Withdrawal of Online Stamp Catalogues

The CILP has reluctantly decided to withdraw from the public domain our illustrated  Online Catalogues covering 2010-2021.

Due to abuses of our Creative Commons licence by some bad agents and AI 'bot' stripping of our images without credit or permission, it has become necessary to remove the illustrated catalogues from our website. 

This is a double-edged sword as visitors will be unable to view the wide range of stamps we produce and available to collect, and we lose an important advertising medium. However, our 'Collector Checklist' page will be retained and the format has been updated to include thumbnail images for all issues.

For collectors who want an in-depth and fully illustrated catalogue of CILP issues and cinderella philatelic material, including full design details and background stories, a catalogue is being prepared for print release for our 15th Anniversary in November 2025. It will be available worldwide from Amazon and published by Flag House Press.

Postmaster

New Issue: Aviators No.3 - No.121 'Eagle' Squadron RAF

CILP is delighted to announce its second issue for 2025 and the third stamp in the Aviators Series. This is the first stamp in the series to salute a group of aviators rather than an individual, and it commemorates the American volunteers that served and flew in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during WWII in the three famous ‘Eagle’ Squadrons. 

In particular CILP honours the men of No.121 Sqn. RAF, the second squadron formed from American volunteers in May 1941 who flew from various airfields in Essex including RAF Rochford (now London-Southend Airport), around twelve miles from Canvey Island. The squadron was formed on 14 May 1941 and originally flew Hawker Hurricanes then converted to Supermarine Spitfires, shooting down their first enemy aircraft on 15 November 1941. The squadron flew offensive missions over the English Channel and operated as bomber escorts.

CP070 - No.121 'Eagle' Sqn RAF

The design shows RAF Rochford in 1942 with staff watching a returning flight of Supermarine Spitfire MK VBs (cannon armed) of  No.121 'Eagle' Sqn. Alongside the period image (photo credit: IWM D 9509), is the official badge of the 'Eagle' squadrons.

Technically it was illegal under US law for them to serve in a foreign air force at war, but the contribution made by these American volunteers was greatly appreciated. In September 1942 the squadron was transferred from the RAF to the USAAF (along with No.71 and No.133 'Eagle' Sqns RAF), No.121 Sqn becoming the 335th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, Eighth Airforce, USAAF. The No.121 RAF 'Eagle' Squadron was officially disbanded on 29 September 1942.  

A First Day Cover has been created for this issue and can be obtained along with mint stamps at Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.

Postmaster

New Cover Service!

The Canvey Island Local Post is delighted to introduce its new Cover Service. Following a successful trial, this service is now being introduced for all collectors in the United Kingdom.

The service is aimed at collectors who wish to obtain cancelled CILP stamps, including First Day Issue events, on personally addressed covers previously sent to the CILP.

All fees charged for the service will be used to finance the Canvey Island Local Post, stamp production, its website and associated services, to ensure its viability for the future.

Visit our Cover Service page for details.

Postmaster