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Commemorating the illustrious 100-year history of the world's first independent air force – The Royal Air Force (RAF) - Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) commissioned a set of eight commemorative stamps, officially licenced by the Ministry of Defence.
Since the stamp collection was launched, it has been well received by those who have and are still serving in the RAF, as well as stamp collectors, worldwide.
To further celebrate this milestone anniversary, Isle of Man Post Office shared the stamp collection with several RAF bases and organisations that have strong links with the RAF. Below is a selection of photos to show where the stamps have travelled so far..
Air Vice Marshal David Murray OBE, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund with Isle of Man Post Office 100 Years of the Royal Air Force stamp collection.
One of the key charities that support the RAF is the RAF Benevolent Fund, which cares for more than 65,000 serving and former RAF personnel and their families. The significance of the RAF Benevolent Fund is acknowledged in the 100 Years of the RAF Stamp Sheets and Prestige Booklet. The booklet also includes additional text on the history of the RAF written by Air Vice Marshal David Murray OBE, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund.
The 2018 Chinook Display team at RAF Odiham holding an enlarged stamp from the Isle of Man RAF 100 stamp collection
The 2018 Chinook Display team at RAF Odiham holding the Isle of Man RAF100 £1.00 value stamp, which features a Chinook and RAF Odiham.
Credit: Crown copyright
Flight Lieutenant Danny Streames from RAF Lossiemouth with Isle of Man RAF 100 RoW value stamp featuring a Typhoon jet and RAF Lossiemouth, with a Typhoon in background.
The Isle of Man RAF 100 RoW value stamp featuring a Typhoon jet and RAF Lossiemouth, with a row of Typhoons in background, at the RAF Lossimouth base.
Flight Lieutenant Danny Streames from RAF Lossiemouth, with a the iconic Spitfire in the background
Credit: Crown Copyright
In conjunction with the 100th year anniversary of the Royal Air Force (RAF), the Isle of Man Post Office organised a meet and greet session attended by representatives of the Isle of Man RAF Air Cadets and Isle of Man RAF Association, as well as pilots from RAF Valley who have flown into Ronaldsway Airport, Isle of Man, in two RAF aircraft, Hawk T2, specifically for the event.
(Standing from left to right) Flt Lt Max McNamara, Flt Lt Dan Bass, IOM RAF Air Cadet, His Excellency Lieutenant Governor, Flt Lt Declan Monaghan, Lt Garry Clark, Chairman of Isle of Man Post Office, Julie Edge MHK, with the RAF Air Cadets from the Isle of Man
His Excellency Lieutenant Governor with the Isle of Man RAF100 stamp board at the Meet & Greet with the Royal Air Force, Ronaldsway Airport.
(Left to right on the aircraft) Flt Lt Declan Monaghan, Lt Gary Clark with the IOM Air Cadets and Maxine Cannon, General Manager Isle of Man Stamps and Coins (standing far right).
Ben Glazier presenting the official RAF100 stamps to Gp Cap James Brayshaw on behalf of the Isle of Man Post Office. Glazier Design created the stamps for the Isle of Man Post Office and were invited to present them at the Graduation Parade for No 607 Course - Beckett Intake at RAF Halton.
Credit: Crown Copyright
Tony Randle, representative from the Isle of Man Post Office, presenting the 100 Years of the RAF Commemorative Plaque to the Royal Air Force College Cranwell Commandant, Air Commodore Peter Squires OBE ADC MA BEng(Hons) RAF.
Credit: Crown Copyright
Isle of Man RAF 100 EU value stamp board that features a Lancaster, in the cockpit of an Avro Lancaster Bomber.
The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre was set up 30 years ago and is widely seen as a living memorial to the 55,500 men of Bomber Command who lost their lives during WW2. It holds one of the rarest aircraft, an Avro Lancaster Bomber in its collection along with many wartime vehicles including a Ford WOT1 Crew Bus, the only one of its kind known in existence.
Credit: Crown Copyright, Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
The Royal Air Force Museum London, is located on the former Hendon Aerodrome, with five major buildings and hangars dedicated to the history of aviation and the Royal Air Force.
Amy Dobson, RAF Museum staff holding the Isle of Man RAF100 1st Class value stamp board featuring a Sopwith Camel, with a Sopwith Camel in the background.
Amy Dobson, RAF Museum staff holding the Isle of Man RAF100 EU value stamp board featuring a Lancaster, with a Lancaster in the background.
Amy Dobson, RAF Museum staff holding the Isle of Man RAF100 1st Class value stamp board featuring a Spitfire, with a Spitfire in the background.
Amy Dobson, RAF Museum staff holding the Isle of Man RAF100 £1.00 value stamp board featuring a Vulcan, with a Vulcan in the background.
Credit: RAF Museum
The 100 Years of the RAF stamp collection issued on 15th January 2018, is a commemorative set that has an incredible depth of information in relation to the RAF history. The stamps feature images of iconic RAF aircraft, key airfields, personnel, medal ribbons, flags, the RAF Ensign, and a secret message in morse code which is visible under UV light. Once deciphered, the message reveals the well-known poem 'High Flight', by John Gillespie Magee, a Canadian Air Force pilot who trained at the RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire. Click here for more information about the stamp collection.