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

B-17 "Heavenly Body II" Flying Fortress Issue

B-17 "Heavenly Body II" Stamp

The CILP is pleased to announce the release of a single stamp design on 19 June, 2015, entitled “Heavenly Body II”.

It is a direct tribute to the aircrews of two B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 379^th Bomb Group, 8^th USAAF which collided in mid-air approaching Canvey Island whilst returning from a mission to destroy V-1 sites in France on 19 June, 1944. Indirectly it honours all USAAF aircrews operating from England during WWII.

© 2015 CILP

The stamp issue is named after the nickname of one of the aircraft, B-17 42-97942. The other B-17 involved was the un-named 44-6133. Eleven men died in the incident and seven survived, some of whom came ashore on Canvey Island.

The stamp features a B-17 on an airfield in England, showing the 1^st Division, 8^th USAAF yellow triangle tail marking. The 379^th was an element of the 1^st Division but the aircraft in the image is actually from another 1^st Division element, the 525^th Bomb Group.

The CILP has produced a limited edition 270 horizontal stamps measuring 59x20mm. All stamps are perforated and gummed.

First Day Cover and FDI Postcard

An associated limited edition of 12 First Day Covers has also been produced. Each cover bears a pair of stamps with hand-struck FDI cancel.  The cover measures 162x114mm and features the 8th USAAF patch and has a detailed card insert describing the incident.

© 2015 CILP

Six 'First Day Issue' postcards were also produced using the Dutch Cottage Heritage Postcard #1. They bear a single stamp on the reverse with a hand-struck FDI cancellation.

Buy Canvey Local Post Stamps

Early purchase of this issue is recommended as it is anticipated it will be popular with aircraft and military collectors in addition to Cinderella fans, especially the FDCs and FDI postcards.

Collectors may obtain this and previous issues (subject to availability) from Alpha Thematics at http://alpha-thematics.ebid.net (under menu section ‘Cinderella’)