Blog

WWI Commemoration Stamps Revealed

To commemorate World War 1, the Royal Mail has issued its first set of stamps in a series of 5. Starting from 2014, they will publish a new set each year up until 2018.

In total, 30 stamps will be produced. This year will see the release of the first 6 and will pay respect to the millions of people who lost their lives during the conflict.

The first set of stamps include a poppy image; an excerpt from the poem, For the Fallen, by Lawrence Binyon and a portrait of Private William Tickle, who enlisted at the age of 15, a month after the start of the war.

They also include an image of the Princess Mary Gift Box, sent to all servicemen for Christmas in 1914 and delivered by the postal service and The Response, a bronze memorial by Welsh artist Sir William Goscombe John, depicting men joining up in 1914.
On sale, starting from this week, Stephen Agar from Royal Mail said: “The Great War changed the course of world history in ways which are still being felt today.

“This is why we took the decision to produce 30 stamps over a five-year period.

“To commemorate all those who were involved is a major undertaking, so we have consulted widely, including taking advice from the Imperial War Museums, senior figures within the Armed Services and other organisations – including the Royal British Legion.”

Each year, a new theme will be covered, these include: How artists, including writers and painters, interpreted the events; the role of non-combatants and civilians; the role of the Services and of women and the contribution of the Commonwealth.

A “stamp” of approval was given by a select group of Senior military personnel from the Armed Forces last week.

Royal Mail has also published a searchable database of the memorials in its care – www.royalmailmemorials.com . And it is organising a UK-wide programme of events around the Royal Mail war memorials.