Withdrawal of Online Stamp Catalogues

The CILP has reluctantly decided to withdraw from the public domain our illustrated  Online Catalogues covering 2010-2021.

Due to abuses of our Creative Commons licence by some bad agents and AI 'bot' stripping of our images without credit or permission, it has become necessary to remove the illustrated catalogues from our website. 

This is a double-edged sword as visitors will be unable to view the wide range of stamps we produce and available to collect, and we lose an important advertising medium. However, our 'Collector Checklist' page will be retained and the format has been updated to include thumbnail images for all issues.

For collectors who want an in-depth and fully illustrated catalogue of CILP issues and cinderella philatelic material, including full design details and background stories, a catalogue is being prepared for print release for our 15th Anniversary in November 2025. It will be available worldwide from Amazon and published by Flag House Press.

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New Issue: Aviators No.3 - No.121 'Eagle' Squadron RAF

CILP is delighted to announce its second issue for 2025 and the third stamp in the Aviators Series. This is the first stamp in the series to salute a group of aviators rather than an individual, and it commemorates the American volunteers that served and flew in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during WWII in the three famous ‘Eagle’ Squadrons. 

In particular CILP honours the men of No.121 Sqn. RAF, the second squadron formed from American volunteers in May 1941 who flew from various airfields in Essex including RAF Rochford (now London-Southend Airport), around twelve miles from Canvey Island. The squadron was formed on 14 May 1941 and originally flew Hawker Hurricanes then converted to Supermarine Spitfires, shooting down their first enemy aircraft on 15 November 1941. The squadron flew offensive missions over the English Channel and operated as bomber escorts.

CP070 - No.121 'Eagle' Sqn RAF

The design shows RAF Rochford in 1942 with staff watching a returning flight of Supermarine Spitfire MK VBs (cannon armed) of  No.121 'Eagle' Sqn. Alongside the period image (photo credit: IWM D 9509), is the official badge of the 'Eagle' squadrons.

Technically it was illegal under US law for them to serve in a foreign air force at war, but the contribution made by these American volunteers was greatly appreciated. In September 1942 the squadron was transferred from the RAF to the USAAF (along with No.71 and No.133 'Eagle' Sqns RAF), No.121 Sqn becoming the 335th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, Eighth Airforce, USAAF. The No.121 RAF 'Eagle' Squadron was officially disbanded on 29 September 1942.  

A First Day Cover has been created for this issue and can be obtained along with mint stamps at Alpha Thematics on Ebid UK.

Postmaster

New Cover Service!

The Canvey Island Local Post is delighted to introduce its new Cover Service. Following a successful trial, this service is now being introduced for all collectors in the United Kingdom.

The service is aimed at collectors who wish to obtain cancelled CILP stamps, including First Day Issue events, on personally addressed covers previously sent to the CILP.

All fees charged for the service will be used to finance the Canvey Island Local Post, stamp production, its website and associated services, to ensure its viability for the future.

Visit our Cover Service page for details.

Postmaster

Stamp Schedule for 2025!

Canvey Island Local Post (CILP) is pleased to confirm its stamp schedule for 2025. This year has significant WWII anniversaries so our offering this year does lean towards that era and a monochrome photographic theme – but not entirely! As usual, illustrations will be published nearer their scheduled release dates to maintain surprise and excitement!

Music Series: Dr Feelgood (6 January 2025)

Already issued. This stamp applauds Dr. Feelgood, an English pub rock band formed in 1971 on Canvey Island. It is the first stamp in our new Music Series, featuring local and international musicians with links to Canvey Island and the surrounding area.

(CP069) Dr Feelgood

Aviators Series: No.3 - ‘Eagle’ Sqn RAF (21 March 2025)

The third stamp in the series, and the first to salute a group of aviators rather than an individual, it commemorates the American volunteers that served and flew in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during WWII in the famous ‘Eagle’ Squadrons.

In particular CILP honours the men of No. 121 Sqn. RAF who flew from airfields in Essex including RAF Rochford (now London-Southend Airport), around twelve miles from Canvey Island. A bonus for aviation fans is that the Supermarine Spitfire MKV features in the design!

VE Day (8 May 2025)

Celebrating the 80^th Anniversary of the guns falling silent in Western Europe in 1945, this issue is a colourful commemoration of the day. It features flag bunting of the major Allied nations and anniversary legend. A sobering reminder of what unified and determined allies can achieve together.

Heritage Series: Laundry Delivery (21 July 2025)

This issue has been planned for some time but was set aside due to other date critical commemorations. This issue is more special than most to me, as it features my maternal grandmother and great-grandfather delivering clean laundry on their horse-drawn cart c.1930.

 

VJ Day (15 August)

The second significant 80^th Anniversary of the year is Victory over Japan Day. The stamp features celebrating RAF personnel on the Cocos Islands on 14 August 1945, the day before the official declaration, with a USA made B-24 bomber in the background.

CILP 15^th Anniversary (10 November 2025)

To wrap-up the year CILP marks the fifteenth anniversary of its first stamp issue on 10 November 2010, with a multicoloured celebration of stamps on a stamp. Where has the time gone?

As usual all available CILP stamps can be obtained online from Alpha Thematics on ebid.net/uk.

 

Postmaster