Never forgotten
We have revealed the 11 Special Stamps being issued to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the start of Operation Overlord, the mission to gain a foothold in France and commence the liberation of Europe.
Richard Palusinski, Chair of the Spirit of Normandy Trust, said: ‘D-Day was one of the most significant events of the twentieth century and had a massive impact on world history. It is fitting that those who participated in securing the freedom we now enjoy should be remembered by the issue of these excellent Special Stamps.’
The main set of six stamps show:
- Men of No. 4 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, are briefed by their Commanding Officer, Lt Col R Dawson, just before embarking for Normandy
- HMS Warspite, part of Bombardment Force ‘D’, shelling German gun batteries in support of the landings on Sword on 6 June 1944
- Paratroopers of the British 6th Airborne Division synchronising watches prior to take off at about 23:00 on 5 June 1944
- Commandos of HQ 4th Special Service Brigade leaving their landing craft and wading ashore on Juno
- An American A-20 Havoc light bomber with D-Day ‘invasion stripes’ provides air support following the D-Day landings
- Troops from the East Yorkshire Regiment take cover as an enemy shell explodes nearby.
A further five stamps are presented in a Miniature Sheet to mark the beach landings. These feature photography from 6 June 1944 of each of the assault beach areas west to east: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword.
Stamp strategy manager, Philip Parker, said: ‘The Allied assault of D-Day and Operation Overlord would prove to be one of the key turning points of the War. 75 years on, as these events pass from memory into history, our new stamps pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all those who took part.’
The stamps and a range of collectible products are available from www.royalmail.com/d-day, by phone on 03457 641 641 and from 6 June in 7,000 Post Offices throughout the UK.
