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Tristan da Cunha is a remote group of volcanic islands in the south Atlantic Ocean and the main island of that group. It is the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world. 

The territory consists of the main island of Tristan da Cunha itself, along with the smaller, uninhabited Nightingale Islands and the wildlife reserves of Inaccessible and Gough Islands.

The island which has a permanent population of around 300 people is part of the British overseas territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.

 

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022, due for release 15th February 2023.

On 8 September 2022 Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She will be sorely missed on both sides of the Atlantic and across the free world.

  

 

 

Vagrant Species Part 3. Released 6th October 2022.

 

Salvin's Albatross or Salvin's Mollymawk, is a large seabird about 90 cm (35 in) long and with a wingspan of 2.5 m (9 feet). It is closely related to the White-capped Albatross, which is a more regular visitor to Tristan’s waters. 

Salvin’s Albatrosses mainly breed on the Bounties and Snares, groups of small rocky islands with little vegetation south of New Zealand. At sea they mostly range across the South Pacific to winter in the Humboldt Current off the west coast of South America, but some birds wander more widely, occasionally reaching South Africa. The species has not been recorded at sea around Tristan or Gough, but there are a couple of records of adults ashore in Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross colonies on Gough Island. They might be prospecting for new breeding opportunities because a few pairs breed among other mollymawk colonies on two islands in the Crozet Archipelago, southeast of Africa.

The nest is a pedestal made of mud, feathers, and bird bones. A single egg is laid in September, and incubated by both parents until early November. The chicks fledge after about 4 months. They mainly feed on fish and cephalopods, and often scavenge scraps from fishing boats.

£1.00 - Great Egret (Ardea alba)

 

Unlike the Common Sandpiper, it is usually polyandrous; most females mate with and lay clutches for more than one male, leaving incubation to them. As a result, their eggs are smaller than those of the Common Sandpiper. Male Spotted Sandpipers incubate the eggs for about 20–23 days, and care for the chicks once the eggs hatch. Adults forage on insects, crustaceans and other invertebrates as well as small fish and carrion, which they pick from the ground or in shallow water. Vagrants have been recorded from the main island of Tristan on several occasions, usually feeding along the coast near Edinburgh of the Seven Seas.

FDC Cover - Antarctic Fur Seal (Arctocephalus gazella)

The Antarctic Fur Seal is one of eight fur seals in the genus Arctocephalus, and is closely related to the common, resident Subantarctic Fur Seal A. tropicalis that breeds at Tristan and Gough Island. As its name suggests, the Antarctic Fur Seal has a more southerly distribution, breeding at islands off the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia as well as sub-Antarctic islands east to Macquarie, south of New Zealand. The two species breed together on the Prince Edwards, Crozets and Macquarie. Only occasional young Antarctic Fur Seals reach Tristan and Gough, although they also wander to South Africa.

 

 

The Legacy of Jacques Cousteau 1910 – 1997. Due for release 3rd October 2022

 

 

Jacques-Yves Cousteau died of a heart attack on 25 June 1997 in Paris, two weeks after his 87th birthday. Cousteau's legacy includes more than 115 television documentaries, 50 books, and an environmental protection foundation. Cousteau liked to call himself an "oceanographic technician". He was a sophisticated showman, teacher and lover of nature. His work permitted many people to explore the resources of the oceans whilst his television series, in particular, informed, thrilled and inspired millions.

The Government of Tristan da Cunha has chosen to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the death of Jacques Cousteau with the release of this special stamp issue.

These stamps celebrate the innovations of Jacques Cousteau who, through his pioneering writing and filmmaking inspired a generation of divers and scientists that have been able to teach us so much about the oceans that surround us. 

 

 

  

 

 

Centenary of the Death of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Released 25th May 2022

The great polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) rose to fame in 1915 when his vessel, the Endurance, became trapped in pack ice and sank. Against all the odds, Shackleton succeeded in getting all his men back to safety, a tale of resolve and selfless leadership that is celebrated as one of the greatest stories of human endeavour from an era that has come to be known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Fittingly the Shackleton family’s motto reads ‘Fortitudine vincimus’. By endurance we conquer.

 

 

Shackleton’s first journey south was in 1901, on the Antarctic expedition ship Discovery. Led by British naval officer Robert Falcon Scott, Shackleton and Edward Wilson trekked in pursuit of the South Pole in extremely difficult conditions. They got closer to the Pole than anyone previously.

In 1908, Shackleton returned to the Antarctic as the leader of his own expedition, on the ship Nimrod. They made many important scientific and geographical discoveries and set a new record by getting even closer to the South Pole. He was knighted on his return to Britain.

The race for the South Pole ended in 1911 with Amundsen’s conquest and in 1914 Shackleton made his third, now well-known expedition, with the ship Endurance.

In 1921, Shackleton returned to the sub-Antarctic on the Shackleton-Rowett Antarctic Expedition, John Quiller Rowett was a friend of Shackleton’s (they had known each other since their school days at Dulwich College) and the expedition’s sole financier.

More commonly known as the Quest expedition, this was to be Shackleton’s fourth and final expedition. Large crowds gathered as the ship, Quest, left St Katherine Docks in London on 17th September 1921.

After arriving at the quiet waters of King Edward Cove in South Georgia, Shackleton unexpectedly died in the early hours of the morning on the 5th January 1922. His final diary entry reads: ‘A wonderful evening. In the darkening twilight I saw a lone star hover, gem-like above the bay.’

