*
Royal Mail have announced the issue of another 'Flags' Smilers Sheet
following the 'Rule Britannia'
sheet issued last year.
The flag stamp was first issued as part of a miniature sheet in October
2001
The White Ensign is the flag of the Royal Navy, and is worn by all HM Ships in commission and by shore establishments. Some Civilian authorities with Naval connections have been granted permission to use it in special circumstances. Before 1864 the Fleet comprised 3 Squadrons using the Red, White and Blue Ensigns respectively. The present design dates from 1801.
The isssue of this sheet appears to be totally unconnected with either the Bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar or the Anniversary of the end of World War 2, which is an opportunity missed, I think.
Sailors will recognise the flags on the labels as:
K - I wish to communicate with you | Z - I require a tug | J - I am on fire | M - I am stopped |
V - I require assistance | C - Yes, affirmative | B - dangerous goods | Y - I am dragging my anchor* |
N - No, negative | P - The Blue Peter - about to leave | X - Stop your intentions | S - My engines are going astern |
E - I am altering my course to starboard | O - Man overboard | H - I have a pilot on board | A - I have a diver below |
I - I am altering my course to port | D - Keep clear | G - I require a pilot | L - You should stop immediately |
* Note: the Y flag is shown on the sheet as "I am dragging my anchor". For some reason it is also used to signal "I am carrying mails". Thus the banner at the top of the page reads: N O R V I C - we are carrying mails" !
Technical details:
Designed by Webb and Webb, the sheet is printed in litho by Walsall
Security Print so this produces a new stamp as the original
stamps were printed by Questa in gravure.
Stamp and postmark images are taken from Royal Mail's Philatelic
Bulletin and Postmark Bulletin, and are Copyright 2005
by Royal Mail.
Postmarks for use on the day of issue:
Ref M9614 Horatio Nelson, Burnham Thorpe, Kings Lynn, Norfolk |
Ref N9616 The White Ensign, Flagg, Buxton |
Ref L4674 Royal Mail Portmsouth - The Mary Rose |
Ref W4673 Royal Mail Plymouth - Smeaton's Tower |
|
We have produced an exclusive cover for this issue showing HMS Victory in Portsmouth Harbour, and the Stature of Lord Nelson outside Norwich Cathedral. This cover will be used with postmark M9614, as shown. Covers with single stamps will have the stamp at top right.
This alternative cover depicting the White Ensign and piece of public
sculpture will be used with other postmarks:
Prices (for either cover):
Cover with a single stamp and label - price £3.50 each
Cover with a split strip of 5 stamps and labels - price £5.50 each
Set of 4 covers with 4 split strips of 5 stamps & labels - price
£17.50
There will be no Royal Mail FDCs for these stamps.
Mint sheet - £7.85 Any single stamp £0.55
This page updated 12 June 2005
|
|
|
|||
January 11 Farm Animals |
February 8 British Journey - South West England 24 Jane Eyre & Brontes prestige book |
March 15 Magic Circle Centenary 22 Wilding Castles Miniature Sheet |
April 5 New definitives 8 Royal Wedding 21 World Heritage Sites 26 Definitive reprints provisional date |
May 10 Definitive reprints provisional date |
June 7 Trooping the Colour 21 Smilers sheet - Flag stamp, White Ensign 21 Definitive reprints provisional date |
July 5 End of World War II 19 British Motorcycles |
August 5 London 2012 Olympics 23 Europa - Gastronomy |
September 22 Independent Television 50th Anniversary |
October 4 Small greetings definitives & Smilers 18 Battle of Trafalgar |
November 1 Christmas Christmas Robins Smilers Sheet |
2006
programme HOME |