Royal Marines history celebrated in new Royal Mail stamps

A new set of stamps have been created to showcase the history and modern-day operations of the Royal Marines.

The Royal Mail has worked closely with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in their production, with eight stamps in the main set depicting some of the key roles and operations of the Royal Marines Commandos today.

These include tasks such as cold-weather operations, commando training, Band Service and maritime security operations.

The Royal Marines became the Future Commando Force in 2020, their most significant transformation since the Second World War.

Today, commandos are ready to deploy anywhere at a moment's notice, for warfighting, combat missions or humanitarian duties.

For more than 50 years, the Royal Mail's Special Stamp programme has commemorated anniversaries and celebrated events relevant to UK heritage and life.

It says there are an estimated 2.5 million stamp collectors and gift givers in the UK and millions worldwide.

As part of the set, a further four stamps have been exclusively illustrated for the Royal Mail by Graham Turner, a leading military artist.

These stamps explore the history of Royal Marines uniforms from 1664 through to 1944.

The miniature sheet of stamps features a backdrop of Denis Nighton's painting of The Fall of Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, on the upper deck of 'Victory'.

David Gold, the Royal Mails director of public affairs and policy, said: "Throughout their history, the Royal Marines have served around the globe by sea and by land, as sea soldiers and now as commandos.

"These stamps showcase some of the key roles and operations of the Royal Marines today."

The stamps are available from the Royal Mail and by phone on 03457 641 641. 

The presentation pack, which contains all 12 stamps, costs £17.70.