RAF100: 201 (Guernsey's Own) Squadron

Description

Issue Withdrawn: 31.12.2022

No 201 Squadron whose exploits are beautifully depicted in this latest stamp issue, dates back to 1914 when it formed as No 1 Squadron, Royal Naval Service before becoming No 201 Squadron when the RAF was founded in 1918.

From the late 1920's to modern times, 201 has been a very active Squadron. Special prominence is given to the link between 201 and the Island of Guernsey, a link forged in the dark days just before the Second World War. In 1994, as part of their 80th anniversary celebrations, the Squadron was granted The Privilege of Guernsey.

The Squadron, nicknamed ‘Guernsey’s Own,’ had a distinguished record flying fighter aircraft and was the first to fly the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod, the world’s first all-jet maritime aircraft.

The Nimrod MR2 is depicted on the miniature sheet and the first of the set of six stamps, added to its traditional roles of deep-water Anti Submarine and Anti Surface Warfare and proved to be a valuable asset in a variety of new arenas, including over-land operations. It also specialised in maritime reconnaissance, part of which involved Search and Rescue operations flown by the Squadron from their base at RAF Kinloss.

201 Squadron disbanded in 2011 after the cancellation of the Nimrod MRA4, the MR2’s replacement, but will be back in action from 2021 flying the new P-8 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, part of the next generation Royal Air Force.

Guernsey Post are delighted to confirm that this issue and associated products have been licensed by the Secretary of State for Defence.

The RAF100 logo and the 201 Squadron badge are registered trade marks of the Secretary of State for Defence and is used under licence.

Specification