200th Anniversary of the RNLI: Parts 1 & 2

Tristan da Cunha – Dogs of Tristan (Part One)

This new issue from the Tristan da Cunha Post Office is the first of a two-part series depicting the various breeds of dogs found on the island.  Dogs have been part of life on Tristan da Cunha since the very first permanent settlement, the British garrison of 1816. According to the writings of naturalist Dugald Carmichael, the early settlers used dogs to hunt the wild goats and pigs left by earlier visitors, as well as feral cats, birds, and other wildlife. They may also have helped herd livestock, though this was not explicitly recorded. These details are supported by Augustus Earle’s account of his enforced stay on Tristan in 1824; Earle himself brought a hunting dog with him when he was marooned there, although no specific breeds were mentioned in his writings.  The Reverend and Mrs. Barrow, stationed on Tristan from 1906 to 1909, brought with them a Collie named Rob (originally Whisky). In her book, Katherine Barrow recounts that Rob promptly clashed with Mrs. Frances Repetto’s white Fox Terrier. Barrow also notes that South African entrepreneur Casper Keytel, temporarily on the island, owned a well-bred Pointer called Scotty. She described the island’s dogs as “quarrelsome among themselves,” often worrying sheep, poultry, and wild birds.  A decade later, Rose Rogers, wife of another clergyman and resident in the early 1920s, referred to “a host of mongrel dogs,” and described the men taking them hunting across the island’s rugged terrain.  Many early family portraits from Tristan include dogs, reflecting their importance in island life. However, tragedy struck in 1961 when the volcano erupted and the entire community was evacuated. The dogs could not be taken to the UK due to quarantine and transport restrictions. Two puppies were rescued by HMS Leopard and affectionately named Tristan (a brindle bitch) and Cunha (a black dog).  Fearing that the remaining dogs might turn feral and threaten livestock, those left on the island had to be humanely destroyed before the evacuation. A few, however, escaped this fate. When the Royal Navy returned in 1962, it was discovered that the island’s sheep population had been almost wiped out, most likely by the surviving dogs that had gone wild during the months of abandonment.  When the islanders resettled, they gradually reintroduced dogs, mostly Collies and Collie-crosses, which continue to serve as loyal working companions on Tristan today. These hardy working dogs help herd sheep and catch calves, especially at Stoney Beach and The Caves, and take part in the traditional Ratting Day each year.In recent years, however, a growing number of small “pet dogs”, such as Yorkshire Terriers and Dachshunds, have been imported from Cape Town, adding variety to the island’s canine community.  There are currently around 100 dogs on the island, almost all of them male, as there is no breeding on Tristan and only limited capacity for neutering. Dog ownership is carefully regulated: owners must obtain a licence, secure prior approval before importing a dog, and present a veterinary health certificate on arrival. With the increasing number of companion dogs being brought from Cape Town, adherence to the island’s strict importation and biosecurity rules is essential.  Veterinary services for dogs are managed by the Agriculture Department’s Veterinary and Livestock Section. Although there is no qualified veterinarian resident on the island, an island-trained “vet” with basic animal-care training is responsible for treating wounds, administering pain relief, and carrying out routine worming and flea treatments. Visiting veterinarians arrive periodically to conduct general health checks, vaccinations, and other essential procedures for both working and companion dogs.  Today, most dogs roam freely during the day, though they are expected to be kept indoors at night. While occasional incidents of sheep worrying still occur, the dogs remain an enduring part of island life: loyal helpers, companions, and a living link to Tristan’s earliest days.  This first set includes the following breeds, beautifully illustrated against Tristan backgrounds based on photographs by Julia Gunther:  65p      Jack Russell £1.00   Rough Coat Collie £1.10   Yorkshire Terrier £2.50   Border Collie FDC    Morkie. (This is a cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier) High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found below - SetFirst Day Cover

