the various disparate groups that comprised the Resistance" (Wikipedia). Also worth note, he was instrumental in the creation of the French Forces of the Interior in February 1944. 

But, as we have seen in the previous parts of this series, success in the Resistance brings one to the attention of the Gestapo. On 12 May 1944, Jacques Bingen was betrayed by Belgian double agent Alfred Dormal. He was captured at Clermont-Ferrand. To avoid the risk of breaking under torture, he committed suicide at Chamalières by swallowing a capsule of cyanide. Bingen was honoured for his service to his country posthumously with the Ordre de la Libération award. He also now has a street in the 17th arrondissement of Paris named after him.

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On 21 April 1958, France issued the second set of stamps in a series titled Heroes of the Resistance. This set comprised four stamps. All stamps were designed by Albert Decaris, but he only engraved two. To look at the first three parts in this stamp series, click on the links Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. In this blog we shall study the fourth and final stamp in the set depicting Jacques Bingen. This stamp was designed by Albert Decaris and engraved by Jean Pheulpin. This tasteful design features the face of an intelligent, resourceful, and brave individual. A great stamp!

Until next time...

France 1958 - Heroes of the Resistance (Part 3 - Simone Michel-Lévy)

It is defined as the act of fighting against something that is attacking you, or refusing to accept something. We are of course talking about resistance. And perhaps none typify and deserve the distinction of this title than the French Resistance, La Résistance in French.

It all began in the summer of 1940. The Nazis had barnstormed into France and the swastika was now flying high in Paris from such prominent places as the Hôtel de Ville and on top of the Eiffel Tower. Amid this turmoil, a prominent French writer by the name of Jean Cassou, penned the words, refus absurde "absurd refusal". Little did he know, these words would inspire the proud citizens of France to rise up against the Nazi intruders in any way possible. Thus the Resistance was born. The Resistance was for the most part organised into small groups of men and women who engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Nazis. Additionally, they published underground newspapers, established effective intelligence networks, and maintained escape routes for Allied soldiers trapped behind enemy lines. For more detailed information on the Resistance, click HERE.

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Simone Michel-Lévy, born 19 January 1906, worked for the French Resistance as a communications expert. Her role as regional director of telephone communications in Paris allowed her to set up an intelligence network pivotal to the war effort. In the course of her duties she established an important radio intelligence network between Paris and Normandy, which was used in the preparations for the D-Day invasion. She was also responsible for the creation of a covert courier system to get vital messages to England where the Free France movement was based, led by General Charles de Gaulle. Like most influential Resistance fighters, Simone Michel-Lévy came to the attention of the Gestapo. On 5 November 1943 she was arrested and tortured. But she didn't crack, and gave the Gestapo nothing. Realising they'd get nothing from this formidable woman, the Gestapo had her deported to Ravensbrück, then Flossenbürg. While in prison, she managed to organise an uprising against the camp guards. Unfortunately, she was caught and hanged on 13 April 1945, just ten days before the camp was liberated by the Allies. A sad end for a tremendously courageous woman.

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On 21 April 1958, France issued the second set of stamps in a series titled Heroes of the Resistance. This set comprised four stamps. All stamps were designed by Albert Decaris, but he only engraved two. To look at the first two parts in this set, click on the links Part 1, Part 2. In this blog we shall study the third stamp in the set depicting Simone Michel-Lévy. This stamp was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris.

This very poignant portrait is based on Simone Michel-Lévy's prison mugshot. Decaris has really managed to capture her mask of immense strength, determination, and willpower that saw her confront Gestapo torturers without yielding a shard of information. Note also the striped prison shirt she is wearing. A respectful tribute to an incredibly brave woman.

Until next time...

France 1958 - Heroes of the Resistance (Part 2 - Fred Scamaroni)

It is defined as the act of fighting against something that is attacking you, or refusing to accept something. We are of course talking about resistance. And perhaps none typify and deserve the distinction of this title than the French Resistance, La Résistance in French.

It all began in the summer of 1940. The Nazis had barnstormed into France and the swastika was now flying high in Paris from such prominent places as the Hôtel de Ville and on top of the Eiffel Tower. Amid this turmoil, a prominent French writer by the name of Jean Cassou, penned the words, refus absurde "absurd refusal". Little did he know, these words would inspire the proud citizens of France to rise up against the Nazi intruders in any way possible. Thus the Resistance was born. The Resistance was for the most part organised into small groups of men and women who engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Nazis. Additionally, they published underground newspapers, established effective intelligence networks, and maintained escape routes for Allied soldiers trapped behind enemy lines. For more detailed information on the Resistance, click HERE.

