World War 2 in Stamps

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Spitfire attacking Stuka dive bomber - stamp artwork, 1965.

Most of the main events and British personalities of World War 2 have been portrayed on postage stamps. Many more are featured on stamp artwork not chosen for the final issues.

Stamps are often issued to mark significant dates and anniversaries, such as the Battle of Britain, D-Day, or the death of Winston Churchill. 

Sometimes a commemorative stamp issue will feature people, places and events from World War 2 amongst a wider theme, such as maritime heritage, or scientific achievement.

The BPMA is joining in the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the end of the war with this special slideshow. It includes stamps and stamp artwork from our enormous philatelic collection.

The stamp shown on this page was designed by David Gentleman and Rosalind Dease in 1965, to mark 25 years since the battle of Britain. The 1s3d stamp shows a Supermarine Spitfire racing after a Junkers 'Stuka' dive bomber. In fact, this is stamp artwork, as you may be able to see the overlays for the text.