As part of its ongoing effort to honour the nation’s past through philately, Royal Mail has issued a remarkable new stamp set titled “Valour and Victory: Stories of the Second World War.” Released on 1 May, this powerful issue marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, shining a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals—both men and women—who shaped the course of the Second World War through courage, sacrifice, and service.
A Stamp Set That Tells Stories
This commemorative issue comprises ten individual stamps and a prestige stamp booklet (p.s.b.), all of which capture the heroism and contributions of people from various walks of life during WWII. The stamps are presented in se-tenant strips of five, with each stamp bearing the image of a different hero and identifying their wartime role—be it pilot, nurse, codebreaker, commando, or resistance fighter.
In addition to the individual stamps, the release also features a special four-stamp miniature sheet, paying homage to Dame Vera Lynn, the beloved national icon known as the “Forces’ Sweetheart.”
This issue doesn’t just celebrate victory—it captures the human stories behind that triumph.
Meet the Heroes Behind the Stamps
Each stamp offers a face to the many untold tales of courage from the war. Let’s take a closer look at the individuals honoured:
-
George Arthur Roberts, BEM, MSM (1891–1970)
A trailblazer and war hero, Roberts was the first Black man to join the London Auxiliary Fire Service in 1938. He served valiantly throughout the Blitz, often at great personal risk. His work earned him the British Empire Medal for bravery, as well as recognition for educating and leading fire safety discussions. -
Mary Morris (1921–1997)
A nurse whose compassion carried her through the horrors of both the home front and mainland Europe, including D-Day in 1944. Her diaries describe the heartbreaking task of tending to injured soldiers—many of whom had survived Dunkirk or the Blitz. -
Tommy Macpherson, CBE, MC, TD, DL (1920–2014)
Known for his daring escapades as a Commando, Macpherson undertook missions such as submarine insertions in North Africa and parachute drops into central France. He was a master of sabotage and guerrilla warfare, playing a key role in operations like Jedburgh, which helped prepare France for D-Day. -
Violette Szabó, GC
Born in Paris to British–French parents, Szabó volunteered for the Auxiliary Territorial Service and later the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Captured during a mission in France, she endured torture and imprisonment before her eventual transfer to Ravensbrück Concentration Camp, where she died. She remains one of the most celebrated female agents of the war. -
John Harrison (1914–2002)
A seaman with the Royal Navy, Harrison served aboard HMS Belfast, where he manned the main turrets during combat. Even after being severely wounded in an onboard explosion, he continued to serve after recovery, a symbol of resilience and duty. -
Bhanubhakta Gurung
One of the many Gurkhas whose bravery became legendary, Gurung’s stamp honours the vital role played by Gurkha soldiers in Burma, a challenging and deadly campaign that often gets overshadowed in WWII narratives. -
Thomas “Tommy” Frank
Another local hero, Frank served in London’s Fire Service during the Blitz, ensuring the protection of life and property even as bombs rained down across the city. His stamp is a salute to every civil defender who kept the country running through fear and fire. -
Mahinder Singh Pujji
One of the first Sikh pilots in the RAF, Pujji flew combat missions in Europe, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. His image represents the crucial contributions of soldiers from across the Commonwealth, whose stories are often neglected in mainstream WWII commemorations. -
William Tutte
A brilliant mathematician and codebreaker at Bletchley Park, Tutte’s work cracked the Lorenz cipher—a more complex system than Enigma—enabling Allied forces to intercept critical German communications. His stamp underscores the power of intellect in wartime victories. -
Lilian Bader
One of the first Black women to serve in the British Armed Forces, Bader worked as an instrument repairer in the RAF. Her pathbreaking service in a field dominated by men—let alone women of colour—earned her a place of honour in this set.
Stamps That Speak Through Design
Each of these stamps is marked as 1st class, featuring sepia-toned portraits overlaid with clean, minimalist wartime descriptors. The technical specifications for the stamp issue are as follows:
-
Stamps: 10 individual stamps
-
Stamp Size: 37mm x 35mm
-
Printer: Cartor Security Printers
-
Print Process: Litho, self-adhesive
-
Perforations: 14 x 14.5
-
Phosphor: 1st class bars
These details ensure the stamps are not just collectibles, but also high-quality tributes suitable for postal use and permanent display.
More Than Just Philately
Royal Mail’s decision to release this stamp set goes beyond traditional commemoration. It’s a powerful educational tool, highlighting lesser-known contributors from diverse backgrounds—including women, people of colour, and Commonwealth servicemen—whose heroism is often overlooked.
The inclusion of Dame Vera Lynn in the accompanying miniature sheet also lends a poetic touch. Her voice uplifted millions through the darkest days of the war. She was not on the front lines, but her contribution to morale was priceless.
Why This Issue Matters
In today’s fast-moving world, these stamps serve as small but powerful reminders of what was endured, what was sacrificed, and who helped secure peace. As Royal Mail aptly shows, Valour and Victory did not belong solely to generals and politicians—it belonged to nurses, firemen, codebreakers, and fighter pilots.
This stamp issue invites both collectors and the general public to pause, reflect, and remember the broad spectrum of wartime service.
Whether you’re a history buff, a philatelist, or someone who simply values human stories, this set is a poignant addition to your collection—and to our shared memory.