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On 21 April 1958, France issued the second set of stamps in a series titled Heroes of the Resistance. This set comprised four stamps. All stamps were designed by Albert Decaris, but he only engraved two. In this blog we shall study the second stamp in the set depicting Fred Scamaroni. This stamp was designed by Albert Decaris but engraved by Jean Pheulpin.

Fred Scamaroni, born 24 October 1924, started his career in law after graduating from the Faculty of Law in Paris in 1934. Then in 1936 his focus shifted somewhat to the military when he became a reserve officer at Saint-Maixent, serving in the infantry as a second lieutenant. After a time he returned to Paris and became chief of staff of the prefect of Doubs. Then between 1936 and the outbreak of World War II he trained with the Air Force. Indeed, in 1940 he flew combat missions during the Battle of France (10 May - 22 June 1940).  On 19 May, 1940, he was seriously injured during aerial combat. For his bravery he earned the cross of war.

In June 1940 he joined the Free France forces and became a member of General de Gaulle's personal staff. In this capacity he was sent to Dakar to fight in the Anglo-Gaullist raid, which aimed to rally the immense forces of French West Africa to the Allied cause. During this mission Scamaroni was captured by Viscysts and imprisoned. He and his comrades managed to escape, but lady luck was not with them. They were captured and imprisoned yet again until their eventual release in February 1941. 

In 1942 he returned to France, and again joined General de Gaulle's staff, where he was placed in the French Combatant Forces (FFC). His many missions in this capacity placed him in the cross-hairs of the Gestapo. There was now a fat target on his back. Consequently, he returned to Corsica, where he had been stationed in the past, to elude capture. But in March 1943 he was captured by the OVRA, which was a secret fascist Italian police force. He was imprisoned in the citadel of Ajaccio and tortured. Then on 19 March, to ensure he did not crack under further torture, Scamaroni committed suicide in his cell. A tragic end for a brave man of La Résistance.

Until next time...

Cameroun 1946 - Definitives (Part 3)

It is known as "Africa in miniature" due to its geological and cultural diversity. You name it, Cameroun seems to have it. Beautiful mountains, beaches, deserts, even rainforests. So fat in this series we have visited farming in Cameroun (Part 1) and delved into the importance of archery in the culture of the Cameroun people (Part 2). This time around we will study the horsemen of Cameroun.

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In August 1946 Cameroun issued a set of 19 definitives comprising 6 different designs, three of which were designed and engraved by Albert Decaris. The third and final design created by Decaris, bearing the highest values of the three Decaris designs, features lamido horsemen. Despite my best efforts, I've been unable to find much information on the subject of this design. So far, all I've found is that lamido means "leader". If anyone out there has anymore information I'd love to hear from you. For now I will simply let  this stunning design do the talking. It was printed in three different values, each in a unique colour.

Until next time...

Cameroun 1946 - Definitives (Part 2)

The people of Cameroun have many proud traditions. Perhaps one of the most enduring of these is archery. It is depicted within government symbols of power. It is used for cultural icons. There are also many local sayings and proverbs involving archery. It is therefore fair to say that archery permeates the culture of Cameroun people.

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In August 1946 Cameroun issued a set of 19 definitives comprising 6 different designs, three of which were designed and engraved by Albert Decaris. In Part 1 we studied the first design, featuring banana porters. The second of these designs features a Cameroun archer. This design was printed in four values, each with its own unique colour. I love this design. The determination and concentration on the face of the archer. The rather intricate design work of the quiver. The lovely dappling of flora around the composition. And the traditional hut in the background to the bottom left. Great stuff, Monsieur Decaris!

Until next time...

Cameroun 1946 - Definitives (Part 1)

It is known as "Africa in miniature" due to its geological and cultural diversity. You name it, Cameroun seems to have it. Beautiful mountains, beaches, deserts, even rainforests. Cameroun is also home to an abundance of natural resources, making it a prime candidate for agriculture. Indeed, an estimated 70% of the population farms something. So what would one expect to find growing on these farms? Well turns out, agriculture in Cameroun is as diverse as its geology and culture. 

"Soils and climate on the coast encourage extensive commercial cultivation of bananas, cocoa, oil palms, rubber, and tea. Inland on the South Cameroon Plateau, cash crops include coffee, sugar, and tobacco. Coffee is a major cash crop in the western highlands, and in the north, natural conditions favour crops such as cotton, groundnuts, and rice." (Wikipedia)

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In August 1946 Cameroun issued a set of 19 definitives comprising 6 different designs, three of which were designed and engraved by Albert Decaris. The first design, bearing the lowest values of the three Decaris designs, features banana porters. As mentioned above, there are copious banana plantations along the Cameroun coastline. Here Decaris has captured the true nature of the hard graft required to work in the farming industry. Clad only in loincloths to beat the heat, these porters labour along with massive loads balanced expertly upon their heads. 

