Royal Mail set to make big May change to ‘all stamped letters’

Royal Mail is set to release a special VE Day 80 commemorative stamp collection, paying tribute to the “silent warriors whose contributions echo through history”. The primary set includes 10 stamps, each spotlighting individuals who played integral roles in the success of the war effort.

To coincide with the milestone anniversary in May, Royal Mail will also adorn all stamped post with a unique VE80 postmark. Notable figures such as George Arthur Roberts and Thomas Peirson Frank make an appearance on the stamps, alongside Lilian Bader and others.

Emma Gilthorpe, the chief executive of Royal Mail, remarked: “Behind every victory of a nation there are countless unsung heroes whose courage and sacrifice shaped the future of the world.”

She went on to say, “On VE Day, we remember not only the leaders and generals, but the silent warriors whose contributions echo through history. For the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Royal Mail is proud to issue these stamps honouring the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who fought for freedom and peace.”

Featuring among the 10 stamps destined to commemorate women and men who made significant contributions during the Second World War is Tommy Macpherson. Also distinguished on the special edition stamps are John Harrison and Bhanbhagta Gurung, marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, reports Birmingham Live.

Roberts holds the distinction of being the first black man to become part of the London Auxiliary Fire Service in 1938. Featured as well is Mary Morris, a wartime nurse whose diaries offer a vivid documentation of her experiences caring for soldiers returning from Dunkirk.

Harrison, a former crew member of the Royal Navy’s HMS Belfast, was tasked with the upkeep of its crucial “A” and “B” gun turrets. Gurung is celebrated for his courageous actions during Operation Longcloth in Burma, which earned him the Victoria Cross.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP commented: “80 years ago, the freedoms we enjoy today were defended by our remarkable Second World War generation.”

Dr Tara Knights from the Royal British Legion also stated: “We owe it to all those from the Second World War generation to thank them for their bravery and sacrifice in the defence of freedoms we still enjoy to this day.”