Royal Mail stamps salute RAF's best dressed

On sale from today, 18 September 2008, the RAF Uniforms stamp issue is the second in the Royal Mail's Military Uniforms series, which examines the history of the uniforms of the UK's armed services.

The six new stamps are three 1st class stamps and three 81p stamps. Each features a serviceman or woman representing a significant period of the RAF's history.

The stamps appear in reverse chronological order, starting in 2007 with the famous RAF Blue uniform of a Drum Major from the RAF's Central Band on the first 1st Class stamp, and ending on the 81p stamp with a leather-clad pilot from 1918.

An RAF spokesperson said:

"These are visually striking and unusual stamps. What is particularly great about them is that not only do they show the history and development of the Royal Air Force but they use our people to tell that story.

"Whilst the Royal Air Force prides itself in operating cutting edge technology none of our achievements over the last 90 years would have been possible without the people – it is the people that make the Royal Air Force and this is a fitting tribute from the Royal Mail."

Julietta Edgar, Head of Special Stamps, Royal Mail added:

"The stamps are a striking collection which celebrate and chart the history of RAF uniforms. The uniforms combine practicality with instant recognition across the military forces, worldwide for the RAF.

"The issue coincides with the service's 90th anniversary and celebrates the many aspects of the RAF; from pilots to plotters and from winchman to Drum Major."

The Royal Navy will feature in the next issue of the Royal Mail's Military Uniforms series in 2009.

The stamps and commemorative products are available from Post Offices from today. To find out more about the stamps and other stamp issues from Royal Mail see their website www.royalmail.com/stamps.

The Royal Air Force Military Uniforms, stamp by stamp:

1st Class - Drum Major RAF Central Band 2007
Pomp and ceremony, and the dress that goes with them, still have great value in projecting the public image of the RAF.

1st Class - Helicopter Rescue Winchman 1984
High visibility and protection against exposure to ice cold water are incorporated in the Immersion Suit used by Rescue Helicopter winchmen.

1st Class - Hawker Hunter Pilot 1951
The coming of the Jet Age meant that flying clothing laid greater emphasis on physical and physiological protection than providing warmth.

81p - Lancaster Air Gunner 1944
The electrically-heated Taylor Buoyancy Suit was special provided for Air Gunners isolated in their gun turrets in the rear of the fuselage of bomber aircraft.

81p - Plotter WAAF 1940
Smart, comfortable and serviceable, Airwomen's No.1 Dress remained unchanged in design until 1955.

81p - Pilot 1918
Developed from motoring garments, WWI flying clothing had to provide warmth and protection from the intense cold at altitude.