Until next time...

France 1958 - Heroes of the Resistance (Part 1 - Jean Cavaillès)

It is defined as the act of fighting against something that is attacking you, or refusing to accept something. We are of course talking about resistance. And perhaps none typify and deserve the distinction of this title than the French Resistance, La Résistance in French.

It all began in the summer of 1940. The Nazis had barnstormed into France and the swastika was now flying high in Paris from such prominent places as the Hôtel de Ville and on top of the Eiffel Tower. Amid this turmoil, a prominent French writer by the name of Jean Cassou, penned the words, refus absurde "absurd refusal". Little did he know, these words would inspire the proud citizens of France to rise up against the Nazi intruders in any way possible. Thus the Resistance was born. The Resistance was for the most part organised into small groups of men and women who engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Nazis. Additionally, they published underground newspapers, established effective intelligence networks, and maintained escape routes for Allied soldiers trapped behind enemy lines. For more detailed information on the Resistance, click HERE.

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On 21 April 1958, France issued the second set of stamps in a series titled Heroes of the Resistance. This set comprised four stamps. All stamps were designed by Albert Decaris, but he only engraved two. In this blog we shall study the first and lowest value stamp in the set. This stamp depicts Jean Cavaillès. It was designed and engraved by Albert Decaris.

Jean Cavaillès was actually a rather interesting character. He was a French philosopher and mathematician, specializing in the philosophy of science. At the outbreak of World War II, he joined the French army and was placed as an infantry lieutenant with the 43rd Regiment. In this capacity he was twice honoured for bravery. Unfortunately, he was captured by the Nazis on 11 June 1940 and imprisoned in Belgium. But after a little over a month in prison he managed to escape.

Over the next four years he devoted his life to the Resistance. In December 1940 he helped create a group of resistance fighters called The Last Column. This group began publishing a newspaper called Libération. Then in 1941 he travelled to Paris and helped establish the Libération-Nord resistance group.

By 1942 he found himself at the head of an intelligence network known as Cohors. His prominent position in the Resistance placed him squarely in the cross-hairs of the Vichy Regime. Consequently, in February 1943 he fled to London, where he met with General Charles de Gaulle. After meeting with de Gaulle on several occasions, he returned to France in April. Now determined to assume a more hands-on role in the Resistance, was placed in charge of the sabotage of the stores of the Kriegsmarine in Brittany, and the German radio installations along the coast. Sadly, he was betrayed by one of his liaison officers and he was arrested on 28 August, 1943. He was imprisoned in Fresnes, where he was tortured, then moved to Compiègne. He was shot by a firing squad on 17 February, 1944.

In 1969, The Centre Cavaillès de l'École Normale Supérieure was established in Paris, to honour both the bravery and academic work of Jean Cavaillès.

Until next time...

I Muse...On Different Styles

Due to personal issues I haven't looked very much at my stamp collection for several months now. But I have still been purchasing bits and pieces, which has led to a growing stockpile of unsorted material. A few days ago I decided to tackle the task of reorganising my Albert Decaris collection to incorporate all the new acquisitions. While poring over some of my lovely new Decaris stamps I came across a stunning airmail stamp he designed and engraved for Cameroun in 1964, depicting a black rhinoceros. This got me to thinking about the black rhinoceros Pierre Gandon engraved for the 1946 definitive series of French Equatorial Africa. Two of my favourite engravers working on the same subject. What a fantastic opportunity to make a stylistic comparison.

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There are two species of rhinoceros that roam the plains of Africa, the black rhinoceros and the white rhinoceros. The black rhino is the smaller of the two species, but can still weigh in at an impressive 3,000 pounds. So how does one tell between a black rhino and a white rhino? If you ever dare get close enough to a black rhino, or like me, you are studying one from the comfort of your lounge room, you will notice that the black rhino has a distinguishable hooked upper lip. Sadly, according to worldwildlife.org: 

"Populations of black rhino declined dramatically in the 20th century at the hands of European hunters and settlers. Between 1960 and 1995, black rhino numbers dropped by a sobering 98%, to less than 2,500. Since then, the species has made a tremendous comeback from the brink of extinction. Thanks to persistent conservation efforts across Africa, black rhino numbers have doubled from their historic low 20 years ago to between 5,042 and 5,455 today. However, the black rhino is still considered critically endangered..."

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 Okay, before we get down to studying the two aforementioned rhino stamps, let me pose a few questions. Are you an admirer of the use of multiple colours on engraved stamps? Or do you rock it old school and adhere to a strictly monochrome palette? Or do you, like me, admire the virtues of both methods? I ask these questions because your answer may very well influence your preference regarding the two stamps you are about to see.

