Stamp set marks 80th anniversary of VE Day

A new set of Manx stamps celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day has been launched, depicting the "joy and hope felt after years of hardship" during World War Two.

The day commemorates the surrender of Germany to the Allied Forces on 8 May 1945, signalling the beginning of the end of the conflict.

The six-stamp set features photographs from the period, including one taken by Manx photographer Leonard McCombe, capturing a London street party scene.

Maxine Cannon from Isle of Man Post Office said the collection highlighted the "resilience, unity, and sacrifices made" and "the emotions of the day".

Among the images featured on the postal tribute are Winston Churchill waving to crowds in London and King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret appearing on a balcony at Buckingham Palace.

The set was curated with input from Ivor Ramsden, director of the Manx Aviation and Military Museum, who said the images "powerfully evoke the essence of a few brief days of rejoicing in 1945".

"The smiling faces of the crowds of people tell of a time of joy and hope after years of hardship, fear and tragedy."

The post office said while enemy aircraft had regularly been heard overhead during the early years of the war, the island was fortunate "to suffer minimal material damage from enemy action".

Ms Cannon said: "We hope these stamps serve as a lasting tribute to those who contributed to victory and peace."

"It is important to remember and honour their legacy for future generations", she added.

Further photographs taken during World War Two by Mr McCombe are set to be featured in a new exhibition to mark the anniversary.

Hosted Manx National Heritage, the display will go on show at the House of Manannan in Peel on 9 May.

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