70th Anniversary of the Gough Island Scientific Survey, 1955-56

The Gough Island Scientific Survey was John Heaney’s brainchild, planned during his final year as an engineering student at Cambridge. He had been a surveyor on South Georgia in 1951-52 and Gough Island, uninhabited and unmapped, was suggested as a goal by Dr Brian Roberts of the Scott Polar Research Institute. The expedition was to map the island, record its rocks and plant and animal life and test its value as a weather station. So a professional team was needed and Heaney chose several contemporary Cambridge graduates. Roger LeMaitre came as geologist, Michel Swales as ornithologist and seal biologist and Martin Holdgate as invertebrate zoologist. Botany was covered by the only Oxford member, Nigel Wace. Robert Chambers – a non-scientist but expert mountaineer – was to be assistant surveyor (and deputy Leader).  Philip Mullock – a mathematician and keen radio amateur – was to handle the telecommunications and keep the party in touch with the outside world.  All were under 30. The South African Weather Bureau, which already maintained a station on Tristan da Cunha, 230 miles away from Gough, agreed to second Johannes van der Merwe as meteorologist.   The planning was relatively straightforward, but gathering the funds was a test, for Government support was not available (although the Royal Navy offered transport from South Africa to Tristan).  Thanks to several professional institutions and the generosity of companies and individuals – not least HRH the Duke of Edinburgh – the funds and equipment were gathered and travel provided.  But there were upsets.  Three months before the planned departure a medical problem forced John Heaney himself to step aside. Robert Chambers became leader and surveyor and James Hall, former naval officer and medical student, joined as cine-photographer. The party arrived at Tristan da Cunha early in October 1955 and stayed there for six weeks because – another hiccup – the fishing ship Tristania that was to take them to Gough was delayed with engine trouble.  But the opportunities on Tristan were put to good scientific use – and links established with the islanders that were to last lifetimes.  On 13 November 1955, the expedition, supported by two senior Tristan Islanders, Arthur Rogers and John Lavarello, finally landed on Gough, on the stony eastern beach where the Glen, largest of the island valleys, meets the sea.  And – another set-back – in that landing, leader Robert Chambers injured his back.  Three days later he was evacuated to Tristan, leaving Martin Holdgate to stand in as the third GISS leader.  But the routine of getting established went smoothly: the sectional wooden hut was assembled, the generator and radios installed, and exploring parties began to climb the hills, sample plant and animal life, and count and make notes on birds and seals.   Those early forays showed that the existing maps were very inaccurate. Happily, soon after Christmas there was good news: John Heaney had been passed fit and was preparing to join the expedition!  He arrived in early February 1956 bringing two young Tristan Islanders, Harold Green and Ernest Repetto, to replace Arthur Rogers and John Lavarello who had gone home at Christmas.  With Heaney’s professional skill, the survey moved swiftly and by the time the South African frigate Transvaal relieved the expedition on 13 May 1956 the first good map of the island (later printed by the Royal Geographical Society) was complete; the rock structure had been documented and a comprehensive series of rock samples gathered; the vegetation had been described; a number of new plant species and invertebrate animals had been collected; the birds, including the bunting and flightless moorhen that occur nowhere else in the world, documented; and the fur seals and elephant seals counted.  It was clear that the fur seals – unexpectedly shown to be a subantarctic species rather than the one found in South Africa - had recovered from the near extermination wrought by sealers in the 18th and 19th centuries and it was also clear that Gough Island was the most important seabird island in the entire southern cool temperate zone.  It had also been established that weather observations on Gough Island would indeed be useful in improving forecasting in South Africa, so the South African Weather Bureau proceeded to lease the site for a weather station – initially based on the GISS wooden hut but later to be transferred to a better observational site on the wider area of level lowland at the south end of the island.  All in all, the GISS had achieved everything its planners and supporters had hoped for, and from then onwards the island has remained an important scientific facility as well as justified its designation as a World Heritage site.  55p – Exploring party on Michael’s Ridge on way to upland camp. Harold Green carries survey tripod: Martin Holdgate takes a bearing and Nigel Wace points to a feature of interest.  55p – Michael Swales prepares to record sounds of a Brown Skua.  65p – John Heaney with plane table, looks across the rugged eastern side of Gough Island.  £1 – Michael Swales records the throaty bellow of an elephant seal.  £1.50 – Roger LeMaitre looks across the uplands of Gough Island from the slopes of Gonçalo Alvarez Peak (formerly Expedition Peak) to Mount Rowett.  £1.50 – The map of Gough Island surveyed by John Heaney and published by the Royal Geographical Society.  First Day Cover envelope image shows the GISS members outside the expedition base hut. From left: Harold Green; Ernest Repetto; Roger LeMaitre; John Heaney; James Hall; Philip Mullock; Nigel Wace; Johannes van der Merwe; Michael Swales; Martin Holdgate.  We acknowledge with thanks the help and assistance of Martin Holdgate High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found below - SetFirst Day Cover  

Scenes from Tristan da Cunha – Landscapes

On Tristan da Cunha, the world’s most remote inhabited island, you are never far from a striking view. Volcanic slopes rise steeply above the Settlement, the South Atlantic stretches to the horizon, and the Potato Patches, the islanders’ lifeline of cultivated ground, spread across the plain and its green foothills. These landscapes are more than scenery: they are a record of endurance, of how the community has adapted to their environment and drawn sustenance from it for more than two centuries.  The new “Landscapes” stamp issue captures this relationship between land, sea and people. The set comprises four stamps: three highlighting iconic views from the Potato Patches, and one panoramic aerial of the Settlement framed by cliffs and Queen Mary’s Peak. Together, they celebrate not just the island’s beauty but the way islanders live within it.  65p – View from Redbody Hill This stamp captures the sweeping view from Redbody Hill towards the ocean, looking across the fields towards the Coolers on the left and Bill’s Hill on the right. Scattered among the plots are small seed huts used by islanders during planting and harvesting, and a camping hut where island families spend weekends and holidays. The scene reflects the working rhythm of the Potato Patches, a landscape shaped by hand and where every patch has a long family history.  £1 – Evening Light over the Wash This view looks inland towards a section of mountain slopes known as The Wash and Dick’s Hill, with Johnny Patch in the middle distance. In the foreground stands a camping hut, surrounded by grazing cattle. The warm evening light softens the cliffs’ rugged contours; a reminder of how small human presence remains amid Tristan’s monumental landscape.  £2 – Old Pieces and Hillpiece Depicted here is the area known as Old Pieces, with the prominent Hillpiece rising behind. Seed huts and several camping huts dot the green expanse, where generations of islanders have planted and tended potatoes, the community’s staple crop. The hand-placed stonework, neat field lines, and enduring structures remind us of the islanders’ stewardship of this land and their deep connection to it.  £2.50 – Settlement and the 1961 Volcano This aerial view shows Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, Tristan’s only village, nestled between the South Atlantic and the sheer volcanic cliffs. To the left lies the cone formed by the 1961 eruption; to the right, the Hillpiece and the lower slopes of Queen Mary’s Peak, partly veiled in cloud. Together, they frame a community that has endured disaster and isolation, yet continues to thrive in one of the world’s most extraordinary settings.  First Day Cover – Road to the Potato Patches The First Day Cover image looks along the road to the Potato Patches at Robert’s Stone, with the Hillpiece and mountain rising in the distance. It is a familiar view for every islander, a route that links home, work, and holidays, embodying the close relationship the community has with its stunning surroundings. High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found below - SetFirst Day Cover  

