Royal Mail Unveils VE Day Stamps Honouring Unsung WWII Heroes
Royal Mail is celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a powerful new stamp collection. The special release pays tribute to the extraordinary individuals behind the Allied victory in World War Two.
10 Stamps Spotlight Unsung British and Commonwealth Heroes
The set features 10 main stamps dedicated to lesser-known heroes from across Britain and the Commonwealth. A commemorative mini-sheet highlights Dame Vera Lynn, the beloved wartime singer whose voice lifted millions during dark times.
- George Arthur Roberts – The first Black man to join the London Auxiliary Fire Service in 1938.
- Mary Morris – A nurse who bravely treated wounded soldiers returning from Dunkirk.
- John Harrison – Maintained main gun turrets aboard HMS Belfast during fierce naval battles.
- Bhanbhagta Gurung – Victoria Cross recipient for heroism in Burma’s Operation Longcloth.
- Thomas Peirson Frank – Civil engineer who led urgent Thames wall repairs during air raids, preventing major flooding.
- William Tutte – Brilliant codebreaker who cracked the Nazi Lorenz cypher.
The collection shines a spotlight on these silent heroes who shaped history through courage and sacrifice.
Special VE80 Postmark and School Outreach
To mark the anniversary week in May, Royal Mail will use a unique VE80 postmark on all stamped mail. This commemorative touch brings history straight to people’s doorsteps.
Royal Mail is also backing the VE Mail project, inviting schoolchildren to write letters to WWII veterans. This heartfelt initiative aims to connect generations and keep memories alive.
Get Your Hands on the Commemorative Stamps
The VE Day stamps and collectibles will be available to pre-order from Thursday, April 24, with general sales starting Thursday, May 1. Fans can snap them up via the Royal Mail website.
Emma Gilthorpe, Royal Mail CEO, said: “Behind every victory of a nation 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.”
This special issue offers a poignant, personal way for the nation to remember the sacrifices that secured our freedom.
