Founded in 2000 by a group of aviation and military history enthusiasts in the Isle of Man, the museum is run entirely by volunteers and has grown in size and reputation, becoming a very popular and highly regarded facility for the casual visitor or the serious researcher.
The museum encompasses not only the history of Manx aviation but also the roles that the Island and its people played in both world wars. Particularly notable is the way the museum features the stories of individual people who, reluctantly or otherwise, went to war - giving a rare insight into how ordinary men and women felt and acted while doing their duty.
For a quarter of a century the museum has preserved and shared the stories of the Isle of Man’s rich aviation and military past. From its location near Ronaldsway Airport, it offers visitors a journey through Manx history.
The six stamps detail some of the museum’s main exhibits; World War I, World War II, VJ Day, Civil Aviation, museum artefacts and The Korean War.
A commemorative sheetlet marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain will be released on 15th September. Fought between July and October 1940, the Battle of Britain was a defining moment in the Second World War – the first major campaign to be fought entirely in the air. Against overwhelming odds, the Royal Air Force’s young fighter pilots, supported by ground crews and vital civilian efforts, successfully defended Britain from the German Luftwaffe, preventing invasion and changing the course of history.
This historic sheetlet features a selection of reproduced stamp designs from past Isle of Man Post Office issues commemorating the battle, marking this historic anniversary.
Graham Brogden, Head of Major Gifts at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Isle of Man Post Office on the release of the Battle of Britain stamp collection, which honours the strength and resilience of ‘The Few’ who courageously fought for our freedom during the Second World War. From the Fund’s founding in 1919, through the Second World War and more recent events, we have supported serving personnel, veterans, and their families – and, thanks to generous supporters like the Isle of Man Post Office, we will continue to do so for years to come.”
Maxine Cannon, General Manager of Stamps and Coins at Isle of Man Post Office, said: “These two very special releases pay tribute to the extraordinary courage, commitment and sacrifice shown in times of war, and to the importance of preserving those stories for future generations. The Manx Aviation and Military Museum has, for 25 years, been a guardian of our Island’s unique wartime history, and it is a privilege to celebrate their anniversary through this beautiful set of stamps.
Likewise, our Battle of Britain 85th Anniversary commemorative sheetlet honours one of the most pivotal moments in history, recognising the heroism of ‘The Few’ and the vital role played by all who supported them.”
Ivor Ramden MBE, Director of the Manx Aviation and Military Museum commented “It has been a privilege to have been associated with the Museum since its inception in 2000 and to watch it, and its reputation, grow beyond anything that we could have imagined back then. Close inspection of these delightful stamps will provide a glimpse of the countless historical treasures in the Museum.
The Manx Aviation and Military Museum stamp collection and the Battle of Britain commemorative sheetlet will be issued on 15th September 2025 and includes a Set, First Day Cover, Presentation Pack and a sheetlet of stamps (Battle of Britain only)
To view the collection and place your order please visit iomstamps.com/AviationMuseum
High resolution images for this stamp issue can be found in our media centre