Tristan da Cunha Post Office Celebrates Local Talent with New Stamp Issue Featuring Artist Jimmy Rogers

The Tristan da Cunha Post Office is proud to announce the release of a new set of four commemorative stamps honoring the artistic work of the island’s most celebrated local artist, Jimmy Rogers.  Born in October 1962 during the islanders’ temporary resettlement in the UK following the 1961 volcanic eruption, Jimmy Rogers has become a cherished figure in Tristan’s cultural life. He discovered his talent at an early age, earning second place in an arts competition while attending St John’s School for the Deaf in 1978. An artist with a deep passion for his homeland, Jimmy has spent many years capturing the essence of Tristan da Cunha through his reminiscent and distinctive artwork.  This special stamp collection focuses primarily on the rich wildlife of the Tristan Islands, a recurring theme in Jimmy’s work. His vivid and detailed paintings not only celebrate the natural beauty of the island but also serve as a visual tribute to its unique ecosystem and heritage.  “Jimmy’s work speaks not only to the Tristan community but to anyone with a passion for art, nature, and heritage,” said Iris Green, Head of the Tristan da Cunha Post Office. “We’re proud to present his work in this commemorative set.”  Jimmy’s artwork has long been popular among visitors to Tristan, who often take home his paintings as distinctive keepsakes. With the release of these stamps, collectors and admirers across the globe can share in the beauty and heritage of Tristan da Cunha through the eyes of one of its own.  Stamp Issue Details:  55p – Two Yellow-nosed Albatrosses in a mating dance, with Tristan rising majestically from the sea in the background. 85p – A group of Albatrosses resting at The Ponds, Nightingale Island  £1.30 – An iconic Rockhopper Penguin, standing proudly on the beach at Inaccessible Island.  £2.00 – A traditional Tristan longboat sailing through island waters, a nod to the community’s strong maritime heritage. High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found below - SetFirst Day Cover

Communication on Tristan da Cunha – From Mail Ships to the Digital Age

The Tristan da Cunha Post Office is proud to announce the release of a new set of commemorative stamps chronicling the remarkable evolution of communication on the world’s most remote inhabited island. These four stamps capture a century of progress - from handwritten letters delivered by passing ships to today's high-speed satellite internet.  This stamp issue is more than a visual timeline - it is a tribute to Tristan da Cunha’s enduring spirit, adaptability, and determination to stay connected despite extreme remoteness. Each stamp captures a step forward in the island’s efforts to bridge the distance and keep its voice heard in the world.  55p - Mail Ships - 1920s In the early 20th century, Tristan's only link to the outside world came through mail carried by passing ships - often infrequent, weather-dependent, and unpredictable. These visits might occur just once a year, and were the sole means for exchanging letters and vital goods.  There was no formal postal system at the time, and messages were often delayed by months or even years. News from abroad arrived long after events had occurred, and day-to-day life remained largely cut off from the rest of the world. Yet for Tristan's close-knit community, these mail ships were a lifeline.  The 55p stamp captures this early era of long-distance connection, with a stylised depiction of a mail ship approaching Tristan's rugged coastline - the beginning of formal communications with the wider world.  95p - Radio Communication - 1950s Although radio equipment was first installed on the Tristan in the 1930s, it proved underpowered and unreliable, and the radios of the naval station set up on Tristan during World War II were temporary and for military use only.  A major breakthrough came in the 1950s with the permanent introduction of radio communications. The island's first radio station was established in 1950, enabling Tristan to maintain scheduled contact with South Africa and the United Kingdom, and to communicate with passing ships. Radio brought timely news broadcasts and an essential means of coordination during emergencies. This technology proved especially critical during the 1961 volcanic eruption, when the islanders were evacuated to the UK.  While still dependent on scheduled operating hours and trained personnel, radio was a game-changer for safety and connection. The 95p stamp honours this era with imagery of vintage equipment, symbolising a new voice for Tristan on the global stage.  £1.15 - Telecommunications - 1990s The arrival of telephone and satellite services in the 1990s ushered in a new chapter of communication. For the first time, islanders could speak in real time with loved ones overseas.  Tristan's new satellite infrastructure, including landlines and satellite dishes, made it possible to connect the island to international networks. The impact was profound: families stayed in touch more easily, emergency services improved, and a modern sense of global belonging began to emerge.  However, this new connectivity came with challenges. Equipment was expensive to install and maintain, and vulnerable to Tristan's severe weather, which often disrupted service. The £1.15 stamp depicts a traditional desk telephone alongside a satellite dish - symbols of Tristan's leap into modern telecommunications.  £2.00 - High-Speed Internet - 2020s The most transformative step yet came in the 2020s with the arrival of high-speed internet. Though early internet access via satellite existed, it was slow, costly, and unreliable. That changed dramatically with the introduction of Starlink, SpaceX's Low-Earth orbit satellite internet service.  Starlink brought unprecedented broadband access to even the most remote corners of the island. Islanders could now participate in video calls, access global news in real time, and use cloud services, e-commerce, and streaming media just like anyone else in the world.  The £2.00 stamp features sleek satellite terminals and a stylised digital grid, illustrating the island's emergence into the digital age.  Impact of Starlink on the Tristan da Cunha Community High-speed internet has transformed daily life on Tristan da Cunha. Telemedicine services are now accessible, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment. Online education has broadened learning opportunities, especially for young people. Businesses can reach global markets, and tourism promotion has become more viable.  More importantly, this new connectivity allows Tristan residents to preserve their culture while participating in a global conversation. Social media and messaging platforms have bridged personal and cultural distances that once seemed insurmountable.  High resolution images for this stamp collection can be found below -  Set First Day Cover 

