Royal Mail has unveiled a set of stamps sharing the contributions of remarkable individuals during the Second World War to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The collection features 10 stamps celebrating men and women who played vital roles in the war effort.
In addition, a commemorative mini-sheet showcases images of Dame Vera Lynn, capturing different moments from her iconic wartime career.
To mark the anniversary in May, Royal Mail will also apply a special VE80 postmark to all stamped mail.
George Arthur Roberts on one of 10 stamps that honour men and women who made extraordinary contributions during the Second World War to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
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Thomas Peirson Frank on one of 10 stamps that honour men and women who made extraordinary contributions during the Second World War to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
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Lilian Bader on one of 10 stamps that honour men and women who made extraordinary contributions during the Second World War to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
PA
The company is further supporting VE Mail, a letter-writing initiative that connects schoolchildren with veterans of the Second World War.
Emma Gilthorpe, chief executive of Royal Mail, said: “Behind every victory of a nation there are countless unsung heroes whose courage and sacrifice shaped the future of the world.
“On VE Day, we remember not only the leaders and generals, but the silent warriors whose contributions echo through history.
“For the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Royal Mail is proud to issue these stamps honouring the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of those who fought for freedom and peace.”
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Tommy Macpherson on one of 10 stamps that honour men and women who made extraordinary contributions during the Second World War to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
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John Harrison on one of 10 stamps that honour men and women who made extraordinary contributions during the Second World War to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
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Bhanbhagta Gurung on one of 10 stamps that honour men and women who made extraordinary contributions during the Second World War to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
PA
Among those featured in the new stamp collection are:
- George Arthur Roberts, who stands out as the first Black man to join the London Auxiliary Fire Service in 1938.
- Mary Morris, a wartime nurse, who documented her experiences in diaries that recount tending to soldiers who returned from Dunkirk
- John Harrison, who served aboard the Royal Navy’s HMS Belfast. He was responsible for maintaining its key “A” and “B” gun turrets.
- Bhanbhagta Gurung, who is remembered for his bravery under fire in Burma during Operation Longcloth, a feat that earned him the Victoria Cross.
- Thomas Peirson Frank, a civil engineer whose rapid-response teams repaired more than 100 breaches in the Thames wall during relentless air raids.
- William Tutte, a codebreaker whose work was key to decrypting the Lorenz cipher, the German code used for top-level communication and intelligence.
William Tuttue on one of 10 stamps that honour men and women who made extraordinary contributions during the Second World War to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
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Violette Szabo on one of 10 stamps that honour men and women who made extraordinary contributions during the Second World War to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
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The stamps and a selection of collectable items will be available to pre-order from Thursday and will go on general sale from May 1.
To celebrate the anniversary, Britain is set to mark the milestone with a four-day celebration beginning on May 5, 2025.
Commemorations will honour the millions who served in the Second World War across the UK and Commonwealth.
Events will include a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, followed by a flypast featuring current and historic aircraft, including the Red Arrows.
The Cenotaph will be dressed in Union Flags throughout the celebrations, echoing its 1920 unveiling.
Mary Morris on one of 10 stamps that honour men and women who made extraordinary contributions during the Second World War to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
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Mahinder Singh Pujji on one of 10 stamps that honour men and women who made extraordinary contributions during the Second World War to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
PA
Mini-sheet of stamps showing Dame Vera Lynn in different aspects of her wartime career to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day
PA
HMS Belfast, which fired some of the opening shots on D-Day in 1944, will host a street party.
Communities across the country are encouraged to hold street parties and gatherings, mirroring the celebrations that took place 80 years ago when the population welcomed the end of the war.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “The 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day are important opportunities for communities to come together to pay tribute to all those who served in the Second World War and to reflect on the values that they were fighting for.”
Ruth Bourne, 98, a Second World War Wren who worked at Bletchley Park, recalled: “There was an electric buzz among everyone and eventually the Royals came out and waved, and we cheered like crazy waving whatever we had on us.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “80 years ago, the freedoms we enjoy today were defended by our remarkable Second World War generation.”
Dr Tara Knights from the Royal British Legion added: “We owe it to all those from the Second World War generation to thank them for their bravery and sacrifice in the defence of freedoms we still enjoy to this day.”
