Post by anthony on May 13, 2009 9:11:09 GMT
see www.the-islander.org.ac/art_6502.html
The Islander (Ascension Island Government) 07.05.2009 (
On 7 May 1909, the Admiralty placed the first specific order for an aircraft for military operations; an act that would ultimately lead to the Royal Navy setting many of the standards and practices that are used to this day.
Centenary of Naval Aviation – Release Date: 7th May 2009
In this, the Centenary year of naval aviation, we are proud to present a commemorative edition of stamps that recognises the four naval aviators whose heroic deeds have been recognised in history by their award of the Victoria Cross. The relationship between Ascension Island and the Royal Navy is long standing, with Royal Marines being garrisoned on the island during the 19th Century and the use of the islands as a staging post for ships. On 15 June 1942, a Swordfish Aircraft from the Escort Carrier HMS Archer made the first landing at Wideawake Airfield. It was however during the preparation phase of the Falklands War in 1982, that an even greater bond was formed with the Navy when aircraft ferried personnel and supplies between the United Kingdom, Wideawake and ships at anchor.
35p - Warneford VC
The first 35 pence denomination stamp features Flight Sub-Lieutenant Reginald ‘Rex’ Warneford VC Royal Navy who on 7 June 1915 over Ghent, Belgium, attacked and destroyed the German Zeppelin LZ37. After dropping his bombs on the airship, it exploded which overturned his aeroplane, stopped his engine and forced Warneford to land behind enemy lines to effect repairs. Using some tubing from his lifejacket, he repaired a leaking fuel pipe and then returned to his base. He was killed 10 days later in an air crash near Versailles.
35p - Bell Davies VC
The second 35 pence denomination stamp features Squadron Commander Richard Bell Davies who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 19 November 1915. During a bombing mission at Ferrijik Junction, Bulgaria he noticed that one of his colleagues, Smylie, had been forced to put down in enemy occupied territory. Risking his own life to save Smylie, Bell Davies manoeuvred his single-seat Nieuport to land and rescue his colleague. The two men took off well within rifle range of the closing Bulgarian soldiers, landing at their base shortly after.
40p - Esmonde VC
The 40 pence denomination stamp features Lieutenant Commander Eugene Esmonde who, on 12 February 1942, led six Fairey Swordfish aircraft of 825 Naval Air Squadron on an audacious attack against the three German heavy cruisers, Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen. For a variety of reasons, all of the plans to support this mission went awry and despite the odds being against them, Esmonde tenaciously led his Squadron on to their prey. All six aircraft were shot down and sadly, of the eighteen aircrew that took part, only five survived.
50p - Gray VC
On 9 August 1945, Robert Hampton Gray led an attack on Japanese shipping in Onagawa Bay off Honshu, Japan. Despite intensive anti-aircraft fire, having selected an enemy destroyer as his target, Gray made straight for it. His aircraft was hit many times as he closed his quarry, catching fire as he pressed home his attack. He let go his bombs some 50 feet from the destroyer, which sank almost immediately. Gray did not return from this mission.
We acknowledge with thanks the assistance of Gary Rimay-Muranyi of the Fly Navy Heritage Trust and for their permission to use the Fly Navy logo.
Technical details:
Designer: Ross Watton
Printer: BDT International
Process: Lithography
Perforation: 14 per 2cms
Stamp size: 28.45 x 42.58mm, se-tenant.
Sheet layout: 8 stamps (4 se-tenant pairs per sheet)
Release date: 7 May 2009
Production Co-ordination: Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd
N.B. The full set consists of 8 stamps with a combined face value of £3.20p. Each value is produced in a sheetlet of 8 stamps with a different decorative border depicting the Victoria Cross and describing the events of the action which earned the flyer his award.
These beautifully designed stamps and two official first day covers will be on sale at the Post Office for a period of fifteen months provided stocks last. Overseas customers may view and purchase them by visiting out web site www.postoffice.gov.ac or enquires may be made to the Philatelic Bureau, Ascension Island Post Office, Georgetown, Ascension Island, ASCN 1ZZ or telephone + (247) 6260 Fax + (247) 6583
The Islander (Ascension Island Government) 07.05.2009 (
On 7 May 1909, the Admiralty placed the first specific order for an aircraft for military operations; an act that would ultimately lead to the Royal Navy setting many of the standards and practices that are used to this day.