Birds of Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island are home to several bird species that are found nowhere else, and are the main breeding sites for many other species. This stamp series celebrates a selection of Tristan’s amazing birdlife.  1p Atlantic Petrel The Atlantic Petrel, Pterodroma incerta, is a large gadfly petrel that only breeds at the Tristan islands. As one of only three winter-breeding petrels on Tristan, large numbers were harvested for food in the 18th and early 19th centuries. As a result, most of the population of close to two million birds breeds on Gough Island, where they are threatened by predation by introduced House Mice. As a result, the species is listed as Endangered. At sea, Atlantic Petrels disperse widely throughout the temperate and sub-Antarctic waters of the South Atlantic, with most heading west towards South America rather than east towards Africa. They lay a single egg in a deep burrow in the ground, and only return to the islands at night to reduce the risk of predation by Brown Skuas.  5p Gough Finch The Gough Finch, Rowettia goughensis, was once known as the Gough Bunting, but it is the largest member of the tanager-finch family from South America. As its name suggests, it is only found on Gough Island, where it is the only songbird. In the absence of a thrush, the Gough Finch has evolved a longer bill than the finches of the Tristan archipelago, and has a more catholic diet. The juveniles appear very different from the adult illustrated in the stamp, and were initially described as a second species. Pairs are quite territorial, and typically lay two eggs in a cup nest during spring. Once common throughout the island, they are now largely confined to coastal cliffs and the highlands, seemingly due to depredation by introduced House Mice. With a total population of only one to two thousand birds, the species is listed as Critically Endangered.  10p Gough Moorhen The Gough Moorhen, Gallinula comeri, is a flightless species, closely related to the Common Moorhen. A similar flightless form on the main island of Tristan, G. nesiotis, went extinct in the late 19th century. Genetic evidence suggests that both evolved from vagrants from Africa rather than Asia, which makes them the only land birds to have colonised from the east. It was common on Gough in areas below 450 m, where the vegetation provides sufficient cover to protect them from Brown Skuas. However, most of the population was killed during the attempt to eradicate introduced House Mice from Gough Island in 2021. Fortunately, a handful of Gough Moorhens were introduced to Tristan in 1956, and the species is now found throughout the island in areas of fernbush vegetation. It is listed as Vulnerable to extinction.  45p Great Shearwater The Great Shearwater, Ardenna gravis, is a large shearwater that is virtually confined as a breeding species to the Tristan islands; only a few tens of pairs breed in the Falklands. It is one of the most abundant breeding seabirds at Tristan, with several million pairs breeding at Inaccessible and Nightingale, and close to one million pairs at Gough. It presumably used to also breed at the main island of Tristan, but no longer does so. It is a trans-Equatorial migrant that arrives at the islands in September, lays eggs in November, and departs back to the North Atlantic in April. During the breeding season, adults forage throughout the South Atlantic, from Argentina to southern Africa. It is the only species on the stamp issue not listed as threatened or near-threatened globally.  55p Northern Rockhopper Penguin The Northern Rockhopper Penguin, Eudyptes moseleyi, is the largest of the three species of rockhopper penguins, and is characterised by its luxuriant head tassels, extensive dark margins to the under flipper, and deeper call. As its name suggests, it breeds at more northerly locations than the other two rockhoppers, with over 95% of the population at the Tristan islands, and the remainder breeding on Amsterdam and St Paul islands in the central Indian Ocean. Its restricted range makes it one of the hardest penguins for people to see in the wild. It lays two eggs, but like all crested penguins, only raises at most one chick. The smaller, first-laid egg provides insurance in case the second-laid egg fails to hatch. Like all penguins, it is vulnerable to oil pollution, and many birds were killed after a bulk carrier ran aground on Nightingale Island in March 2011. Due to recent population decreases, it is listed as Endangered.  65p MacGillivray's Prion The MacGillivray's Prion, Pachyptila macgillivrayi, is an enigmatic seabird known only from Gough Island and a tiny remnant population at St Paul Island in the central Indian Ocean. Its occurrence on Gough was overlooked for many years, because it closely resembles the Broad-billed Prion, that is abundant around the main landing sites on Gough. It was only in 2011, when researchers collected skulls of prions from across the island, that it was discovered that two species of prion breed in different areas of the island. MacGillivray’s Prion breed two months later than Broad-billed Prions, which helps to prevent hybridisation between the two species. Prior to the attempt to eradicate introduced House Mice from Gough Island in 2021, few if any chicks were raised by the prions. Immediately after the eradication, prion breeding success improved dramatically, but very sadly, a few mice survived, and their numbers soon recovered. The species is listed as Critically Endangered, although this would change should a second attempt to remove mice from Gough succeed.  