The Quest ship doctor, Alexander Macklin recorded in his diary, ‘I think this is as the boss would have had it himself, standing lonely on an island far from civilization, surrounded by a stormy tempestuous sea, and in the vicinity of one of his greatest exploits.’

 

 

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40th Anniversary of Falklands Liberation

Released 16th May 2022

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - Released 24th March 2022

On 6th February 2022 Her Majesty The Queen became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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60th Anniversary of Tristan's 1961 Volcanic Eruption : Part 2 Royal Society Expedition, 1962.

Due For Release 21st March 2022 

 

The Tristan Post Office would like to acknowledge the kind help and assistance of Mike Faulds and Richard Grundy.

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Blue Belt  Programme - November 2021

This special issue is a collaboration between postal administrations which sees Ascension Island, British Antarctic Territory, South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, and Tristan da Cunha celebrate and highlight their Marine Protected Areas.

 

 

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60th Anniversary of Tristan's 1961 Volcanic Eruption : Part 1 Eruption and Evacuation - November 2021

Commemorating the islanders’ arrival in Southampton aboard RMS Stirling Castle on that day in 1961

The volcanic eruption on Tristan da Cunha in October 1961 was the defining event in the island’s history as the entire community was forced to evacuate their island. After two months of worrying earth tremors, the entire population sought shelter at the Potato Patches as a threatening mound grew and threatened to erupt immediately above the village on 9th October.

Overnight the mound displayed volcanic activity, pushing up hot cinders and emitting sulphurous gases. On the following fateful day, Tuesday 10th October, the entire population of 264 islanders and 31 expatriates were miraculously evacuated safely in calm conditions off the island. Longboats ferried them to the fishing vessels, Tristania and Frances Repetto, which took them to Nightingale Island for another uncomfortable night. By now HMS Leopard was speeding from South Africa, but the community did not have to wait for its arrival, as the Dutch liner, Tjisadane, due to call to pick up passengers that day and with plenty of spare berths, loaded all aboard to complete the evacuation of the islands on 11th October.

 

 

Administrator Peter Wheeler stayed behind and with crew members from the fishing boats went back ashore on Tristan the following day to secure valuables, including cash, firearms, and stamps. HMS Leopard completed a salvage operation over the next two days. Tjisadane arrived in Cape Town to be welcomed by the world’s media on Monday 16th October. Islanders were treated to generous hospitality and showered with gifts from locals anxious to befriend and assist the refugees who were now international celebrities. Soon islanders and expats boarded the RMS Stirling Castle which departed Cape Town on Friday 20th October for the next stage of an epic journey that would take 24 days and cover 15,408 kms or 9578 miles.

His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh 1921 – 2021 - September 2021

The Tristan da Cunha community were saddened to learn of the death of Prince Philip on 9th April 2021 and sent their sincere condolences to HM Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal Family.

The Chief Islander of Tristan da Cunha, Councillor James Glass, led tributes from the British south Atlantic archipelago:

"Prince Philip visited Tristan da Cunha in 1957. He steered the boat that brought him ashore, and islanders still recall the energy and generosity with which he engaged in activities in our village. He showed interest in our crafts and took part in a traditional dance. He unveiled the plaque that named our community centre the Prince Philip Hall.

His Royal Highness took a continuing interest in Tristan, which is the remotest settlement on earth. From across the miles, we send our deepest condolences to Her Majesty”.

 

 

His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh's visit to Tristan da Cunha on 17th January 1957 was the single most important social event in the island's history. Ever since then he showed a constant interest in the island and made a special contribution as a royal and loyal friend.

To this day his visit still holds a place in the hearts and memories of those who witnessed it.

Islanders recall his informality and his easy way of talking to people, as well as the efforts that the islanders went to in order to make HRH feel welcome.

HRH arrived on HM Royal Yacht Britannia during a long journey back from the 1956 Olympic Games that he had opened in Melbourne. He visited a thriving Tristan community which had been planning for this great day for many months. Despite recent wet weather the village was spruced up in his honour, houses were painted, welcome arch ways erected, and a full programme organised.

Five newly painted Tristan longboats put out to sea to welcome HM Yacht Britannia and Prince Philip to the island. As can be seen on the FDC, HRH took the tiller of the leading boat to arrive at the beach where he was welcomed by islanders in their Sunday best, women and girls gathered in bright printed dresses and headscarves on the plateau above whilst, on the beach below, the men in dark suits and ties were ready to haul the boats ashore. Cheers greeted His Royal Highness as he came ashore for a day which included visits to the Big Beach fishing factory and island homes to view knitwear being made and a display of local handicrafts.

At St Mary’s Church the Duke saw the organ given by Queen Mary and the White Ensign laid up from HMS Magpie (a frigate once under his command). The centrepiece of the day was the ceremony at the site of a new community hall, then a steel frame fixed to concrete foundations. After speeches of welcome from Administrator Pat Forsyth-Thompson and Chief Islander Willie Repetto, the Duke laid the first stone, (with a shilling under it, for luck) and accepted the gifts from the Island: for the Queen a beautiful model longboat, for Prince Philip, a knitted

island wool cardigan and an album of photographs, for Prince Charles, a model boat and blue fish-eye marbles, for Princess Anne a model spinning wheel, and for all of them pairs of colourful island socks. After the naming of the building 'Prince Philip Hall' there were visits to the hospital and island store.

