Description

75 Years of British Forces in Germany

Since 1945, British Forces have served in Germany in the form of the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) and latterly as British Forces Germany (BFG). During these 75 years, a warm and enduring relationship has built up between the British Forces and the local population. Regiments have been granted the Freedom of many towns as a gesture of friendship and respect. Innumerable serving personnel have married local people and many other events have been jointly celebrated, entwining the two communities together over the years.

2020 marks the 75th Year of the British Forces in Germany since 1945. To celebrate this historic milestone BFPS is producing a commemorative cover to be issued on the 25th August 2020.

The cover bears the formation badge of 21st Army Group, which has represented the British Forces during the 75 years of service in Germany. Listed on either side of the badge are some of the many BFPO locations synonymous with the British Forces and their families in North West Europe. A bespoke Royal Mail personal smiler stamp bearing the crossed national flags of the UK and Germany, symbolising friendship. This stamp will be cancelled by the BFPS uniquely numbered 3229 special handstamp.

The standard version of this cover will cost £9, whilst the limited edition (of 75) signed version is priced at £18. All covers include an A4 double-sided information insert telling the story of British Forces in Germany since 1945 and will be presented in a protective cellophane sleeve, making a very collectable souvenir of the occasion.

A very limited quantity of the bespoke Smiler stamps used on these covers will be available to order in full sheets (of 20) at £38 and half sheets (of 10) at £20.

The covers and stamp sheets can be ordered from the BFPS online shop (www.bfps.org.uk) or by post by sending a cheque (payable to ‘BFPS CIC’) to BFPS, The Old Post Office, Links Place, Elie, LEVEN, KY9 1AX.