95p Inaccessible Island Rail The Inaccessible Island Rail, Laterallus rogersi, is the smallest flightless bird in the world. There were smaller flightless songbirds in New Zealand, but they all went extinct following the introduction of predators such as rats, mice, cats and stoats. As its name suggests, the Inaccessible Island Rail is only found on Inaccessible Island, where it is common throughout most of the island. However, it is more often heard than seen, as it remains in dense cover to avoid the unwanted attentions of Brown Skuas and Starchies. Pairs defend territories and lay two eggs in a well concealed nest in spring. The population is estimated at some 5,000 pairs, and there is no evidence that this has decreased in recent years, but the species is listed as Vulnerable to extinction because of the ongoing risk of an accidental introduction of rodents onto Inaccessible Island.  £1 Starchy (Tristan Thrush) The Tristan Thrush or Starchy, Turdus eremita, is one of the more charismatic birds at Tristan. It is the only landbird that has survived on the main island of Tristan; both the native moorhen and finch went extinct after the island was colonised in the 19th century. Starchies occur on all islands in the northern archipelago, with different subspecies recognised from each of the three main islands in the group. However, they are much less common on Tristan than they are on the uninhabited islands, and a visitor to Tristan would be lucky to see one. They mainly occur on the lower slopes of the peak above 900 m, although some persist on the steep coastal cliffs and in the gulleys that cross the island ‘base’. The species is listed as near threatened globally.  £1.50 Spectacled Petrel (Ringeye) The Spectacled Petrel or Ringeye, Procellaria conspicillata, is a large petrel that only breeds on the plateau of Inaccessible Island in the Tristan archipelago. It differs from the closely related White-chinned Petrel that breeds around the sub-Antarctic, by its distinctive white ‘spectacle’, blackish bill tip and lower-pitched calls. It breeds in summer in deep burrows, often with a muddy entrance moat. Non-breeding birds disperse throughout the temperate South Atlantic, with more heading west toward South America than east towards Africa. The species was on the brink of extinction in the early 20th century, but fortunately the introduced pigs on the island died out before they ate the last Spectacled Petrels. Since the 1930s, the petrel population has been increasing at around 7% per year, and there are currently more than 30,000 pairs. Despite this, the species remains listed as Vulnerable globally due to its restricted breeding range.  £2.50 Tristan Albatross The Tristan Albatross, Diomedea dabbenena, is one of five distinct forms of the Wandering Albatross, renowned as the bird with the longest wingspan. Like other northern-breeding populations, the Tristan Albatross is slightly smaller and its plumage whitens more slowly than the ‘snowy’ Wandering Albatross. Tristan Albatrosses used to breed on the main island of Tristan, but were hunted to extinction there; currently almost all breed on Gough Island, with only a few pairs on Inaccessible Island. They lay a single egg in January, which hatches in March and the chicks fledge in November. The breeding season is so long that only a few pairs attempt to breed in the year following a successful breeding attempt. Because they breed through winter, when introduced House Mice are most desperate for food, many chicks are attacked and killed by mice. Fully grown birds are also at risk from being caught accidentally on fishing gear, and the species is listed as Critically Endangered.  £3 Wilkins' Finch The Wilkins's Finch, Nesospiza wilkinsi, is confined to tiny Nightingale Island and is one of the naturally rarest birds in the world. It feeds on the fruit of the Island Tree Phylica arborea, and pairs defend breeding territories that contain at least some trees. A comprehensive survey estimated there were some 120 breeding pairs in 2017, but extensive storm damage to the woodlands north of the Ponds in 2019 reduced the number of pairs by roughly one third. As a result, the species was uplisted to Critically Endangered, but such events have occurred in the past, and the population probably fluctuates depending on the abundance and distribution of Island Trees. To help ensure the future of Wilkins’s Finch, Tristan’s conservation department is restoring Island Trees on the eastern lowlands of the island, where it was harvested historically for firewood.  £5 Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross The Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, Thalassarche chlororhynchos, only breeds at Tristan and Gough. At sea, it is largely confined to the South Atlantic Ocean and adjacent Indian Ocean, but a few individuals wander north of the Equator into the North Atlantic. It is one of the smallest albatrosses, and its agility in the air and on land allows it to breed among dense vegetation. Pairs build a cone-shaped nest from mud among fernbush and tussock grass up to 800 m elevation on Tristan, but only up to 450 m on Gough Island. The single egg is laid in September, chicks hatch in November-December and fledge in April. The relatively short breeding season allows pairs to breed each year. The population at Tristan was impacted by harvesting for food, but it has been protected since 1976. The main threat currently is from accidental capture on fishing gear at sea. Although this threat is now less severe, thanks to various measures introduced to reduce the risk of catching seabirds, the species remains listed as Endangered.  We acknowledge with thanks the help and assistance of Peter Ryan, University of Cape Town  High resolution images for this issue can be found below -  SetFirst Day Cover