A cheerful football match on the sloping cattle pasture ended with the score: Islanders 2 Britannia Crew 2. The Tristan football team has never had an away fixture! After tea, the Yacht's band played for an adults' dance, and His Royal Highness took part in the famous Tristan Pillow Dance.

Islanders were nervous and apprehensive prior to the Duke's visit, but his cheery interest and informality at once put everyone at ease.

 45p, 80p, £1.05, £2.30

 

Technical Details:-

 

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Sharks Part 2 - July 2021

 

45p - Bluntnose Sixgilled Shark - (Hexanchus griseus)

The Bluntnose Sixgill shark is the largest of the hexanchoid sharks growing to 20 ft (6m) in length and is often called cow shark. It is of ancient lineage, with more of its closest relatives being fossil sharks from the Triassic period than living today. It is found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide. This stout shark with six-gill slits has a short blunt snout, a broadly rounded mouth and its single dorsal fin is set far back near the caudal fin. It has small green eyes and broad comb-like teeth, brown to dark grey above fading to greyish-white on its belly, and its fins have thin white trailing edges.

Adults generally stay deeper than 330ft (100m), while juveniles can often be found in shallower water. The diet of Bluntnose Sixgill sharks varies widely with region, feeding on a wide range of marine species, including other sharks, rays, chimaeras, bony fish, squids, crabs, shrimps, carrion and even seals. Although they have been reported as being sluggish in nature, their body structure enables them to reach remarkable speeds for chasing and effectively capturing prey.

They are probably nocturnal hunters, and are usually seen near the surface only at night. In 1989 an immature male was caught at Gough Island. Bluntnose Sixgill sharks were seen on 30% of camera drops from 190-1027m by the National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition to Tristan in 2017. This species is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

 

70p - Great Lanternshark - (Etmopterus princeps)

Lanternsharks are a difficult to identify species, and one caught at Inaccessible in 1993 by Capt. E. Stoffberg, of the M/V HEKLA, was provisionally identified as Great Lanternshark (Etmopterus princeps). This is a relatively small deepwater shark of the family Etmopterida and is normally found in the North and Eastern Central Atlantic.

This species of shark is small and stout, growing up to 30 in (75cm), and is uniformly dark blackish brown. It has a moderately long, broad tail and long gill slits. The dorsal fins have an associated spine but it lacks an anal fin. Great Lanternsharks can be found in waters over 4000 m deep, but they typically swim between 300 to over 2000 m deep. Lanternsharks (Etmopterus - not identified to species level) were seen on 56% of camera drops from 714-1404m by the National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition to Tristan in 2017. Listed as Least Concern very little is known about the life and habits of this deepwater shark.

 

£1.10 - Shortfin Mako - (Isurus oxyrinchus)

The world’s fastest shark, the Shortfin Mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), commonly referred to as the mako shark, blue pointer or bonito shark, is a large mackerel shark, which can reach a size of 13ft (4 m) in length. It can be found worldwide in tropical and temperate waters, both inshore and in the open ocean. It is cylindrical in shape, with a vertically elongated tail.

This species exhibits countershading, with brilliant metallic blue coloration dorsally and white ventrally, which helps to camouflage it from both above and below in the open ocean. The shortfin mako is highly migratory and is known to travel long distances. It inhabits depths from the surface down to 490ft (150m) feeding mainly upon cephalopods and bony fish including mackerels, tunas, bonitos, and swordfish, but it may also eat other sharks, porpoises, sea turtles, and seabirds.

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60th & 50th Anniversaries of Decimalisation on Tristan - May 2021

If it was not already unique enough, Tristan da Cunha is the only territory to have dedecimalised its currency, although this move was forced on it by circumstances rather than being a deliberate choice. And yet, for nearly a hundred years, Tristanians used no money at all.

Early Trade

The aim of Tristan’s original settlers in the 1810s was to make money by sealing and supplying passing vessels with fresh water and provisions. This trade involved some barter and whatever currencies ships’ captains had to hand – mainly British pounds and US dollars.

 

 

Trade thrived while southbound American whalers and eastbound British sailing clippers called at the island, but once the whaling grounds were fished out and steamers could take a shortcut through the Suez Canal the business failed. Although some cash changed hands, barter became the main form of commence, and imported goods were often in short supply.

There was virtually no money on the island by the end of the 19th century. Tristan became reliant in the early 20th century on supplies and materials sent by well-wishers, including Douglas & Sir Irving Gane’s Tristan da Cunha Fund. The current ‘governor’ or SPG missionary ensured that donations were distributed fairly.

Tristanians had no use for money among themselves. Each family was expected to grow, rear, fish and hunt for its own food. If they didn’t or couldn’t, no one would be allowed to starve, but food could not be bought and would not be sold. Whenever labour was required, for instance for building or thatching, the beneficiary simply provided the gang with three meals during the work day, which still happens. 

Royal Navy Chits

So unfamiliar was the concept of money, lectures were held for the islanders on “currency” at the school.

Potatoes As Currency 

The potato as a unit of currency came to represent Tristan’s barter economy during World War II, largely thanks to Allan Crawford. He was an old friend of Tristan, who was brought in to liaise with the islanders, and who published the first Tristan Times on 6th March 1943. This was a single typed foolscap sheet of world and island news. In the absence of cash, the Tristan Times bore the unusual price “3 cigarettes or 4 big potatoes”.

There was still precious little cash around in the late 1940s, when Allan Crawford was helping the island petition for the introduction of postage stamps. He famously printed promotional essays priced in potatoes and pence – 4 potatoes to the penny. One cannot help but imagine people wandering around with pockets stuffed with potatoes as loose change!

