September 2007
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This month Royal Mail has released two sets of special stamps. The first set, issued on 4 September 2007, is dedicated to Birds and is subtitled 'A celebration of survival'. It forms part of Royal Mail's Endangered Species stamp series. The second set issued on 20 September 2007, looks at British Army Uniforms.
For this month's 'Stamp of the Month' we take a look at previous stamp issues related to both subjects - endangered species and British Army Uniforms.
4 September - Endangered Species
These stamps are from the Endangered Species set from January 1998.
Many of the animals featured on these stamps are protected by law. The Common Dormouse is a good example. Loss of a suitable habitat in Britain has meant that their numbers are rapidly decreasing in this country.
The Lady's Slipper orchid is also listed as critically endangered in this country. It is at risk from human action, grazing and predation by animals and lack of natural regeneration.
Over half of the song thrush population of the UK has been lost over the last 25 years.
The mole cricket was thought to be extinct in the UK. It has, however, been rediscovered over thel ast few years.
RSPB stamps
These stamps are from the Centenary of Royal Society for the Protection of Birds stamps from January 1989. The RSPB was originally formed in 1889 to stop the increasing trade in 'grebe fur'. Since then it has grown from strength to strength into a well known organisation for the protection of birds in general.
20 September - British Army Uniforms
These stamps are from the British Army Uniforms set of stamps from July 1983. These stamps highlight the advances made from the red jacket to the camouflage uniforms now worn by British soldiers.
The Royal Green Jackets
The Royal Green Jackets brought new ideas to the British Army’s approach to training, tactics, equipment and man management. They have existed since 1850.
As their name suggests, they wore a green uniform instead of the standard red dress of other regiments of the army. This was an improvement as it could be used easily for camouflage.
The Green Jackets had such a good reputation they were also the first to have rifles, first to be chosen for motor battalions and as glider-landed troops.
They had numerous eminent officers such as Henri Bouquet, Francis de Rottenburg, Coote Manningham and Sir John Moore.
The Irish Guards
In 1 April 1900 the Irish Guards were founded by Queen Victoria. They were created to honour the Irish that had fought in the Boer War (1899 – 1902).
The Irish Guards wear a khaki uniform in memory of the Boer War when its camouflage properties were recognised. A soldier in a red tunic presented an all too easy target.
Every St Patrick’s day a member of the Royal family presents the Irish Guards with a shamrock. The tradition started in 1901 with Princess Alexandra.
The Irish Guards have had a history of nicknames. The first was “Bob’s Own” after the First Colonel of the Regiment – Lord Roberts. They are now known as “The Micks”. According to the Irish Guard website, no other regiment of Foot Guards has such a widely accepted nickname.
The Parachute Regiment
The paratroopers are a specialised force. They were formed at the start of the Second World War on the suggestion of Winston Churchill:
“ We ought to have a Corps of at least 5,000 parachute troops. I hear something is being done about this already to form such a corps, but only, on a very small scale.”Minute PM Winston Churchill to Chief of Staff. 22 June 1940
Soldier
Combat Engineer
Trade Training.
When you have completed the Paratroopers training you are allowed to wear the cherished parachute wings.
We want you to contact us with your suggestions for future Stamps of the Month. But remember, your ideas must be based on a forthcoming stamp issue from Royal Mail.