The Visit of Hr. Ms. K XVIII, March 1935.

The unescorted 23,000 mile around the world voyage of The Dutch submarine Hr.Ms. K-XVIII created considerable interest worldwide. During its voyage visits were made to numerous Countries, including Madeira, São Vicente in Cape Verde, Dakar in Senegal, Pernambuco and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Montevideo in Uruguay, Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata in Argentina, Cape Town and Durban in South Africa, Port Louis in Mauritius, and Fremantle in Australia as well as to Tristan da Cunha.  This long and challenging journey was also an important one. The submarine was carrying a team of scientists, headed by Prof. Vening Meinesz, who were conducting gravity measurements that helped our understanding of the Earth's crust and mantle.  The vessel's visit to the island of Tristan da Cunha in March 1935 was especially interesting as it gave the world a rare glimpse of one of the world's most isolated inhabited islands.  K-XVIII was part of the K XIV-class submarines, designed for operations in the Dutch East Indies during the interwar period. The "K" in its name stands for "Koloniën" (Colonies), indicating that its primary role was for defending the Netherlands' vast colonial territories. In the context of a Dutch submarine, "Hr.Mr." refers to "Her Majesty" in Dutch, part of the ship prefix used for vessels of the Royal Netherlands Navy when the reigning monarch is a queen. The Dutch monarch in 1933 was Queen Wilhelmina who reigned from 1890 to 1948, making her the longest-serving Dutch monarch in history, part of which was spent in London leading a government in exile during WWII.  The vessel was specifically designed for long-range patrols and reconnaissance missions in the tropical waters of the Dutch East Indies (modern-day Indonesia). The overall mission was to highlight the Dutch Navy's global reach during peacetime. The stop-over at Tristan was primarily to conduct surveys of the isolated island, to offer assistance to the island's small population (around 200 at the time) and to strengthen diplomatic and naval connections. During the visit, the crew provided essential medical supplies and aid to the islanders, whose only contact with the outside world was with occasional visiting ships.  The voyage was documented and shared with the Dutch public, highlighting the strategic and humanitarian missions of the Dutch Navy. The footage taken during this visit was used in the Polygoon film-documentary "20,000 Miles Across the Sea", bringing Tristan da Cunha's existence to the attention of audiences in the Netherlands.  A small booklet telling the story of the voyage, shown on the FDC, was released to accompany the Polygoon film adding to the interest. Lt. Wytema of the ship's crew thought that Dutch clogs would be better for the islanders' health than their usual moccasin footwear (worn wet). Consequently, an appeal by Tristan historian Jan Brander in the Netherlands resulted in over 750 pairs of clogs being sent to Tristan - the first 273 pairs went on the Cape Pilar in 1937, and the rest on HMS Milford in 1938. They were floated ashore (see right). They turned out not to be ideal for wearing on Tristan's rocky shores, but it is said they kept the islanders in firewood for six months! A pair of clogs, remembering this amazing act of kindness, is on display in the island's museum.  Many items of mail were carried aboard the K-XVIII and these are still greatly sought after by philatelists. Some of these items appear on the souvenir sheet.  In 1942 K-XVIII encountered and potentially ambushed elements of the Japanese invasion fleet. While it's not definitively known if it was the specific fleet that had attacked Pearl Harbor, K-XVIII engaged Japanese ships near Balikpapan in January 1942 and was ordered to patrol areas where Japanese forces were expected to be operating. In March 1942, while under repair, she was scuttled at Surabaya to avoid capture by the Japanese.  We acknowledge with thanks the help of Ray Lloyd. High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found below -  Souvenir SheetSouvenir Sheet First Day Cover

Tristan da Cunha: 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Sir Winston Churchill

This special stamp issue released by the Tristan da Cunha Post Office commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill (30 November 1874 – 24 January 1965). One of the 20th century's most significant figures, Churchill remains popular in the UK and the rest of the English-speaking world.  Although Churchill was a statesman, military officer, writer (receiving a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953), amateur artist and devoted father, he is generally viewed as the victorious wartime leader who defended liberal democracy against the spread of fascism, and as a liberal reformer who spurred the creation of the modern welfare state. Historians and the British public often rank Churchill as one of the greatest prime ministers in British history, serving from 1940 to 1945 (during WW2) and again from 1951 to 1955. Apart from a brief period from 1922 to 1924, he was a member of Parliament from 1900 to 1964.  Of mixed English and American parentage, Churchill was born in Oxfordshire into the aristocratic Spencer family. However, by the standards of his social class, he was not especially wealthy and spent much of his life on the brink of debt and bankruptcy.  From a young age he aspired to become a great man, believing that without a great deal of money to his name he would first have to become a hero.  He achieved this by literally throwing himself at life. Prior to WWI he had participated in 4 wars with great bravery. As a war correspondent during the 2nd Boer War he had already achieved some fame when his capture and subsequent escape through 300 miles of enemy territory attracted a great deal of publicity. Throughout that war, he publicly chastised anti-Boer prejudices, calling for them to be treated with "generosity and tolerance", and afterwards urged the British to be magnanimous in victory. In 1898, as a 23-year-old, he even participated in the last major cavalry charge of the British Army, at the Battle of Omdurman. At the outbreak of WW1 Churchill was serving as First Lord of the Admiralty. However some questionable decisions saw him demoted and after resigning from Government, he served as an officer on the Western Front before being appointed Minister of Munitions.  When he became Prime Minister in 1940, he believed that everything in his life up until that point was simply in preparation for that moment.  In the 1930’s, Churchill was one of the first to warn of the threat posed by the rise of the Nazis in Germany. At a time when appeasement was popular, he was ridiculed in the House of Commons and his speeches kept off the airwaves by the BBC. Ultimately, he was proven to be right and became the great war leader who oversaw the survival of Britain during the terrible period from the evacuation of Dunkirk until the end of 1941 when Russia and the USA joined the war. Ultimately Churchill triumphed and, in this regard, he was central to saving Western Civilisation. High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found below -  SetFirst Day Cover 

Tristan da Cunha’s Farm Animals – A Unique and Vital Part of Island Life

Tristan da Cunha, the most remote inhabited island in the world, is home not only to a tight-knit community of 230 people but also to a distinctive population of farm animals — introduced by the original settlers in the early 19th century — which continue to play an essential role in the islanders’ daily lives. Farming on Tristan is a time-honoured tradition passed down through generations. In a place where importing goods is challenging and infrequent, these animals provide the islanders with security and independence, allowing them to be largely self-sufficient.  For more than 200 years, Tristan’s sustainable farming practices have helped the community thrive in this remote and isolated environment.  55p Hens and £2 Ducks Around the Settlement, coops for hens and ducks provide a steady supply of fresh eggs, making a significant contribution to the island’s self-sufficiency. Most households maintain small flocks of hens and ducks, which are not only key for producing eggs but also help recycle kitchen waste. The ducks, in particular, provide additional value by helping to control insect populations around the village.  70p Cows and £1 Sheep Tristan’s herds of cows and flocks of sheep are vital to the community’s meat supply, ensuring reliable access to fresh, locally produced food.  The cattle, made up of a variety of breeds, are owned individually according to a quota, established by the Island Council, to prevent overgrazing. Currently, each household is entitled to one adult breeding cow, although additional semi-wild cattle are kept at The Caves and Stony Beach, beyond the quota system. A smaller number are also kept at Sandy Point. While primarily raised for meat, the cows also provide fresh dairy for the community.  The island’s sheep, a mix of breeds, are raised both for their wool and meat, contributing to the local food supply and the cottage industry that produces hand-made woollen goods. Sheep Shearing Day, typically held in December or January, is a significant event for the islanders, bringing the community together for a day of work followed by social gatherings and traditional braais. Mutton is a staple on the Tristan menu throughout the year, with the highlight being the traditional Christmas dinner featuring stuffed roast mutton. A number of sheep also roam the island's mountain slopes unattended, where they are harvested for meat when needed.  As Tristan da Cunha continues to preserve its unique biodiversity and maintain its sustainable way of life, its farm animals remain central to the community’s resilience and deep connection to the land. High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found below -  SetFirst Day Cover

