RAF Aldergrove Issue Their 'Stamp Of Approval'

It's 'chocks away' this week as Royal Mail joins forces with the 'youngest' of the armed forces to celebrate the history of Royal Air Force uniforms with six new stamps.

On sale now, the RAF Uniforms stamp issue is the second in Royal mail's Military Uniforms series, which examines the history of the uniforms of the UK's armed services.

Launched at RAF Aldergrove, there are six new stamps in the set - three 1st class stamps and three 81p stamps.

Each features a serviceman or woman representing a significant period of the RAF's history.

Group Captain D J Stubbs, Station Commander, RAF Aldergrove said: "I am delighted that Royal Mail has produced this historic range of stamps in this the Royal Air Force's 90th year. The images perfectly illustrate the progression of uniforms and flying equipment in use since the formation of the service in 1918.

"The equipment depicted in the stamps ranges from the heavy leather coat of 1918 used to protect aircrew in open cockpits from the extreme cold at altitude through to the much more modern and practical waterproof high visibility immersion suits used by our Search and Rescue Crews. The stamps perfectly combine pomp and ceremony with practicality and personal protection."

The stamps appear in reverse chronological order, starting in 2007 with the famous RAF Blue uniform of a Drum Major from the RAF's Central Band on the first 1st Class stamp, and ending on the 81p stamp with a leather-clad pilot from 1918.

Barbara Roulston, Head of External Relations, Royal Mail, Belfast, said: "The stamps are a striking collection which celebrate and chart the history of RAF uniforms. The uniforms combine practicality with instant recognition across the military forces, worldwide for the RAF.

"The issue coincides with the service's 90th anniversary and celebrates the many aspects of the RAF; from pilots to plotters and from winchman to Drum Major," she said.

The next issue in the Military Uniforms series will be Royal Navy Uniforms in 2009.

(BMcC)