Occupation artefacts feature on new Guernsey stamp series

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 17:30

Stamps commemorating 80 years of freedom from German Occupation will be released by Guernsey Post.

The Channel Islands were occupied by German Forces during the Second World War, from 30 June 1940 until 9 May 1945.

Celebrating the 80th anniversary of British forces liberating the islands, Guernsey Post has announced a series of commemorative stamps.

The designs, that will be available from 1 May, feature several occupation artefacts: A wooden toy plane, a 'V for Victory' resistance symbol, an aluminium mug decorated by a Guernseyman sent to a German camp, a Red Cross Prisoner of War food parcel, and a child's Liberation brass pin.

The sixth stamp, labelled "Recovery", features an image of King George VI and The Queen, who visited the island on 7 June 1945.

Bridget Yabsley from Guernsey Post says the collection is special.

“We are honoured to issue stamps to commemorate this poignant milestone.

"Now celebrated annually, Liberation Day is a reminder of the resilience and courage of islanders during a dark chapter in Guernsey’s history.

“We are grateful to Guernsey Museums for its assistance and for providing the images of the objects depicted on the stamps, which are items in its collections, and also to Simon Hamon for providing the 1945 photograph of the Royal visit.”