Royal Navy Connections

Issue Date: 24 July 2001







Royal Navy Connections

This issue is historical in content with the quality stamps and Official First Day Cover proving a snapshot of Royal Naval connections with the Falkland Islands.

The Official Cover beautifully shows HMS Endurance in calm crisp waters with the design running the length of the envelope across the bottom.

The first recorded landing in the Falkland Islands is depicted on the 10p Value stamp featuring Welfare in 1690.

The 17p Value depicts HMS Invincible in 1914 during the Battle of the Falklands.

HMS Exeter with her guns firing during the Battle of the River Plate is shown on the 10p Value. During this historic battle HMS Exeter fired some 190 plus 8" inch shells three of which are recorded as having hit the German ship Graf Spee. Having been badly damaged in battle Exeter made her way to the Falklands arriving mid December 1939.

The 37p Value depicts the SN.R6 Hovercraft of Naval Party 8902. The Hovercraft arrived in the Falklands onboard an FIC Ltd charter vessel in October 1967. Mail was carried on the first operational flight of the Hovercraft between Stanley and Green Patch in November 1967.

The Hovercraft circumnavigated the Islands and with its capability on land and water was useful in supporting the Royal Marines who were based at Moody Brook near Stanley. The Falklands deployment provided the Navy with ample opportunity to test the craft crossing land. The longest land hoverway established was some 12 miles long on east Falkland.

The 43p Value depicts HMS Protector, an Antarctic Patrol Ship between 1955 and 1970. Her Wasp Helicopter is also shown on this beautiful stamp.

The 68p Value depicts Desire in 1592 and commemorates the first sighting of the Falkland Islands.



Technical Details

Designer: John Batchelor
Printer: The House Of Questa
Process: Lithography
Stamp Size: 28.45 x 42.58mm
Pane: 50 (2 x 25)
Perforation: 14.2 per 2cms
Watermark: Crown Agents
Release Date: 24.07.01
Values: 10p, 17p, 20p, 37p, 43p, 68p.





Copyright: FI Philatelic Bureau Created and Maintained by: Cyberpoint Limited