A specially minted, limited edition medallion has been created by Isle of Man Stamps and Coins to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of First World War.
The medallion, which is available in a presentation box with a commemorative stamp, pays tribute to all the Manx men and women involved in the conflict.
On one side it bears the inscription ‘Lest we forget – The Great War 1914-1918’ – and on the other ‘2014 – The Manx nation remembers’.
The stamp is postmarked August 4, 2014, 100 years to the day since Britain declared war on Germany.
A total of 8,261 men and women from the Isle of Man enlisted in the armed forces during the 1914-1918 war.
Virtually every family in the island at that time had at least one relative serving in the armed forces.
By the end of the war in November 1918, 1,165 Manxmen had lost their lives and 950 had been wounded.
A percentage of the proceeds from sales will go to the Isle of Man branch of the Royal British Legion. Only 750 medallions have been made.
Each one includes a certificate of authenticity endorsed by Hector Duff MM BEM, President of the Onchan branch of the Royal British Legion.
Mr Duff, a veteran of the Second World War who took part in the D-Day landings in 1944, said: ‘This is a very fitting tribute to all the men of our island who left our shores to a place very much unknown to them, many never to return, and even more with scars which they had to bear for the rest of their lives.
‘This is especially good for our young people who can take pride in the contribution their families made to bring peace to the world in 1918.’
Maxine Cannon, Isle of Man Stamps and Coins general manager, said: ‘The medallion and stamp are poignant tributes to the many Manx men and women who served during the First World War. 100 years on from the outbreak of the war, Isle of Man Stamps and Coins is very proud to play its own part in helping to remember and honour the sacrifices they made.
‘We also wanted to support the good work which the Royal British Legion continues to do in support of all former servicemen and servicewomen, and are extremely grateful for the support from the Isle of Man branch of the charity.’
The latest commemorative issue complements a number of other recent Isle of Man Stamps and Coins collections which remember those who served in 1914-18 conflict.
Earlier this year a commemorative crown was also issued to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 1944.
Pre-orders for the First World War commemorative medallion can be made by phoning 698430, at the Regent Street Post Office in Douglas or online at www.iompost.com/stamps-coins
It is available in two presentation options – in a pouch, priced at £12.50, or in a presentation box with a stamp priced at £22.50. Both versions include a certificate of authenticity.