Ten stamps share the courageous story of the Liberation of Europe, WW II.
Capture the essence of two pivotal moments in history through this special two-part collection of ten stamps sharing powerful imagery and stories from two of the Second World War’s most significant campaigns; 'D-Day 80 - The Road to Paris' and 'Operation Market Garden'. This collection serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice exhibited during these historic military campaigns.
Released in support of the national commemoration of the D-Day 80 campaign and Operation Market Garden, the collection of 10 stamps has been curated with the support of; Ivor Ramsden MBE, Director of the Manx Aviation and Military Museum, the National Army Museum,
Imperial War Museum and the Airborne Division Museum. Archive material has been brought together within an intricately designed and informative 28 page Prestige Booklet (ACF71), the standout item from this issue.
The first five stamps, 'D-Day 80 - The Road to Paris', depict the ground-breaking Normandy landings of June 1944, advancing through to the liberation of Paris. The first stamp in this collection features footage captured on D-Day by Manxman Norman Clague of the Army Film and Photographic Unit, used for the first time upon a stamp.
The second (bottom) row of five stamps studies Operation Market Garden, the bold Allied military endeavour to hasten the end of the conflict by securing key bridges and establishing a direct route into Germany through the Netherlands.
Throughout both campaigns, a number of Manx soldiers saw battle including Major Robert Henry Cain VC, who became the first and only Manxman to be awarded the Victoria Cross following his bravery during the Battle of Arnhem. Major Cain is pictured alongside Manxmen Flying Officer John Clague and Private Robert Cojeen.
The liberation of Europe during World War II was propelled by pivotal military operations such as D-Day and Operation Market Garden. D-Day, launched on 6th June 1944, saw the Allied forces storm the beaches of Normandy in a massive amphibious assault against Nazi-occupied France. This audacious operation, involving intricate planning and unparalleled coordination, marked a turning point in the war, establishing a crucial foothold on the continent and initiating the liberation of Western Europe.
Operation Market Garden, launched in September 1944, aimed to secure a series of strategic bridges in the Netherlands, allowing Allied forces to advance swiftly into Germany and hasten the end of the war. Despite initial successes, including the capture of several bridges, the operation ultimately fell short of its objectives due to logistical challenges and stiff German resistance.
Both D-Day and Operation Market Garden showcased the Allied forces' determination, bravery, and ingenuity in the face of formidable opposition. These operations demonstrated the Allied commitment to freeing Europe from Nazi tyranny and restoring peace and democracy to the continent.
Discover more of the stories and the heroics behind these daring campaigns through this joint collection of stamps.
| Images: | Imperial War Museum, National Army Museum, Manx Aviation and Military Museum & ParaData |
| Text: | Ivor Ramsden MBE & Isle of Man Post Office |
| Design: | Isle of Man Advertising |
| Printer: | bpost |
| Process: | Offset Lithography |
| Colours: | 4 plus metallic |
| Paper: | Tru White Litho 110g FSC |
| Perforations: | 11.5 per 2cm |
| Stamp Size: | 40 x 31.66mm |
| Number of Stamps | Ten |
| Format | 10 x Sheets of 20 |
| Date of Issue: | 29th April 2024 |
Limited Editions: Presentation Pack: 1750; First Day Cover: 2750
Product Code: ADF92
Product Issue Date: 31st October 2024
A very special limited edition cover, flown by Pegasus Parachute Display Team aboard a C-47 Dakota aircraft
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Product Code: ADF43
Product Issue Date: 29th April 2024
This Commemorative Pack combines the Prestige Booklet with both First Day Covers 'D-Day 80 - The Road to Paris' & 'Operation Market Garden', all housed in a special wrap.
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Product Code: ADF71
Product Issue Date: 29th April 2024
The story of 'The Liberation of Europe - WW II' as depicted on our stamps is narrated in this 28-page full colour booklet. This booklet features two pages of these exquisite stamps and additional issue text.
Product Code: ADF31
Product Issue Date: 29th April 2024
This set of 10 stamps celebrates 'The Liberation of Europe - WW II'. The collection focuses on two different events within the liberation of Europe:
5 stamps represent the heroic D-Day landings in its eightieth anniversary year titled ‘D-Day 80 – The Road to Paris’
5 stamps narrate the events of ‘Operation Market Garden’ with reference to three Manx soldiers who fought in the campaign.
Product Code: ADF36
Product Issue Date: 29th April 2024
Five stamps each are beautifully presented within these two vibrant panes: 'D-Day 80 - The Road to Paris' and 'Operation Market Garden', as featured in the Prestige Booklet 'The Liberation of Europe - WW II'.
Product Code: ADF41
Product Issue Date: 29th April 2024
This collection offers 2 Presentation Packs, each focussing on a separate event: 'D-Day 80 – The Road to Paris' and 'Operation Market Garden'. Each folder contains details of the stamps that are inserted within a clear acetate mounted black card.
Limited Edition
Product Code: ADF91
Product Issue Date: 29th April 2024
Two specially designed First Day Covers: one First Day Cover for 'D-Day 80 - The Road to Paris' and one First Day Cover for 'Operation Market Garden', both displaying 5 stamps cancelled with a special postmark.
Limited Edition
Product Code: AI44
Product Issue Date: 11th April 2019
The Armistice 50p coin sealed in a IOMPO illustrative card.
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