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First up, let's take a look at Pierre Gandon's black rhino, issued by French Equatorial Africa in 1946 as part of a definitive series. It must be noted that this engraving was issued in three values, each with its own colour. For the purposes of this blog I have chosen to illustrate the 30c violet black stamp. I think this particular colour really enhances Gandon's artwork.

In this design, Gandon has chosen to frame his majestic black rhino in the flora and fauna of its native habitat. A particularly nice touch is the python slithering its way up the right side of the frame.  

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Now we come to Albert Decaris' black rhino, issued by Cameroun 15 December 1964. This stamp was printed in three colours (really only two colours considering the third colour was used solely for the ttitles), which some engraving enthusiasts may frown upon. But I believe in this instance the extra colour serves to enhance rather than hinder this lovely work of art.

In this design Decaris has beautifully illustrated the lumbering majesty of the black rhino, printed in dark brown. The background, printed in green, depict trees and grassy plains, providing us a glimpse into the world in which this giant chooses to live.

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So now that you've studied both stamps, which is your favourite? Do you prefer the classic monochrome artwork of Gandon? Or does the multi-coloured creation of Albert Decaris appeal to you more? I've personally given this a lot of thought and sat staring at each stamp alone, then together, for a long while. And to be totally honest, I can't decide. I happen to like both interpretations equally. Both artists were immensely talented, and both artists brought something unique for us to admire into their pieces of art. I have to say I really enjoyed spending time with each artist and his work.

Until next time...

I Muse... On Retail Therapy

My cyber-presence has been pretty limited of late due to some overwhelming personal issues. But I'm still here and will continue my blogging as much as I possibly can. 

Yesterday to take my mind off things I decided on a bit of retail-therapy and had a bit of a browse on Delcampe. I found several nice additions to my Decaris collection and I thought I'd share them here with my fellow Decaris addicts. The images are of course not mine so they aren't of the greatest quality, but they serve the purpose of a sneak peak  of what might be in store for you this year in Albert Decaris Stamps!

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First up is a set from Cameroun, issued in 1964 for the Tropics Cup Games.

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The next stamp is also from Cameroun and also issued n 1964. A stunning Rhino. I may at some point do a comparison between the rhino of Gandon and the rhino of Decaris. Could be fun.

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Next up is a set of five from Senegal, issued in 1961, showcasing sporting competition.

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My last purchase yesterday was a set of four from Ivory Coast, issued in 1961.

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So what do you think? I'm personally really looking forward to adding these lovely stamps to my collection and doing some hi-res scans of them to celebrate their true majesty!

Oh, yesterday I also placed a bid on a pair of Decaris engraved airmail stamps from Dahomey, issued in 1960. Here's hoping I win this pair for the minimum bid!

Until next time (very soon, I hope)...

France 1958 - Urbain Le Verrier

Using only mathematical calculation (celestial mechanics), this man predicted not only the existence of the planet Neptune but also its position in the solar system. This genius of celestial mechanics was Urbain Jean Joseph Le Verrier.

Urbain Le Verrier was born in Saint-Lô, the capital of the department  of Manche, Normandy, in France. Le Verrier began his studies at École Polytechnique in Paris. Here his initial interest was in chemistry, with a particular focus on the combinations of phosphorus and hydrogen, and phosphorus and oxygen. But it wasn't long before he discovered his true passion, celestial mechanics. At the completion of his studies he accepted a position at the Paris Observatory. It was here he found his vocational home, eventually taking the prestigious position as the institute's Director twice, the first time from 1854 to 1870 and the second from 1873 until his death on 23 September 1877. 

Le Verrier's  true claim to fame came in September of 1846. After spending months absorbed in deep calculations to try to understand the discrepancies in the orbit of Uranus, Le Verrier predicted the existence of another planet that was causing said discrepancies. Le Verrier immediately sent his predictions to Johann Galle of the Berlin Observatory. And on 23 September Le Verrier's predictions were confirmed when the planet was found by Johann Galle. It was, amazingly, found to be within just 1° of Le Verrier's predicted location. Interestingly, at the same time a man named John Couch Adams in England was doing similar calculations. In fact, to this day there is still controversy over which  man predicted first!

It is  perhaps also worth noting that Le Verrier is one of 72 people to have his name inscribed on the Eiffel Tower.

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On 17 February 1958 France issued a set of four stamps celebrating famous French Scientists. Two stamps in this set were designed and engraved by Albert Decaris. Click HERE to see my blog  post  on Joseph-Louis Lagrange. The second stamp designed and engraved by Decaris features Urbain Le  Verrier.

In this stamp, Decaris has captured the intensity and complexity of this astounding scientific mind. A  fitting engraved tribute to Le Verrier by the master, Albert Decaris.

Until next time...