Australia Post are releasing two products recognising important military anniversaries, the Great War 1917 and the Royal Australian Navy’s Helicopter Flight Vietnam: 50th Anniversary.
  

Royal Australian Navy’s Helicopter Flight Vietnam: 50th Anniversary PSE

Royal Australian Navy’s Helicopter Flight Vietnam: 50th Anniversary PSEOn 15 October, we recognise another military anniversary – 50 years since the formation of the Royal Australian Navy’s Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) – with the release of a pre-stamped envelope. The role of RANHFV was to support allied troops in Vietnam and, in October 1967, it was integrated into the US Army’s 135 Assault Helicopter Company.

This unit was designated EMU (Experimental Military Unit) by the US Army, while the gunship platoon adopted the name Taipan. The EMUs were recognised in the 3 and 4 Corps area of operations as highly professional and cooperative, renowned for their ability to “Get the Bloody Job Done”, which became the unit’s motto. The RANHFV became the most decorated RAN unit in Vietnam and indeed one of the most decorated Australian units during that war. Unfortunately, it suffered a relatively high number of casualties, with five killed in action and 25 wounded in action. It was withdrawn from Vietnam in June 1971 and disbanded on return to its home at HMAS Albatross, Nowra, New South Wales.

RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam pre-stamped envelope.
RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam pre-stamped envelope. The photograph on the PSE is by James Connolly and is of helicopters landing troops in Vietnam.

The Great War 1917 postal numismatic cover

On 6 October, we released a limited edition postal and numismatic cover that commemorates the centenary of World War I, in particular the year 1917. It features stamps from Australia and the United Kingdom and a £2 coin from Britain’s Royal Mint.

The cover folds out to present information and photographs on some key themes from 1917, including the war in the air (as depicted on the coin) and the important contribution of the Australian Flying Corps, the casualty-ridden Third Battle of Ypres (as featured on the Australian stamp) and the military campaign in the Middle East.

The Great War 2017 Postal Numismatic cover

The 50th Anniversary RANHFV PSE is available from 15 October 2017, online, via at participating Post Offices and via mail order on 1800 331 794, while stocks last.

This article was produced at the time of publication and will not be updated.

Philatelic Team

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