Philatelic Postage stamp issue – 75th Anniversary ‘Operation Pedestal’ 1942 - 2017

On the 10 August MaltaPost will issue a miniature sheet bearing one stamp to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the naval effort ‘Operation Pedestal’.

Operational Pedestal, also known as ‘Il-Konvoy ta’ Santa Marija’, was a World War II naval operation by the Allies aimed at relieving Malta from starvation and a shortage of essential supplies, after the Islands had already suffered two years of incessant bombing by the Axis air force.

The €3.00 stamp which is being issued to commemorate this 75th anniversary, depicts the Siege Bell War Memorial located near the Lower Barrakka Gardens, in Valletta. The memorial was designed by sculptor Michael Sandle and commemorates all those who lost their lives throughout the siege of Malta between 1940 and 1943.

The stamp was designed by Cedric Galea Pirotta and measures 31mm x 44mm with a perforation of 13.9 x 14.0 (comb.) bearing the Maltese Cross mark. The sheet measures 120mm x 80mm. Printex Limited printed 20,000 miniature sheets.

This philatelic issue will be available as from Thursday 10 August from any Post Office, online at www.maltaphilately.com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c. 305, Qormi Road, Marsa, MTP 1001