This is the first set in a five part landmark series that commemorates the First World War. This series will explore stories from the individuals who served as well as key art and poetry from the years.
The centenary of this conflict is being marked by Royal Mail with a series of 30 stamps to be released over the next five years. Each year of the war will be commemorated by a set of six stamps, exploring six themes: poppy, poetry, portraits, war art, memorials and artefacts.
Front of Prestige Stamp Book.
A fragment from Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’ carved by stonemason Gary Breeze, 1st class.
The Response, otherwise known as the Renwick Memorial, 1st class.
Private Tickle, an underage soldier who was killed during the Battle of the Somme, 1st class.
Images of Princess Mary’s Gift Fund box, 1st class.
Painting of a poppy by botanical artist Fiona Strickland, 1st class.
Christopher Richard Wynne Nevinson’s painting A Star Shell, 1st class.
The First World War stamps are available from 28 July online at http://www.royalmail.com/personal/stamps-collectibles-gifts, by phone on 08457 641 641 and and in 10,000 Post Offices throughout the UK.
The British Postal Museum & Archive blog 