Flags of Tristan da Cunha

This new issue from Tristan da Cunha features various flags flown on the island over the centuries.  Although Tristan was discovered in 1506, it was not until 1810 that the first attempt to settle the island was made by Jonathan Lambert from Salem, Massachusetts who led a party of 3 men hoping to establish a trading station. He re-named the island ‘Reception’, hoping it would become known as the ‘Isles of Refreshment’. Lambert pronounced himself sovereign of Tristan da Cunha and a proclamation was printed in the Boston Gazette of 18 July 1811.  In that proclamation he adopted a flag for the islands as shown on the 55p value. When HMS Semiramis arrived in 1813, Tomasso Corri was the only survivor of this fledgling community and he reported that his companions had drowned in a fishing accident.  The 21st Light Dragoons was a cavalry regiment of the British Army and between 1806 and 1816 it was stationed in the Cape Colony. Discussions about Great Britain taking possession of Tristan da Cunha were underway, but the exile of Napoleon on St Helena bought matters forward. HMS Falmouth was dispatched from the naval blockade to take possession of the island with a temporary garrison in August 1816 before proceeding to the Cape with a letter for Lord Somerset, with orders to provide a more permanent garrison.  The 21st Light Dragoons sailed for Tristan on HMS Falmouth, and arrived at Falmouth Bay on 28 November 1816. This period saw the construction of defences, called Fort Malcolm above Little Beach, and Somerset Camp further inland, where tents were slowly replaced with stone buildings. The flag depicted on the 95p value is the Guidon (pennant) of the 21st Light Dragoons. A census from December 1816 lists 72 people living on the island. Among these was an artillery driver, Corporal William Glass. He, with his wife and children, stayed to become the founders of the new colony after the garrison left Tristan in 1817. Somerset Camp was later renamed Edinburgh in honour of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, who visited Tristan in 1867.  As World War II approached, German U-boats (who in those days needed to surface to maintain radio contact) and the battle ship Graf Spee were sighted off Tristan. In 1942 a top-secret naval station code-named Job 9 (later HMS Atlantic Isle) was established on Tristan. Its role was to monitor U-boats and maintain a meteorological station. A local unit of sixteen men were trained as the Tristan Defence Volunteers. Although Tristan only had a communications role in the war, the impact of a naval establishment was nevertheless dramatic leading to extensive new infrastructure being built on the island, including a school, a hospital and a cash-based general store, still known on Tristan by the name 'Canteen' as it was during the war years.  The White Ensign, flown on Royal Navy ships and shore establishments is depicted on the £1.05 value. It was used on the island initially in 1816, when it was officially annexed then from 1942 to 1944, when it was HMS Job 9, and from 1944 to 1946, when the island was HMS Atlantic Isle.   The current Tristan flag, £2.50 value, was assigned in a proclamation made on 20 October 2002 by Governor Hollamby under a Royal Warrant granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The flag shows a Tristan longboat above a Naval Crown, with a central shield decorated with four yellow-nosed Albatrosses and flanked by two Tristan da Cunha Spiny Lobster with the motto “Our Faith is our Strength”. The flag is a courtesy ensign to be used 'on land and sea'.  The Flag of the Tristan da Cunha Administrator is depicted on the FDC. It was also assigned in the October 2002 proclamation by Governor Hollamby.  It consists of a Union Flag with a white disc edged with a gold ring under a garland of laurel and containing the full Armorial Ensigns of Tristan da Cunha. The flag is to be used in the presence of the Administrator, or acting Administrator, on land and at sea. High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found below -  SetFirst Day Cover  

