A display showing the World War II commemorative stamp [Royal Mail]

A new stamp to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II has been launched by the Royal Mail at the Living Museum in St James's Park.

The stamp was presented by Douglas Muir, Curator of Philately at the British Postal Museum and Archive.  He described the background to the design, which shows St Paul’s Cathedral between a Victory searchlight:

"They took two of the images which were used on stamps in 1995 and made a new stamp from that.

"Stamps that have been produced before include the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings and also many other military anniversaries, particularly RAF commemorations such as the Battle of Britain."

Not all commemorative stamp designs are released to the public but this does not necessarily mean they are never seen.  Douglas explained:

"We keep all the artwork for these type of things and use them regularly for displays such as the one that we have here in St James’s Park, even those that have never even been used."

The launch of the stamp is part of the week long series of events designed to provide a focus for the nation to remember and an opportunity to pass the baton of remembrance to the next generation.  The sets cost £5 each and are available from BFPO, or they can be bought as individual postage stamps from any post office.

Related articles:

•  Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War Two

Related links:

• WW2 60th Anniversary Commemorations
• Veterans Agency
• Veterans Agency - Calendar of Events
• Imperial War Museum
• Their past-your future
• The Royal British Legion
• WW2 Peoples War
• Big Lottery Fund