Royal Mail is marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with the release of a special collection of stamps honouring the remarkable individuals who contributed to the Allied victory during the Second World War.
The commemorative set includes 10 main stamps featuring lesser-known heroes from across Britain and the Commonwealth, alongside a mini-sheet celebrating Dame Vera Lynn, the iconic wartime singer whose voice brought hope to millions.
Among the individuals honoured are George Arthur Roberts, the first Black man to join the London Auxiliary Fire Service in 1938, and Mary Morris, a nurse who documented her harrowing experiences treating wounded soldiers returning from Dunkirk. John Harrison, who served aboard HMS Belfast and maintained the ship’s main gun turrets during intense naval battles, is also recognised.
The collection includes Bhanbhagta Gurung, awarded the Victoria Cross for his extraordinary bravery during Operation Longcloth in Burma, and Thomas Peirson Frank, a civil engineer who led teams that urgently repaired breaches in London’s Thames wall during air raids, preventing further devastation. William Tutte, the brilliant codebreaker instrumental in deciphering the Nazi Lorenz cypher, rounds out the tribute.
A separate mini-sheet focuses exclusively on Dame Vera Lynn, featuring images that showcase her contributions to wartime morale through music, tours, and broadcasts.
Royal Mail’s VE80 Postmark and Educational Outreach
In addition to the stamp release, Royal Mail will apply a special VE80 postmark on stamped mail throughout the week of the anniversary in May. The initiative is part of broader commemorations and aims to connect the public with the historic significance of VE Day.
Royal Mail is also supporting the VE Mail project—a letter-writing campaign that encourages schoolchildren to correspond with World War II veterans, helping bridge generations and keep the memory of their sacrifices alive.
How to Get the Stamps
The stamps and a full range of collectable products will be available to pre-order from Thursday, April 24, and will go on general sale starting Thursday, May 1 via the Royal Mail website.
‘Courage, Sacrifice and Resilience’
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.”
As the nation prepares to honour those who fought and fell for peace, this special stamp issue offers a poignant and personal way to remember their stories.