Centenary of Naval Aviation – Release Date: 7th May 2009
In this, the Centenary year of naval aviation, we are proud to present a commemorative edition of stamps that recognises the four naval aviators whose heroic deeds have been recognised in history by their award of the Victoria Cross. The relationship between Ascension Island and the Royal Navy is long standing, with Royal Marines being garrisoned on the island during the 19th Century and the use of the islands as a staging post for ships. On 15 June 1942, a Swordfish Aircraft from the Escort Carrier HMS Archer made the first landing at Wideawake Airfield. It was however during the preparation phase of the Falklands War in 1982, that an even greater bond was formed with the Navy when aircraft ferried personnel and supplies between the United Kingdom, Wideawake and ships at anchor.
35p - Warneford VC
The first 35 pence denomination stamp features Flight Sub-Lieutenant Reginald ‘Rex’ Warneford VC Royal Navy who on 7 June 1915 over Ghent, Belgium, attacked and destroyed the German Zeppelin LZ37. After dropping his bombs on the airship, it exploded which overturned his aeroplane, stopped his engine and forced Warneford to land behind enemy lines to effect repairs. Using some tubing from his lifejacket, he repaired a leaking fuel pipe and then returned to his base. He was killed 10 days later in an air crash near Versailles.
35p - Bell Davies VC
The second 35 pence denomination stamp features Squadron Commander Richard Bell Davies who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 19 November 1915. During a bombing mission at Ferrijik Junction, Bulgaria he noticed that one of his colleagues, Smylie, had been forced to put down in enemy occupied territory. Risking his own life to save Smylie, Bell Davies manoeuvred his single-seat Nieuport to land and rescue his colleague. The two men took off well within rifle range of the closing Bulgarian soldiers, landing at their base shortly after.
40p - Esmonde VC
The 40 pence denomination stamp features Lieutenant Commander Eugene Esmonde who, on 12 February 1942, led six Fairey Swordfish aircraft of 825 Naval Air Squadron on an audacious attack against the three German heavy cruisers, Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen. For a variety of reasons, all of the plans to support this mission went awry and despite the odds being against them, Esmonde tenaciously led his Squadron on to their prey. All six aircraft were shot down and sadly, of the eighteen aircrew that took part, only five survived.
50p - Gray VC
On 9 August 1945, Robert Hampton Gray led an attack on Japanese shipping in Onagawa Bay off Honshu, Japan. Despite intensive anti-aircraft fire, having selected an enemy destroyer as his target, Gray made straight for it. His aircraft was hit many times as he closed his quarry, catching fire as he pressed home his attack. He let go his bombs some 50 feet from the destroyer, which sank almost immediately. Gray did not return from this mission.
We acknowledge with thanks the assistance of Gary Rimay-Muranyi of the Fly Navy Heritage Trust and for their permission to use the Fly Navy logo.
Technical details:
Designer: Ross Watton
Printer: BDT International
Process: Lithography
Perforation: 14 per 2cms
Stamp size: 28.45 x 42.58mm, se-tenant.
Sheet layout: 8 stamps (4 se-tenant pairs per sheet)
Release date: 7 May 2009
Production Co-ordination: Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd
N.B. The full set consists of 8 stamps with a combined face value of £3.20p. Each value is produced in a sheetlet of 8 stamps with a different decorative border depicting the Victoria Cross and describing the events of the action which earned the flyer his award.
These beautifully designed stamps and two official first day covers will be on sale at the Post Office for a period of fifteen months provided stocks last. Overseas customers may view and purchase them by visiting out web site www.postoffice.gov.ac or enquires may be made to the Philatelic Bureau, Ascension Island Post Office, Georgetown, Ascension Island, ASCN 1ZZ or telephone + (247) 6260 Fax + (247) 6583