Real Cash And First Decimalisation

Apparently, islanders abandoned money after the Navy left in 1947, although savings remained in the savings bank. However, money returned to the island with the inauguration of the crawfish industry. When HMSAS Transvaal carried South African factory personnel to Tristan in 1949, it also brought bags of South African money in the ship’s safe – the first appreciable amount of cash to be introduced to the island.

Like today, the work was seasonal and not a full time occupation, but with regular supply ships and the opening of the store, there was a range of foods, household goods and material to spend money on.

At some point in the 1950s, South African money was withdrawn, leaving just British currency. However, the Cape Town-based fishing company's finances and most purchases for the island store were still in South African currency.

South Africa decided to decimalise its currency in 1961, the Rand of 100 cents being pegged at 2 Rand to the Pound Sterling. It was therefore decided to align Tristan's currency to South Africa for ease of administration.

Administrator Peter Day reissued Tristan’s postage stamps on 15th April 1961, reprinted with the values in Rand and cents, while his successor Peter Wheeler oversaw the replacement of British pounds, shillings and pence with 4,000 Rand in South African notes and coins. Wheeler led a briefing session in the Prince Philip Hall and remembered the islanders taking to the new system “like ducks to water”.

Second Decimalisation

Tristan da Cunha’s brush with decimal currency only lasted a few months, because the volcanic eruption of October 1961 caused everyone to be evacuated to England and back to pounds, shillings and pence. 

To complicate matters, South Africa left the British Commonwealth on 31st May 1961 because of Apartheid. The move to the Rand could therefore have become a problem for Tristan had the volcano not intervened. The political situation was unresolved in 1963 when the islanders returned to Tristan, so when they resettled, they continued using English money.

Peter Day says that when he returned as Administrator during resettlement in April 1963, he carried ashore £2,000 in cash, which kept the island going for the next two years!

The United Kingdom subsequently decimalised the British pound in 1971 – 100 New Pence to the pound. Tristan da Cunha therefore went through a second decimalisation exercise at the same time, using British coins and notes. The existing stamps were overprinted and re-issued with new decimal values.

Money on Tristan Today

Although Tristan da Cunha is part of the British Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, it does not use St Helena notes and coins, but continues to use English currency. The savings bank still operates, and international banking is done through Crown Agents. There are no credit or debit card facilities on Tristan, because the customer base is too small for this to be viable.

Islanders still have little use for money among themselves, although nowadays islanders will sell beef to each other when an animal is slaughtered, and crisps, eggs, vegetables and meat as well as cooked food are sold, mainly in the shop and pub.

Collectible Tristan Coins

While Tristan does not issue its own coins for daily use, it is allowed to issue commemorative coins for collectors and investors. A steady stream of issues are produced and marketed under contract with The Commonwealth Mint, making a significant contribution to the island’s revenue. These coins are mostly gold and silver, and with some occasional exceptional pieces such as the Wedgwood Jasperware £5 coin issued in 2018, and the dome shaped Moon coin issued in 2019. All the coins are legal tender on the island; although as limited edition commemorative coins, their face value is lower than their bullion value or their value to collectors.

Peter Millington

Description of the Stamps 

50p – Early Trade with Ships – Featuring a British gold sovereign and a United States dollar of the 19th century period when the islanders sold goods and produce to passing ships, and bought (when they could not barter) necessaries such as tea, sugar and flour. The background shows a sailing ship off the coast of Tristan. 

90p – WWII Navy Station: Potatoes & Chits – Featuring one of the typed two shilling chits, redeemable at the canteen, used to pay the Tristanians who helped to build the Royal Navy Station, and a South African pound note of the period. Potatoes could also be used to pay for some items. The background is an aerial view of station buildings taken after the war.

£1.15 – First Decimalisation 1961 – Featuring a South African pound note and two shilling piece as paid by the fishing company, and the corresponding two Rand note and 20 cent piece when decimalised currency was introduced in 1961. The background shows the first fishing factory at Big Beach, which was swept away by the volcano.

£2.00 – Second Decimalisation 1971 – Featuring a Bank of England pound note from the 1960s & 70s, along with a British two shilling piece and the corresponding ten new pence piece from when the UK decimalised in 1971 – also the smaller 10p piece used today. The background shows Calshot Harbour (built after the resettlement), the current fishing factory and the settlement’s “central business district”.

FDC – Collectible Tristan Coins – Featuring a selection of commemorative coins (to scale) issued for collectors and investors, including the Wedgwood Jasperware five pounds coin, a cupro-nickel five pound coin issued to commemorate the queen’s birthday in 2006, a gold square quarter sovereign issued in 2019, and a silver pound coin issued in 2020.

 

Technical details:

Designer Bee Design

Printer Cartor Security Printing

Process Stochastic Lithography

Perforation 13 ¼ x 13 ¼ per 2cms

Stamp size 36 x 36mm

Sheet Layout 10

Release Date 26 May 2021

Production Coordination Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd

 

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95th Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

The Tristan da Cunha Post Offic takes great pleasure in releasing a set of six stamps in celebration of The Queen’s 95th birthday.

The stamps will be released on Her Majesty’s actual birthday, 21 April. Each of the stamps depict key aspects of Her Majesty’s life, from a young Princess, to her Coronation and Marriage as well as managing to enjoy some Leisure time and Pageantry, out and about fulfilling her Royal Duties.

