Red Arrows
Released on June 20, the Red Arrows: 60 Seasons stamp issue celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.
Known for their close-formation manoeuvres, precision teamwork and trademark red, white, and blue smoke trails, the Red Arrows have thrilled millions of people around the world, giving 5,000 displays in 57 countries.
In the process, they have become not just a showpiece for the RAF but also a significant international ambassador for Britain.
Eight stamps in counter sheets are based on stunning photographs, mostly taken in the air and illustrating formations from displays across the years.
An additional miniature sheet of four shows the Red Arrows on the world stage, flying over iconic international landscapes.
Formed in late 1964 as part of the Central Flying School (CFS), the Red Arrows initially flew seven red-painted Folland Gnat jet training aircraft from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
After making their public debut at the Biggin Hill Air Fair in 1965, they moved to nearby RAF Kemble in 1966, giving 85 displays that year, including a tour of the Mediterranean.
For 1968 the team was increased to nine, making possible the ‘Diamond Nine’ which would become a trademark formation, and in 1969 the Red Arrows were granted squadron status.
After 15 seasons flying the Gnat, they switched to the Hawker Siddeley Hawk T1 for 1980, and three years later they moved to RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.
A tour of the Far East in 1986 comprised 22 displays in 15 countries, and a world tour that lasted from October 1995 to February 1996 included visits to South Africa and Australia.
The Red Arrows took part in the Platinum Jubilee flypast over Buckingham Palace in June 2022 in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, and the Coronation flypast in May 2023 in honour of King Charles III.
In between, after 35 years at RAF Scampton, they relocated to RAF Waddington, also in Lincolnshire.
Designed by Interabang, the issue was printed in litho by Cartor. The counter sheet stamps are available in horizontally se tenant pairs.
1st class RED 1, 1967
Squadron Leader Ray Hanna flying ‘Red 1’ in close formation with the rest of the team of Gnats.
1st class DIAMOND NINE FORMATION, 1968
The ‘Diamond Nine’ formation, made possible after the team was expanded from seven to nine Gnats.
1st class GNATS LOOPING, 1976
The full team of nine Gnats performing a loop over RAF Kemble.
1st class GNAT WITH HAWKS, 1979
A single Gnat lined up on the ground with the Hawks which replaced it.
£2.00 SYNCHRO PAIR INVERTED PASS, 2003
A pair of Hawks flying upside-down in close proximity as part of the ‘Synchro Pair’ manoeuvre.
£2.00 VIXEN BREAK MANOEUVRE, 2007
All nine Hawks trailing coloured smoke as they prepare to scatter at the start of the ‘Vixen Break’.
£2.00 LAST FLIGHT WITH VULCAN XH558, 2015
The Red Arrows escort the last flying Vulcan bomber before its retirement from air displays.
£2.00 CORONATION FLYPAST, 2023
Formation flying over the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace following the Coronation.
MINIATURE SHEET
1st class
The Red Arrows flying over Niagara Falls, on the border of Canada and the USA.
1st class
The Red Arrows flying over the coast at Akrotiri in Cyprus, where many of the pilots have undertaken training.
£2.50
The Red Arrows flying over Paris, the capital of France.
£2.50
The Red Arrows flying over the Pyramids at Giza in Egypt.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS
The presentation pack, written by aviation expert Peter March, features further stunning photographs.
First day covers come with a choice of two special postmarks, including one from Waddington, the current home of the Red Arrows.
A press sheet of 12 imperforate miniature sheets is available, along with the usual set of stamp cards.
PRICES
Set of 8 stamps £13.40
Miniature sheet £7.70
Presentation pack £22.00
First day cover (stamps) £16.25
First day cover (mini sheet) £9.90
Press sheet £77.00
Stamp cards £5.85
VERDICT
COMMEMORATIVE WORTH 3/5
The Red Arrows are a source of British pride, but why was the 50th anniversary passed by?
QUALITY OF DESIGN 2/5
It’s the photography that does the hard work, rather than the design input
WOW FACTOR 5/5
Most of the images are stunning and beautifully composed, offering views you simply cannot get from the ground
