For immediate release: 17 February 2011
Guernsey Post is delighted to announce the launch of a commemorative set of stamps in recognition of the 90th anniversary of The Royal British Legion ("the Legion"), a UK charity which supports those who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces.
The six stamps (issue date 23 February 2011) feature images of British forces which have been sourced from the Imperial War Museum and have been chosen specifically to reflect the Legion's five values, which are Reflection - through Remembrance of past sacrifice in the cause of freedom; Hope - by remembering the past, a younger generation has the chance of a better future; Comradeship - through shared experience and mutual support; Selflessness - by putting others first; and Service - to those in need and in support of the whole community. Complementing these values Guernsey Post has also created a stamp depicting Dedication.
Hope (36p) shows an Air Raid Precautions messenger boy and a young child evacuee onboard a naval boat with his life belt, whilst Christopher Walsh, a veteran of the Royal Navy who saw action in the Arctic convoys during the Second World War, is seen on Reflection (45p).
A group of British servicemen are sharing a happy moment during World War II on the Comradeship stamp (48p) where Private C Bowden in the centre is being congratulated by his comrades having received a telegram to say he had become a father.
The Selflessness stamp (50p) depicts a soldier of the 12th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment, who is training in a smoke screen, whilst Nurse Joyce Collier and a Navy commando brandishing a knife provide contrasting interpretations on the Service stamp (58p).
Providing a fitting complement to the Legion's five Values is Guernsey Post's Dedication stamp (80p). It depicts decorated heroes of war including Jack Travers Cornwell, seen on the left within the letter 'D'. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for remaining at his post on board the cruiser HMS Chester. The ship was badly shelled by four German cruisers and Cornwell's position was hit four times.
Russell Thompson, Director of National Events and Fundraising at the Legion said: "This set of commemorative stamps is a wonderful tribute to the Legion's 90 years of service to the Serving and ex-Service community of the Armed Forces. Guernsey Post has really captured the essence of what the Legion stands for by reflecting our five core values."
Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post commented:- "Guernsey Post is absolutely delighted to celebrate the 90th anniversary of The Royal British Legion with our commemorative stamp issue, which serves to highlight the values and work of this wonderful charity."
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Press enquiries to:
Sarah Amies, pr consultant, 01484 687040/07811 133973
Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic, 01481 733524
Editors' notes:-
Stamp specifications:-
About the Royal British Legion:-
Founded by and for the same people who went to war for Britain at the beginning of the 20th century, The Royal British Legion was established in June 1921 to help those who returned home to hardship and faced difficulties finding work or supporting their families. It is probably best known for its role as the nation's custodian of Remembrance and for its annual Poppy Appeal, the Legion is one of the UK's largest membership organisations with approximately 360,000 members.
Around 9.5 million people in the UK are eligible to ask for the Legion's help, perhaps a less surprising figure when taken into account that people as young as 17.5 years can be sent on active service. Since 2003 the Legion has given financial support to 10,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan operations - and it is investing £50 million in Personnel Recovery Centres to care for the wounded of current conflicts. This includes a commitment of £12 million to the Legion Battle Back Challenge Centre, a facility which is being built to help rehabilitate injured personnel through adaptive use of sport and adventurous training. The Legion also runs residential care homes and respite homes for service personnel recovering from an operation, or the trauma of the death of a loved one.
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Stamp Specification:
Date of Issue: 23 February 2011
Designer: Two Degrees North
Printer: Cartor Security Printing
Process: Offset lithography
Stamp size: 21.5mm deep x 51mm wide
Souvenir sheet size: 100mm deep x 140mm wide
Paper: 110gsm unwatermarked PVA adhesive
Sheet: 10
Perforation: 13.25 x 14
Cylinder : A