Phoenix Rising

 King George was just so awesome. The man really set the bar high for the world in the appearance of stamps, this issue(174 in my book) is absolutely no exception to that.  After Hong Kong was invaded by Japan, refugee/prisoner camps were set up and amongst the interred, Edward Wynne-Jones, Hong Kongs' Postmaster began designing this special Coat of Arms shown below the stamp image and commemorative stamp for after their liberation. Special consideration was given to the design and approved by George to allow this vs the omnibus peace and victory stamp in 1946. "Phoenix rising from the ashes of war" is just so aesthetically pleasing. I also greatly appreciate the bilingual aspect of the stamp. The banner on the left roughly says "China and Britain perpetually at peace" and the right side says "The phoenix revives: great good fortune".  The Latin "Resurgo" or "Arise" appears beneath the rising phoenix. The British lions are holding shields that bear the name of the colony. It's easy to not notice the two bat's hovering around George's head which to the Chinese symbolize god fortune and longevity.   It's just such a cool looking stamp wouldn't you agree?

JimmyB