1908, Russian Empire, 1k-3k, Solovyov #64-#66 / Michel #63A-#65A, Typographed, UnWmk, P14:14.5

Description

At the beginning of the 20th century, Galicia was not just a border province of Austria-Hungary but also an object of irredentist aspirations for the Russian Empire. In Russian military-political doctrine, Eastern Galicia was viewed as "primordially Russian land" (Red Ruthenia), subject to "liberation." This ideological justification dictated a special occupation regime: the region was not merely captured but integrated into the administrative structure of the empire under the administration of Governor-General Count Georgy Bobrinsky. This directly affected the operation of the post: the Austrian system was dismantled, and a network of Russian institutions using the Russian language, calendars, and tariffs was established in its place.   

The history of Przemyśl in 1914–1915 is divided into three distinct periods, each with its unique postal profile:

• First and Second Sieges (September 1914 – March 1915): The heroic defense by the Austro-Hungarian garrison. During this period, postal communication with the outside world was carried out via airplanes (Fliegerpost) and balloons (Ballonpost).

• Russian Occupation (March 22 – June 3, 1915): The period to which ZPPC No. 152 belongs. After the fortress surrendered, 130,000 Austrian prisoners were sent to the rear, and Russian troops of the 11th and 8th Armies entered the ruined city. Russian hospitals, headquarters, and rear services were deployed in the city.   

• Liberation (June 1915): The Gorlice–Tarnów offensive by German troops under the command of Mackensen forced the Russian army to abandon Przemyśl. The Russian field post was evacuated, and the Austrian field post (K.u.K. Feldpost) returned to the city.   

Spare Field Post Office (ZPPC - ЗППО): It is to this type that the office in question, No. 152, belongs. These institutions were created to serve rear areas, fortress garrisons, major railway junctions, or occupied cities where stationary infrastructure was required. The word "Spare" (Zapasnaya) indicates that these offices were kept in the reserve of the Main Field Post Office and deployed as needed. Under the conditions of the occupation of Galicia, ZPPCs performed the functions of civilian post offices for the local population (to a limited extent) and military garrisons

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