The Royal Air Force came into existence on 1 April 1918 when the aviation branches of the Royal Navy and the British Army were merged to form an independent military force. The growing role of airpower in warfare, particularly in the Great War was the chief inspiration for this move.
The Prestige stamp book contains five panes which comprise the new RAF stamps and miniature sheet, the 2015 Battle of Britain 75th anniversary commemoratives and a mixed Machin pane.
This cover features the Victoria Cross medal and ribbon framed by a 22ct gold-blocked design together with a Hendon, London handstamp.