[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Royal Mail Reveals Stamp Images Showcasing the Royal Marines Commandos – Britain’s Elite Fighting Force

• Eight stamps in the main set showcase some of the key roles and operations of the Royal Marines today
• These include: aviation operations; cold-weather operations; mountain operations; arid-climate operations; commando training; Band Service; amphibious operations; and maritime security operations
• A further four stamps are exclusively illustrated by Graham Turner, a leading military artist. Presented in a miniature sheet, the stamps explore the history of Royal Marines’ uniforms
• Royal Mail worked closely with the Ministry of Defence on the stamp issue
• The stamps are available from today (29 September) at
  www.royalmail.com/royalmarines and by phone on 03457 641 641
• The Presentation Pack, containing all 12 stamps, retails at £17.70

Royal Mail have revealed images of a set of stamps that showcase the history and modern-day operations of the Royal Marines.

Eight stamps in the main set depict some of the key roles and operations of the Royal Marines today.

These include: aviation operations; cold-weather operations; mountain operations; arid-climate operations; commando training; Band Service; amphibious operations; and maritime security operations.

A further four stamps are exclusively illustrated for Royal Mail by Graham Turner, a leading military artist. Presented in a miniature sheet, the stamps explore the history of Royal Marines’ uniforms from 1664 through to 1944. The miniature sheet features a backdrop of Denis Nighton’s painting of The Fall of Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, on the upper deck of ‘Victory’.
Royal Mail also worked closely with the Ministry of Defence on the stamp issue.
David Gold, Director of Public Affairs and Policy, Royal Mail 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 Royal Marines:
The Royal Marines were formed in 1664 as The Duke of York and Albany’s Maritime Regiment of Foot, and new regiments were raised whenever Britain needed them. In 1755 they became a permanent part of the Royal Navy and throughout their long history have served on land and sea.

In 2020 the Royal Marines became the Future Commando Force, their most significant transformation since the Second World War. Today, commandos are ready to deploy anywhere at a moment’s notice, be it warfighting, combat missions or humanitarian duties.

They are based close to trouble spots, on special operations, supporting the UK Carrier Strike Groups or supplying special NATO contributions. The Marines have returned to their roots as small groups of determined individuals; self-sustaining and self-sufficient, thinking on their feet, they move fast and with the initiative, cunning and boldness needed to seize opportunities that present themselves when an operation is underway.

Royal Marines have the longest infantry training period in the world. Scaling cliffs, finding inaccessible areas adversaries think are secure, coming from the sea in small boats and helicopters, working at night to conduct raids, moving in quickly, taking the enemy by surprise, getting out just as fast – these skills are the key elements of the Force.

Marines access areas that aren’t available to ordinary units. Commandos integrate the very latest defence technology: precision missiles, drones, bullet- and blast-proof shields, surveillance and communication systems all build on traditional commando skills, helping to ensure that the Marines are equipped for the 21st century.

The stamps are available now at www.royalmail.com/royalmarines and by phone on 03457 641 641. The Presentation Pack, containing all 12 stamps, retails at £17.70.