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Ian,
On the basis that these stamps are not mentioned anywhere in the reference books, there are two main avenues for you here:
Good stamps
Accepting at face value the postmark date, that the postmark was applied after the type-written overprint, and your father-in-laws’ report that only five are known (it would be interesting to know where this information came from), I would hazard that one afternoon, a bored post clerk had a bit of fun with a few stamps and a typewriter, and you now possess the results.
In 1943 there would be no need or purpose for such stamps, as the French State had an acceptable postal system in operation (using Vichy French stamps), and would probably take a dim view of their supposed German allies defacing Maréchal Petain in this way at that time. The German forces would have their Feldpost and Dienstpost systems available, (using relevant German stamps as appropriate).
These stamps probably wouldn’t get a mention in Michel, as, even if they are aware of their existence, they list only officially authorised issues. Numerous unofficial, dubious and completely bogus issues are shown in order to warn collectors of their nature, but Festung Morlaix does not appear there either.
Bad Stamps
Then, there is the other side of the coin, as expressed by Mr. Baker. It is possible that, at some stage over the last 70 years or so, someone had a bit of fun with a few stamps and a typewriter, and you now (still) possess the results.
On this side of the coin, the term “Festung” seems to be exclusively retained for the towns and cities surrounded and enclaved by the Allies, left under German control for a period after D-day. I don’t think “Festung Morlaix” would have been a relevant description on 1943.
That brings to mind another thought. The tourist office in Morlaix promotes the Chateau du Taureau, built on a rock in Morlaix Bay as a tourist destination, and mentions that it was used as an anti-aircraft station by the Germans during WW2. I wonder if this could be "Festung Morlaix” in 1943, rather than the town, besieged for only a day or two in 1944.
The fun really starts now, as you try to prove one way or the other.
I hope this helps in your quest. Good luck!
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