St Paul's & Victory

This stamp issue from May 2005 marked the 60th anniversary of the end of World War 2 in Europe. It shows St Paul's Cathedral, flanked by searchlights making a V for Victory.

Victory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 1945 was the official celebration of the surrender of Nazi Germany. Massive celebrations took place in London, where St Paul’s Cathedral still stood, as it had throughout the war, as a symbol of Londoners' defiance of the Blitz.

VE Day was technically May 9 in Britain, according to the terms of the surrender signed on 7 May by German General Alfred Jodl (one minute past midnight, by British Double Summer Time used during the war). Journalists leaked news of the German surrender, and celebrations could not wait! In the states of the former USSR, ‘Victory Day’ marking the end of ‘the Great Patriotic War’ is still celebrated on May 9.

St Paul’s Cathedral in London did not wholly escape damage during the Blitz. It was struck by a bomb on October 9, 1940, and sustained inevitable damage to its stained glass windows and exterior walls from bomb splinters. The windows were replaced by clear glass, which had been the original intention of architect Sir Christopher Wren.

This stamp was originally issued as part of a set called Europa: Peace and Freedom. Another stamp featured a photography-based design of British troops and French civilians celebrating the end of the war. Other stamps in the set were illustrations: images of symbolic hands with the Red Cross, releasing a Dove of Peace, and raised in thanks. The stamp shown here was designed by J Gorham.

If you have enjoyed this slideshow, have a look at How The Post Office Went to War. This slideshow features photographs and documents from the BPMA collections, to highlight the work of the postal service in wartime.

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