 

 

On her twenty-first birthday, 21 April 1947, Princess Elizabeth was with her parents and younger sister, Princess Margaret, on a tour of South Africa. In a speech broadcast on the radio from Cape Town, the Princess dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth. The theme of the stamp issue, “Devoted to your service”, is taken from that speech: “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

This special issue is a collaboration between 11 postal administrations which sees the three Crown Dependencies, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man, join The Bahamas and seven UK Overseas Territories, Ascension Island, British Antarctic Territory, British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands, and Tristan da Cunha to mark the birthday of the world’s longest reigning monarch.

Stamps

• 35p Princess. A beautiful portrait by Cecil Beaton of Princess Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace, 1946. (Photo by PA Archive/PA Images).

• 45p Coronation. A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Imperial State Crown, after her Coronation 2 June 1953 in Westminster Abbey. (Photo by Sport and General/Barratts/EMPICS Archive via PA Images).

• 50p Marriage. The Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh stand next to a display of Spanish items from the Royal Collection during the state visit of Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at Buckingham Palace in central London on July 12, 2017. (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images).

• 70p Leisure. The Queen watching Highland Horses in the Copper Horse Arena during the Royal Windsor Horse Show at Windsor Castle in 2009. (Photo by Gareth Fuller/PA Archive/PA Images).

• £1.10 Pageantry. Queen Elizabeth II, wearing the Imperial Crown, walks in procession through The Royal Gallery on her way to give her speech during the ceremonial state opening of Parliament in London 13 November 2002. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP WPA POOL/AFP via Getty Images).

• £1.50 Royal Duty. Queen Elizabeth II arrives to unveil a memorial to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother on the Mall, in central London, on February 24, 2009. Prince Charles paid a heartfelt tribute to his "darling grandmother" as the Queen unveiled the national memorial. (Photo by KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images).

• The FDC features two images of Her Majesty; a contemporary picture of the Queen who is fondly known throughout the world and a beautiful portrait, circa 1929, of the young Princess Elizabeth before it was realised that she would be acceding to the throne. (Photos via Getty Images).

Technical details:

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The Sword Of Peace - December 2020

The Sword of Peace is a prestigious award conveying a very positive message. It was established by the British sword maker Wilkinson Sword in 1966 with the company presenting ceremonial swords to units of the Royal Navy (including the Royal Fleet Auxiliary), British Army, and Royal Air Force that had made the most outstanding contributions to good and friendly relations with communities at home or overseas. After Wilkinson stopped the production of swords in 2005, Firmin & Sons began sponsoring the award.

As part of the Naval Service, Royal Fleet Auxiliaries have received a number of these awards and Tristan is proud to be associated with the very first Royal Fleet Auxiliary to receive this award.

 

 

In 1969, RFA Ennerdale, a Dale-class mobile reserve tanker launched in 1962, was diverted from her normal tasking to refuel the South African destroyer SAS Simon van Der Stel which was en route to Gough Island, in the South Atlantic, to search for two missing South African meteorologists from the weather station there who had gone on a hike hours before the island was hit by a violent and unexpected storm. The SAS Simon van Der Stel’s journey took almost two weeks as she endured high seas and foul winds. 

Once the South African ship had reached Gough Island, RFA Ennerdale steamed to Tristan da Cunha to collect a 12-man volunteer search party to assist in the search. Although the South African Navy had had many men ashore, searching Gough’s unforgiving terrain, before the return of the Ennerdale, they had not managed to locate the missing men.

The Tristanians moved off in a different direction from that taken by the original search party and quickly located the bodies of the two meteorologists by noon of the same day. They had died of exposure several days before. The island volunteers sailed to Cape Town with the SAS Simon van Der Stel, returning to Tristan on the MV R.S.A. She sailed on to Gough Island collecting the two bodies to take back to Cape Town thus ending a tragic operation. 

£2.50

The Sword of Peace was presented to RFA Ennerdale in 1970, shortly before the ship was lost on an uncharted reef in the Seychelles. 

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At the time, the SAS Simon Van Der Stel was the only helicopter equipped vessel in the South African Navy. Prior to its sale to South Africa along with its Wessex Helicopter, the Simon Van Der Stel saw active service in the Royal Navy as HMS Whelp. 

As a new Fleet Destroyer, HMS Whelp sailed to the Indian ocean to join the British Pacific Fleet in 1944 with her newly appointed First Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten (now Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh). She was to be the last warship that he served on and was present at the Japanese surrender of Hong Kong (arriving with Admiral Fraser onboard) and at Tokyo for the formal Japanese surrender. 

The First Day Cover shows the meteorological base on Gough Island together with a special 1969 commemorative cover signed by all 12 members of the Tristan Volunteer Search Team.

 

 

 

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       ST012232    The Sword of Peace    Mint Set
       ST012233    The Sword of Peace    CTO Set
ST012234    The Sword of Peace    FDC

 

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Modern Mailships – New Definitive Issue - December 2020

Tristan da Cunha is the most remote inhabited island in the world lying some 2,430km from St. Helena and over 2,800km from Africa. The island was discovered in 1506 by the Portuguese navigator Tristão da Cunha. In 1816 a British garrison was established, and when it was disbanded a year later, Corporal William Glass chose to stay on the island. He can be regarded as the founder of the present community.

 

 

Mail from and to the island became very important as it was their only opportunity to communicate with the outside world. Quite often, this could take years, as they were dependent on passing ships, like whalers, to carry the mail. Eventually, after numerous requests, British war ships would call annually but even this waned. Since the fishing concession started around 1950, fishing vessels now call regularly and usually carry mail to and from Tristan, from Cape Town.

