Royal Mail unveils six new armed forces Remembrance stamps

Six striking new stamps featuring poppy-inspired artwork will honour Britain's armed forces, with the collection launching on Armistice Day.

Royal Mail has unveiled six poignant new stamps paying tribute to Britain's armed forces and the sacrifices made by generations of servicemen and women.

British artist Matthew Cook created the specially commissioned artwork for the Remembrance stamp collection. | Royal Mail/Press Association

placeholder image — British artist Matthew Cook created the specially commissioned artwork for the Remembrance stamp collection. | Royal Mail/Press Association

The special collection, featuring striking artwork inspired by the red poppy, will be issued on November 11 to mark Armistice Day. This year's release comes as Britain remembers the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest and most defining battles of the First World War, which began on July 1, 1916.

The six designs feature a colour palette inspired by the red poppy, a symbol of remembrance. | Royal Mail/Press Association

Each of the six stamps features specially commissioned artwork by British artist Matthew Cook, with a carefully chosen colour palette inspired by the poppy, a powerful symbol of remembrance. The designs reflect different aspects of commemoration, honouring those who served in two world wars and the many conflicts that followed.

David Gold, of Royal Mail, said remembrance continued to hold a profound place in British national life. He said: "Through these stamps, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who have served our country through two world wars and many other conflicts." He praised Cook's artwork as a fitting way to reflect on the sacrifices made by courageous men and women across generations.

The new stamps will be issued on November 11, marking Armistice Day and honouring generations of service personnel. | Royal Mail/Press Association

But the artist also has a deeply personal connection to the subject. Cook previously served as a reservist with the Parachute Regiment and The Rifles, and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. He said the commission was particularly meaningful because of his own military background. "Remembrance has a very special place in my life," he said.

Cook added that he was delighted to be asked to illustrate the stamps and take on the challenge of such a sensitive and significant subject. He said: "It is always a privilege to illustrate stamps for Royal Mail, and this project felt particularly special."

The collection offers a lasting tribute to the men and women who have served their country, while bringing the symbolism of the red poppy into homes and communities across Britain. With their release scheduled for Armistice Day, the six stamps will provide a new way for people to reflect on the courage, service and sacrifice remembered each November.