British Virgin Islands - Island Sun Newspaper

Centenary of Powered Flight

By Giorgio Migliavacca

On 15 November 2003, the British Virgin Islands Postal Administration issued a set of six stamps celebrating the Centenary of Powered Flight. Designed by John Batchelor and printed by Joh Enschede Stamps the six values have CA Spiral watermark, sideways ( Crown to Right of CA), and are perforated 14.

The 15c depicts the Douglas DC4 aeroplane, a 40-passenger airliner first used on 7 June 1938 by United Air Lines for some proving flights. At the outbreak of the Second World War, the sponsoring airlines had asked for some changes, but the turn of events resulted in the production being channelled to the US Army Air Force and the aeroplane was given a new name - C54. In 1941 the original DC4 entered production and more than 1,000 were ordered by US services. Many DC4s are still in use today, especially in the USA where this type of plane has become quite popular as a firebomber. The 20c depicts a Boeing Stearman "Kaydet" a two-seat biplane launched in the mid-1930s. Stearman Aircraft Company of Wichita created this biplane, but in 1934 the company was bought by Boeing. The plane was user friendly and relatively forgiving of amateur pilots and therefore became very popular.

The nickname "Kaydet" was bestowed on the plane by Canadian forces. Between 1936 and 1944 Boeing built over 8,000 "Kaydets". Canada, China, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil were some of the countries that imported "Kaydets" for both military and civilian uses.

The 35c depicts a B-25 J. Mitchell a twin-engined combat aircraft named in honour of the fearless US Army Air Corps officer who was court-martielled for his belief in air power. It has often been described as the best of warplanes in its class during the Second World War.

The 40c depicts an F-4B Phantom a McDonnell Douglas fighter developed for the US Navy and first flown in May 1958. The Phantom saw considerable use in the Vietnam War. Described by many pilots as one of the "hottest" planes around, the two-man aircraft was withdrawn in 1998.

The 50c depicts a twin-engine CH-47 Chinook - originally designed in the mid-1950s to serve the US Army and Air Force as a medium-lift helicopter. Chinooks were first used in 1965 in Vietnam, and during Desert Storm the CH-47D often provided the only means of transportation to move large numbers of personnel, supplies and equipment.

The $2.00 stamp depicts an AH-64 Apache so familiar to most of us. Full-scale production began in 1983 and the Apache proved its capabilities in action during both Operation Restore Hope and Desert Storm. Apache helicopters played a major role in the liberation of Kuwait and have been sold to a number of NATO member countries.

Each stamp has a perforated tab attached to it featuring the celebrations logo and the name of the aicraft.

Stamp collectors may purchase this new set and First Day Cover from the BVI Philatelic Bureau, General Post Office, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Payment may be made by a bank cheque or draft, money order or Postal Order, in US$. Most major credit cards are also accepted (minimum purchase $15).