This definitive stamp issue, following on from the 2015 Early Mailships Definitive, depicts ships that called at the island between 1957 and 2020. Of course, most of the ships calling at Tristan would carry mail or produce special covers, and as such not all of the ships from this period are included.

1p - RRS JOHN BISCOE (2) (1957)

The second of two ships bearing this name, it was built by Fleming and Ferguson Ltd, Paisley, for the Falkland Island Dependencies Survey (FIDS) and launched in 1956. On her maiden voyage, passengers included HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, visiting some of the FIDS research stations during the 1956/57 season. Initially the RRS John Biscoe (2) operated as a cargo vessel to resupply FIDS (later BAS) research stations. Increasingly she supported hydrographic and marine biology surveys, and geological landings. Following a major refit in 1979, her role became that of a platform for marine science, particularly the Offshore Biology Programme.

She called at Tristan on 13th May for a few hours, and again on 11th November 1957, with 4 bags of mail, passengers Miss Rhoda Downer, a schoolteacher and Mr Dennis Simpson (Agricultural Officer), Mrs Simpson and their three boys. The John Biscoe lost her motorboat and her barge was washed up on the beach. Some crew was stranded on the island until the storm blew itself out and the islanders were able to use their craft. Miss Downer’s luggage had to be repacked so they could get it ashore. RRS John Biscoe brought a lot of cargo for the island including a new X-ray machine presented by the Government for the island hospital.

2p - SS BRASIL (1960-1965)

An American cruise liner owned and operated by Moore-McCormack Lines. She first visited on 13th April 1960. Some of the island’s two dozen Roman Catholics were able to receive the ministries of a priest of their Church who was a passenger on-board. On her, second visit on 21st February 1964 heavy seas prevented landings. However, the day before the island mail was taken on-board MV Tristania. This was then transferred to SS Brasil and mail from her was handed over to Captain Scott of MV Tristania for posting ashore when weather improved. Her last visit was on 13th February 1965. The beach was rough and only one boat made it to the ship for bartering.

5p – MFV GILLIAN GAGGINS (1965-1973)

This 1180-ton crayfish-processing vessel was built by Barship in Bayhead (Durban) shipyards in 1965, especially for the South Atlantic Development Cooperation, for rock lobster fishing in Tristan waters. This floating factory and refrigerator vessel replaced the Francis Repetto, which worked

alongside the MV Tristania. Her maiden voyage was made in November 1965. After offloading cargo and mail, she took on dinghies for the fishing crew to catch crayfish. By 1970 the dinghies were replaced with a long-line-traps method used by MV Tristania and two small catchers. MFV Gillian Gaggins was altered to a full-time processing, packing and freezing ship to act as a mother ship for the catcher vessels. By 1973, the method of fishing had changed and she was considered outdated and replaced by MV Tristania II who then became the number-one ship. 

10p - MV RSA (1963-1977)

The 1573-tonne R.S.A. was South Africa’s first Antarctic supply vessel. She was built in Osaka, Japan, and launched in September 1961. Its first visit was on 15th April 1963 bound for Gough Island with meteorology staff. The first ship to call after the Settlement Survey Period bringing mail for 66 islanders and officials. The courageous collection, by dinghy, of mail and gifts in rough weather was illustrated in the National Geographic Magazine (January 1964).

In the next 16 years the R.S.A. (nick-named by some “Rolling Slowly Along”) made visits every year to South Africa’s meteorological stations on Gough and Marion and in Antarctica to relieve teams or on special voyages for medical or other emergencies. Her last visit to Gough and Tristan was in Oct 1977 and in 1978, the S.A. Agulhas replaced her.

25p - RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 (1979)

Commissioned in December 1968 the QE2 was built in Clydebank by the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders who had also built the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth. The QE2 visit 8th February 1979 was one that was well remembered by islanders, ship’s crew and passengers alike. The ships tenders went ashore and collected all who wanted to come aboard for a visit and afternoon tea. A special party was held for the schoolchildren and afterwards everyone was taken on a tour of the ship. During her visit, two radio officers went ashore to fix the island's short-wave radio transmitter that was broken and would have had to be sent to Cape Town for repair. During her 1985 World Cruise she passed by Tristan for a short non-landing call. 

35p - SS ROTTERDAM (1960-1980)

Built by Rotterdam (Holland) for Holland America Line she became the Holland’s largest cruise liner. In 1958, the SS Rotterdam was launched and named by HM Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. She made several calls to Tristan over the years. Capt. A.H.Lagaay wrote, after its morning call off Tristan in 1975, “If and when the Island of Tristan da Cunha is passed in daylight on our annual world cruises the wireless operator on Tristan is always notified that the ship will close in at a set time and asked if any mail can be picked up or services can be rendered”. On one call, she only stayed 2 hours and the post office went on board to sell philatelic material.

45p - HMS ENDURANCE (1983)

Built by Kröger-Werft of Germany in 1956 as Anita Dan. The UK government bought her in 1967 and had her converted and commissioned into the Royal Navy as HMS Endurance. As a British Navy Ice Patrol vessel, she supported the UK in Antarctica waters and assisted BAS scientific research programmes.

