World War II

Falkland Islands commemorates involvement in World War II

When Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939 the world went to war for the second time, just 21 years after "the war to end all wars". The scope of this new war was not yet apparent. Without doubt this was to prove to be the most expensive and extensive war in history. It would last six years, involve the majority of the world's countries in every inhabited continent, cost more than 50 million lives (the greater proportion being civilian) and cause millions more to suffer. It affected the lives of three-quarters of the world's population and influenced everyone's life to some degree. In the words of HE Governor Cardinall in 1944, these were years of "wonder and awe, vast tragedy and unbelievable heroism, suffering inconceivable and bravery undreamed of".

Impact of World War II

The Falkland Islands and Islanders could not escape the impact of this war. Whereas, in the First World War the islands were the scene of a major Naval Battle, in WWII they were not touched directly by the fighting. However, despite the Islands limited resources, more than 150 men and women left the islands to serve overseas in the Royal and Merchant Navies, Royal Air Force and various units of the Army. Others worked in factories, the Land Army and in civil defense duties. Islanders found themselves aboard HMS Exeter at the Battle of the River Plate, HMS Zulu at the sinking of the Bismark, Fire-fighting during the Blitz, at D-Day and in The Battle of Britain, to mention a few. Many died in the service of their Country and are remembered in the Falkland Islands Roll of Honour 1939-1945.

Victory

In the Falklands every able bodied man served in the Defense Force (FIDF), considerable funds were raised for the war effort and everyone had a part to play in the local security arrangements.
Finally, at 7pm 14th August 1945, Prime Minister Clement Atlee's broadcast from London, announcing peace was joyfully received in the Islands amid much celebration. In 1946 a detachment of Falkland Islanders proudly participated in the Victory Parade in London.

Stamps in detail

Issue: Falkland Islands, 29 June 2005
Print: Lithography by Cartor
Perforation: 14
Stamp size: 28 x 42 mm
Stamp design: Andrew Robinson

More information

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