Guernsey Post’s philatelic bureau announces that it will release commemorative stamps to mark the 80^thanniversary of Guernsey’s liberation from German occupation during World War Two. The six stamps, released on 1 May, depict articles across the timeframe of the occupation in 1940 to the liberation and recovery of the island in 1945.

The stamps

Occupation: Toy plane – a WW2 era Wellington bomber, home-made in wood during the German occupation.

Resistance: Silver pin badge, ‘V’ with the King’s head; silver (tarnished); a ‘V’ for Victory German Occupation resistance symbol from WWII, made by Alf Williams during the occupation.

Deportation: Aluminium mug – punch-decorated by William (Byll) Balcombe at Biberach Internment Camp, Germany. It is thought Byll decorated this cup when he arrived in Biberach to record their journey.

Red Cross: A Canadian Red Cross Prisoner of War food parcel issued to the civilian population during the German occupation.

Liberation: States of Guernsey liberation brass pin, which was given to children who remained in Guernsey during the German occupation.

Recovery: 7^th June 1945, King George VI and The Queen visited Guernsey and Jersey to welcome the oldest possessions of the Crown back to freedom. The Royal couple visited Candie Gardens where a speech was given by the Bailiff.

Bridget Yabsley, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post, said: – “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.”

The stamp products may be ordered at www.guernseystamps.com or by calling Philatelic Customer Services on +44 (0)1481 716486.