Royal Mail has revealed a set of six new special stamps commemorating the service and sacrifice of the nation’s Armed Forces, with the collection set to go on general sale on 11 November, Armistice Day
The release coincides with the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, which began on 1 July 1916 and became one of the defining battles of the First World War.
Illustrated by British artist and former reservist Matthew Cook, the stamps feature specially commissioned artwork depicting different aspects of remembrance. Each design uses a colour palette inspired by the red poppy, an enduring symbol of remembrance.
The six scenes include an RAF flypast, a Royal Marines bugler at the Cenotaph, a First World War soldier, wreath-laying at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Second World War soldiers and a wreath-laying ceremony at a village war memorial.
David Gold of Royal Mail said: “Remembrance holds a profound place in our national life. Through these stamps, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who have served our country through two world wars, and many other conflicts.”
Cook, who served as a reservist in the Parachute Regiment and The Rifles and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, said it was a privilege to illustrate the stamps and work on such a significant subject.
The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to pre-order from Royal Mail. A presentation pack containing all six stamps is priced at £11.70.
The stamps will be available to purchase generally from 11 November.
