Royal Australian Navy Sails on Stamps

Australia Post commemorates 100 years of the Royal Australian Navy with the release of a ‘then and now’ stamp issue.

Featured on the stamps are the HMAS Australia (I), the first flagship of the new Australian fleet which served from 1913-1922; and the HMAS Sydney, one of four Adelaide Class guided missile frigates currently in service.

An image of Boy Seaman Frederick Mills graced the historic stamp. He served in HMAS Australia when it was attached to the British Grand Fleet in World War I. He was killed in action in World War II while serving in the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Acasta.

The contemporary stamp shows 21-year-old Combat Systems Operator, Able Seaman Rebecca Florance who is a recent crew member of HMAS Sydney (IV). The image represents the modern day sailor wearing combat uniform with a headset.

The Royal Australian Navy 1911-2011 commemorative stamp was released on June 12, 2011.