Bound for Falkland Island on 10th February 1983 she called at Inaccessible Island to take off the Denstone Expedition party. The ship’s two small Wasp helicopters collected all the equipment, baggage and official mail transporting it all to HMS Endurance. She then transferred the Denstone group to Tristan. Also on board was the Governor of St Helena, John Massingham, who was greeted

by the community, attended official functions and a lively dance in the evening before departing the next day.

60p - TRISTANIA II (1973-1996)

The Faroe fishing vessel Skugvur built in 1964 was renamed Tristania II. This 160-foot steel vessel powered by a Burmiester and Wain 1000hp engine became a new addition to the Tristan Investments Limited fishing fleet, replacing the smaller Tristania. She was converted in Cape Town for fishing using long-lines with traps. She also carried two powerboats that also set traps. She first arrived at Gough on 27th June and then Tristan on 5th July 1973. The Tristania II fished at Tristan islands up until 1996. She carried passengers, mail and a small amount of cargo to and from Tristan until the Kelso replaced her in 1997.

£1 - MV HEKLA (1984-1996)

The Hekla, a 68m steel ship converted from a cargo vessel, for longline fishing, processing and packing for export replaced the Hilary in 1984. On her first trip to Tristan she encountered mechanical problems and took 10 days to complete the journey. Her last voyage as Hekla was on 12th December 1996. This vessel not only served as a factory-fishing vessel but also provided Tristan’s main link to the outside world carrying cargo, mail and a maximum of 12 passengers each trip.

A new concession was granted in 1997 and she was re-named MV Edinburgh. The MV Edinburgh continues to call at Tristan each year and remains a vital lifeline for islanders.

£1.50 - RMS ST HELENA (2)

(1992-2018) Built by Hall, Russell & Company in Aberdeen the RMS (as it was locally known) entered service in 1990. A cargo liner (carrying cargo and passengers) she served the island of Saint Helena sailing between Cape Town and Saint Helena with regular shuttles continuing to Ascension Island. She visited Portland, Dorset twice a year until 14 October 2011, when she set sail on her final voyage from the English port. Her first visit to Tristan was in 1992 as she was due to call in 1991 but had to cancel due to engine trouble. Over the years, she called at Tristan on several occasions and was always welcomed by the islanders. Her last call was on 4thJanuary 2018 from there, she sailed to St Helena departing on 10th February 2018 for her last trip to Cape Town. 

At the time of her retirement from St Helena service, she was one of only four ships in the world still carrying the status of Royal Mail Ship.

£2 - RRS JAMES CLARK ROSS (2013-2018)

In 1991, the RRS James Clark Ross, named after Admiral Sir James Clark Ross, R.N, became the first BAS vessel to be purpose-built as a science platform. She is primarily a marine research vessel for biological, oceanographic and geophysical cruises.

In 2013, the James Clark Ross spent two days at Gough and six days at Tristan, recording and sampling seabed life and completing midwater trawls. On 31stMarch 2018 she called again as part of the Blue Belt 3-year research programme focusing on the seamounts within the Tristan EEZ.

£3 – MFV GEO SEARCHER (2017-2020)

Built in 1982 at 1863 gross tonnes, 69m in length and refurbished in 2005 & 2014, it served as a scientific research vessel. The Geo Searcher was purchased by Ovenstone Agencies in 2016 to replace the MV Edinburgh as the island’s main fishing vessel. It was converted in Gdansk, Poland, to a

factory freezer vessel with cargo and passenger capacity. In April 2017, she made her maiden voyage to Tristan and Gough Island. The Geo Searcher fished around the three outer islands of Inaccessible, Nightingale and Gough Island and catches were processed and frozen on-board. On each voyage, she carried mail, passengers and cargo.

On the morning of 15 October 2020, while fishing off the north-western coast of Gough Island the Geo Searcher foundered on a rock and sank. All 62 seamen on board, including two Tristanian Fisheries Observers, safely abandoned ship and made their way to the South African Meteorological Station at the south-eastern end of the island, where they were winched ashore. The SA Agulhas II was dispatched from Cape Town to rescue the seamen from Gough. She called at Tristan on 22nd to drop off the two islanders before continuing to Cape Town, arriving on Monday 26th October.

£5 - BARK EUROPA (2005-2019)

The Bark Europa, operated by Hapag-Lloyd line, first called at Tristan on 3rd April 2005. She was en route from a cruise to South Georgia and due to the fine weather and sea conditions, passengers and crew were able to come ashore, explore the island and purchase stamps, handicrafts and souvenirs. The Bark Europa has continued to call at Tristan and its outer islands most years since then, and the islanders welcome its regular visits.

 

Technical details:

Designer Andrew Robinson

Printer bpost

Process Lithography

Perforation 11 ½ per 2cms

Stamp size 27.66 x 40.2mm

Sheet Layout 10

Release date 14 December, 2020

Production Coordination Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd

 

STAMP ITEM NUMBERS 

Mid Atlantic Healthcare - October 2020

 

Over the years, Tristan’s healthcare has dramatically changed and improved, from having no medical professionals on the island and only being treated when a ship’s doctor visited, to having a modern operational Healthcare Centre. These stamps illustrate the history of healthcare on Tristan.

