The Red Arrows flypast at Arromanches, Normandy, June 6th 2004

The D-Day salute

Marking the 40th display season of the RAFDT Red Arrows.

This is one of

ONLY FOUR SUCH COVERS

in existence and have been signed by the nine pilots of the 2004 RAF Red Arrows Aerobatic Team.

The cover was produced to commemorate the D Day Salute fly past performed by the Red Arrows at the commemoration ceremony on 6th June 2004 attended by the Queen and numerous Heads of State. The illustration shows an aerial view of Arromanches shortly after D Day (Mulberry Harbour etc.). The cover bears a Millenium Machin Definitive which has been cancelled by a special Royal Mail postmark, used only on the day, marking the D Day Salute by the Red Arrows in their 40th Display Season. The postmark also features the "Diamond Nine" formation, being the trademark of the team.

Each of the nine pilots have individually signed this cover. As many readers will know, The Red Arrows only sign officially authorised items or items approved on their behalf. Covers bearing the full team signatures can therefore be very scarce.

Only four of these covers have been signed by the team. One was sold by auction on the day of the Bournemouth display by the Red Arrows and achieved £75 for the charity. As two covers have been given to organisers of the event this is almost certainly the only ever opportunity the general public will get to acquire this cover.

If required, the Bournemouth Red Arrows Association Committee will provide written acknowledgement of the donation to the buyer which I recommend seeking as it will also serve as authentication and provenance for the future.

Please bid generously for this worthy cause and, on behalf of the Bournemouth Red Arrows Association and The Stable Family Home Trust, I offer my sincere thanks for your interest in this cover.

100% OF THE FINAL BID AMOUNT IS BEING DONATED TO THE STABLE FAMILY HOME TRUST (via the Bournemouth Red Arrows Assoc.), an organisation providing care and employment for people with special needs.