Product Description
The Centenary of the Royal Navy Submarine Service - 10 April 20012001 marks the centenary of the Royal Navy Submarine Service. Early submarines were, in fact, submersibles which spent most of their time on the surface and only submerged occasionally. Since the introduction of nuclear-powered engines, submarines can spend weeks below the surface of the oceans and ice caps.
The miniature sheet contains 4 x 1st class stamps
The stamps show the White Ensign flown by ships of the Royal Navy, the Union Flag, a submarine's 'Jolly Roger', and the flag of the Chief of the Defence Staff.
Background. The Union Flag dates from the 1801 unification of Great Britain (England, Scotland & Wales) and Ireland.
The Red, Blue & White Ensigns originated in the 17th century when the Navy consisted of red, blue & white squadrons. In 1674 use of the Red Ensign was restricted to the Merchant Navy fleet.
When submarines were introduced in 1901 Admiral Sir Arthur Wilson, suggesting that such vessels were very 'un-British', said that any submariner captured should be 'hanged as a pirate'. Subsequently a young submarine captain raised the 'Jolly Roger' as a mark of honour after sinking an enemy cruiser, and the flag was adopted as the emblem of submarines thereafter. The symbols are: Bars for ships sunk or disabled; crossed guns or stars for gun actions; daggers for 'cloak & dagger' activities.
The stripes on the flag of the Chief of the Defence Staff represent the Navy (dark blue), Army (red), and Air Force (light blue). The badge is the unified device of the services - an eagle for the RAF, swords for the Army, and an anchor for the Navy, surrounded by a garter and surmounted by the royal crown.
Technical details: The 92x95mm sheets are printed by The House of Questa in gravure; the stamps are 41x26mm.
