This May marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, an anniversary that brings with it a powerful new wave of VE Day stamps. Both Royal Mail and the Isle of Man Post Office have released commemorative stamp sets to honour the people behind the Allied victory in World War II. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your WW2 stamp collection, these new issues offer historical depth and strong visual appeal.
Royal Mail’s “Valour and Victory” VE Day 80th Stamps
Released on 1 May 2025, Royal Mail’s VE Day 80th anniversary stamps are part of a collection titled Valour and Victory: Stories of the Second World War. The issue includes ten new stamps, each featuring a remarkable individual who contributed to the war effort on the battlefield, in covert operations, or on the home front.
Here’s a snapshot of the people featured:
- George Arthur Roberts, a pioneer firefighter and one of the first Black servicemen in the London Auxiliary Fire Service
- Mary Morris, a military nurse active during the Dunkirk evacuation and in Normandy
- Violette Szabó, Special Operations Executive (SOE) agent in occupied France
- William Tutte, a codebreaker who helped unravel the Lorenz cipher
- Lilian Bader, one of the first Black women to serve in the RAF
Other stamps in the set honour Gurkha soldiers, Royal Navy gunners, and civil engineers—all central figures in Britain’s war story. These Royal Mail VE Day stamps shine a light on lesser-known heroes and reflect the diversity of the wartime generation.
A minisheet is also available, featuring Dame Vera Lynn, whose music and morale-boosting tours earned her the title of the “Forces’ Sweetheart.”
Isle of Man’s VE Day Anniversary Stamps
The Isle of Man Post Office issued its own VE Day stamps on 15 April 2025 to mark the end of WWII. This six-stamp set focuses on the spirit of VE Day itself, showing scenes of celebration, resilience, and remembrance through evocative wartime photography.
Highlights include:
- Crowds in Piccadilly Circus on VE Day
- Winston Churchill making the victory sign in Trafalgar Square
- The Royal Family greeting the public from Buckingham Palace
- Members of the Women’s Land Army at work
- Civilians sheltering in the London Underground
- Images captured by Leonard McCombe, a Manx photographer
This reflective collection captures the emotional highs and hidden efforts that defined the end of World War II, making it a perfect addition for anyone interested in WWII commemorative stamps.
VE Day Stamp Collecting in 2025
Commemorative issues like these remind us that stamp collecting isn’t just about design; it’s about memory. These VE Day 80th stamps tell personal stories and honour the unsung people who helped shape peace.
For collectors, they offer:
- A modern entry point into British war stamp collections
- Representation of diverse individuals across different roles
- A way to connect history with your collection today
If you collect modern Royal Mail stamps, love wartime history, or want to pass something meaningful on to future collectors, these are stamps worth picking up.
Where to Find the 2025 VE Day Stamps
You can purchase these VE Day anniversary stamps and collectibles online:
Royal Mail “Valour and Victory” collection:
- Available at shop.royalmail.com
- Includes Presentation Packs, Miniature Sheets, First Day Covers, and framed editions
- Also features coin and stamp bundles, like the 2025 VE Day 50p cover
Isle of Man Post Office set:
Includes Presentation Packs, Commemorative Sheetlets, and First Day Covers
Available at iompost.com
I will try to keep the stamp news & updates section as up to date as possible. If you’re a fan of thematic stamp collecting, take a look at my Mushrooms, Molds & Fungi collection.
