To mark this year’s Anzac Day Australia Post has released three new stamps featuring vintage postcards created to send to Australians serving overseas during World War I (1914-1918).
The postcards were hugely popular at the time of the first World War, and through this humble means loved ones were able to send their messages of support to the tens of thousands of Australians serving overseas.
The three base-rate domestic $1.10 stamps in the Postcards to the Front issue feature postcards of the iconic Laughing Kookaburra, and represent the naval, infantry and air forces through the birds’ hats.
Australia Post’s Group Manager Philatelic Michael Zsolt said postcards during World War I not only provided news from home, but also formed a valuable wartime record of the voices of those serving their country.
“For those fighting or caring for the wounded, postcards were an important way of connecting with a home half a world away, enabling them to reflect on daily life and share the emotions of the frontline,” he said.
“The stamp images also beautifully capture that larrikin nature of Australians which has long been embraced as part of the Anzac spirit.”
The stamps were designed by Jo Muré of the Australia Post Design Studio. Held in the collection of State Library Victoria, the postcards shown in the designs were produced by Valentine & Sons Publishing Co. in Australia to send to loved ones serving abroad.
The stamps and associated products are on sale now at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794, and online while stocks last. F