 

Technical details:

Designer Robin Carter

Printer bpost

Process Lithography

Perforation 11 ½ per 2cms

Stamp size 27.66 x 40.2mm

Sheet Layout 10

Release date 20 October, 2020

Production Coordination Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd

 

 STAMP ITEM NUMBERS

Sharks Parts 1 - September 2020

45p - Broadnose Sevengill Shark Notorynchus cepedianus 

The Broadnose Sevengill shark is an 'ancient' shark, the only existing member of the genus Notorynchus, in the family Hexanchidae. It lives in relatively shallow, temperate seas worldwide, except the North Atlantic and Tristan is one of the few mid-ocean archipelagos where it is known to occur. It is recognizable by its seven gill slits, while most shark species have only five. It grows up to 2.5m (8ft) long and is pale grey with a white belly. These are the most common sharks found inshore at Tristan, where its local name is “Rock Shark”, and they feed mainly on fish, octopus and squid, but also on general carrion. The species is not well studied and is listed as “data deficient” by the IUCN red list.

70p - Porbeagle - Lamna nasus

The Porbeagle is a species of mackerel shark in the family Lamnidae, and is a smaller relative of the Great White Shark. It is distributed widely in the cold and temperate marine waters of the North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere. In 2017, the National Geographic Pristine Seas Expedition recorded a single pup at approximately 60 cm (2ft) long. This was the first observation for the species, in Tristan waters, and suggests it was likely born here. It is possible that Porbeagle sharks use the islands as a nursery area so the islands may have significant importance to these species of shark.The Porbeagle is listed as Vulnerable globally, mainly due to overfishing.

 

 

£1.10 - Great Hammerhead - Sphyrna mokarran

The Great Hammerhead inhabits tropical waters around the world, between 40°N and 37°S. It is the largest species of hammerhead shark, belonging to the family Sphyrnidae, attaining a maximum length of 6m (20ft). The Great Hammerhead can be distinguished from other hammerheads by the shape of its "hammer" (called the "cephalofoil"), which is wide with an almost straight front margin, and by its tall, sickle-shaped first dorsal fin. The Great Hammerhead feeds on a wide variety of prey ranging from crustaceans and cephalopods, to bony fish and smaller sharks. Females bear litters of up to 55 pups every two years. Great Hammerheads move into the Tristan area during the warmer summer months, but do not reach Gough, where the water temperature is 3-4 degrees colder. It is listed as Critically Endangered, mainly due to overfishing

£1.50 - Blue Shark -Prionace glauca

Blue Sharks are one of the great ocean wanderers. These slim, graceful sharks, up to 2.5m (8ft) long with large eyes and brilliant blue backs are known to make journeys of up to 9,200 km (5,700 miles) with some individuals making multiple trans-Atlantic crossings.

 

Technical details:

Designer Andrew Robinson

Printer bpost

Process Lithography

Perforation 11 ½ per 2cms

Stamp size 27.66 x 40.2mm

Sheet Layout 10

Release date 29 September, 2020

Production Co-ordination Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd

 

 STAMP ITEM NUMBERS

 

Tristan da Cunha : Female Ancestors - May 2020

 

 

45p - Maria (Mary Magdalena) Leenders (1801-1858)*, Cape Colony, arrived 1816

The term "mail order brides" that is sometimes used to describe the women underplays the factors that may have made the move to Tristan seem appealing. It is possible they were former slaves and may have taken the surname of an owner in some cases. 

The five women were:

 

Technical Details:

Designer Andrew Robinson

Printer Cartor Security Printing

Process Stochastic Lithography

Perforation 13 ½ x 13 ¼ per 2cms

Stamp size 28 x 42mm

Sheet Layout 10

Release date 7 May, 2020

Production Co-ordination Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd

 

STAMP ITEM NUMBERS

                 H     H

 

25th Anniversary of the Gough and Inaccessible Islands UNESCO World Heritage Site - March 2020

The islands were formed through volcanic eruptions. Gough’s 65km2 landscape is rugged, with rocks up to 6 million years old making up the cliffs that reach heights of 300m along the coastline. All but the steepest rock faces are covered in vegetation – mainly lichens, mosses and ferns.

 

Uninhabited, both islands developed almost free from human interference, making them some of the least disturbed habitats left on earth. Their isolation means they have also become home to unique arrays of plants and animals.

appropriate, with any international assistance and co-operation, in particular, financial, artistic, scientific and technical, which it may be able to obtain.’ It’s an important obligation on the UK to maintain the natural heritage that led to the designation, to take appropriate measures to achieve this, and to rehabilitate the site.

 

 

Under attack

In 2016 an assessment of the islands for their inclusion on the WHS ‘In Danger’ list concluded that eradication of invasive non-native mice is necessary to protect Gough’s unique species, and its WHS status. Led by the RSPB and Tristan da Cunha Government, an operation to eradicate the mice and restore Gough Island is set to take place in 2020 – the 25th anniversary year of the Gough and Inaccessible World Heritage Site. If the plan succeeds, species will begin to recover almost immediately as they return to nest on an island free of invasive mice. www.goughisland.com

 

VALUES - 35p, 55p, £1.60, £1.80

Technical details:

Photography 35p, 55p Michelle Risi

£1.60 Andy Schofield

£1.80 Jaimie Cleeland

FDC Chris Jones

Designer Andrew Robinson

Printer Cartor Security Printing

Process Stochastic Lithography

Perforation 13 ¼ x 13 per 2cms

Stamp size 28 x 42mm

Sheet Layout 10

Release date 24 March, 2020

Production Co-ordination Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd

 

STAMP ITEM NUMBER

 

 

PREVIOUS ISSUES IN STOCK

Whaling and Sealing Ships

Vagrant Species Part 1

H Island Life - Through Their Eyes  

75th Anniversary of D-Day

Lobster Fisheries

Whales