Garden Flowers

  On Tristan da Cunha there are many garden flowers that have been introduced over the years. There is no Garden Centre where one can purchase plants so everything is either grown from seed or cuttings. Islanders share young plants they have grown from their garden with each other whilst many seeds are bought from South Africa and the UK.  Some of the garden flowers that were brought in as ornamentals have now dispersed into the wild. These flowers now growing around the settlement are free for everyone to enjoy.  45p Hydrangea: The vibrant pom-poms of hydrangeas are unmistakeable and with over 75 species they are one of the most beautiful flowers in the world.  Although hydrangeas were first cultivated in Japan, fossils found in North America show that they arrived there 40 to 65 million years ago. They reached Europe much later in 1736.  Their name comes from the Greek "Hydor" (water) and "angos" (jar or vessel), emphasizing the need to water the plant often, although they don’t like being over-watered.  The variety of colours are determined by the pH of the soil, so a mixed pH can result in a variety of different colours. However, despite these vibrant colours, most hydrangeas are fragrance-free.  60p Indian Shot: Commonly known as Indian shot, African arrowroot, purple arrowroot, and many other names, it was called Canna indica by Linnaeus in his work Species Plantarum. In fact, Canna indica is the first plant named in the book, so it could be seen as the first life form to receive a valid binomial name.  Despite its various names, the species is actually a native of the Americas, especially South America. The subterranean rhizomes of the Indian shot are edible and were a food crop cultivated by the original inhabitants of the Americas. The seeds, which are small, globular, and black, are very hard and dense and can even be used as bullets, hence the name Indian shot.  £1.10 Arum Lily: The Arum Lily has cultural significance in various parts of the world. In South Africa, it is a symbol of purity and is often used in bridal bouquets. It is also used as a symbol of peace and hope. In Christianity, the Arum Lily represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is often used during Easter services.  The Arum Lily is not a true lily. It belongs to the Araceae family, which also includes other popular houseplants like the Peace Lily and Philodendron. It is a beautiful and versatile plant with a rich cultural history. Its unique appearance and easy-to-grow nature make it a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements. It is native to South Africa but is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world.  The plant's spathe and spadix are actually modified leaves that work together to attract pollinators. The spadix produces heat, which helps to release the plant's scent and attract insects like beetles and flies.  The Arum Lily is toxic to humans and pets. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause skin irritation, swelling, and even respiratory issues if ingested. However, the plant's rhizomes are edible and have been used as a food source in parts of Africa for centuries. They can be boiled or roasted and eaten like potatoes.  £1.80 Montbretia: Montbretia, is a stunning flowering plant that belongs to the iris family. It is native to parts of Africa, including South Africa, and comprises more than 400 different species.  The flowers are known for their vibrant colours and eye-catching displays. They typically bloom in shades of red, orange, and yellow, adding a burst of colour to gardens and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.  Paired with the showy flowers, their long, sword-shaped leaves add an interesting textural element to gardens.  Montbretia is a low maintenance, hardy and adaptable plant that is a wonderful addition to any garden.  FDC Cover: Rose: This local wild Rose was introduced by an islander, many years ago. It is one of the Rose species with small, double flowers. Unlike some of the other Rose species this one does not produce fruit. High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found below - Set

60th Anniversary of the Tristan Volcanic Eruption Part 3 – Resettlement

The determination of most Tristan islanders to return home from their enforced volcanic evacuation in October 1961 began in earnest on 13th April 1962 when islanders Adam Swain and Joe Glass returned to England from the Royal Society Expedition declaring that the island was fit for habitation. It proved a tricky exercise to plan and carry out resettlement. This began when on 9th August 1962 twelve men of the Resettlement Survey Party left Southampton Docks aboard the Stirling Castle, arriving on Tristan aboard the Tristania 8th September 1962. Although officially this was a survey trip, make no doubt that these ten men were never going to return to England – resettlement of Tristan began on that day. HMS Puma crew blasted a road from Garden Gate, the only usable beach for landings now that both Big and Little Beach had been destroyed by lava. Slowly the village was restored to some sort of order.Back in England pressure grew on the British Government to facilitate a resettlement of the island, but there were doubters on both sides.  On Sunday 2nd December representatives from the Colonial Office arrived unannounced in Tristan Close to conduct their secret ballot. The vote in favour of going back was 148, with five voting to remain. Now return of the refugees was a certainty. The Advance Party of 51 islanders led by Willie Repetto oddly sailed from Tilbury aboard RMS Amazon on 17th March 1963, transferring to MV Boissevain at Rio de Janeiro and arriving on Tristan on 9th April, rather than using the conventional Southampton-Cape Town route. Also on board was Administrator Peter Day, returning to lead the effort to re-build crucial harbour and factory infrastructure on which a successful resettlement would depend. The main Resettlement Party of 198 islanders travelled direct from Southampton with 200 tonnes of cargo to Tristan aboard the Danish ferry Bornholm, departing on 24th October and arriving in triumph at Tristan on Sunday 10th November 1963. The islanders had made it home against the odds, and nothing could stop them. There were many early problems before a viable economy and a good standard of living was established. Poor weather meant the Bornholm took eleven days to offload; one family refused to stay in their lava-damaged home and returned to England; potato crops were poor; savings dwindled as earnings were low before commercial fishing operations resumed in 1966. 35 islanders left Tristan for the UK in April 1966, so, out of the 280 Tristan islanders who could have returned home in 1963, 66 (24%) remained in the UK or had subsequently moved back. Whilst many of the 35 returned to Tristan, these facts highlight the human side of the resettlement – there was uncertainty about what was best for families and the future of their young people. A full account of the 1961 volcanic eruption, the evacuation to the UK, times in England, resettlement and what has happened since can be found in the book Nothing Can Stop Us published by the Tristan da Cunha Association and available on www.tristandc.com. This is Tristan’s first issue with King Charles III’s portrait. These old black & white photographs have been wonderfully brought to life with colour to show: 45p - Frank Glass begins his return home outside his Calshot home in March 1963 as he prepares to travel to Tilbury to board RMS Amazon as a member of the Advance Party. 60p - Breaking and moving volcanic stone to make a new road across the 1961 lava field in about May 1963 to access the new small beach that could be used as a landing place. Lars Repetto poses in the centre with his sledgehammer raised, Leonard Glass wearing a sailor’s cap stands to the right, while Joe Glass points into the distance. £1.10 - Islanders and their luggage on Garden Gate Beach during offloading of MV Bornholm in November 1963 (Photo - Jim Flint) £1.80 – Interesting image of the scene on Garden Gate Beach on 9th April 1963 during the offloading of MV Boissevain. Bearded Frank Glass strides up the beach, busy drawing up loaded longboats and offshore further boats ply towards shore. The ship is the fishing vessel MV Tristania.  First Day Cover envelope image shows a longboat being drawn up Garden Gate Beach during the offloading of MV Bornholm in November 1963 (Photo: Jim Flint) High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found below -  Set