1965 Anzac - 50th Anniversary of Gallipoli Landing

On that day New Zealand troops saw action for the first time in World War One. Their aim was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul). Success would have probably eliminated both of Germany's Balkan allies (Turkey and Bulgaria) from the war, and relieved the Russians from the heavy German pressure they were facing. The heroic but disastrous campaign left 2,721 New Zealanders dead and 4,752 wounded.

The campaign became a symbol of New Zealand (and Australia's) war losses. The 25th of April is observed in both countries as Anzac Day - to remember those men and women whose lives were lost in war.

The first issue of Anzac commemorative stamps in New Zealand was made on 27 April 1936. In 1958 the New Zealand Returned Services Association suggested that the fiftieth anniversary be recognised by another special issue. It was suggested that a joint Australia and New Zealand issue be produced. However Australia proceeded independently with issues for Australia, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Nauru, Norfolk and Papua New Guinea. The New Zealand issue depicted the landing at Gallipoli, fourteen artists submitted design proposals for the issue with the final commission being awarded to R M Conly of Christchurch.

In 1965 Anzac Day, 25th April, fell on a Sunday but special arrangements were made by the Post Office to enable covers bearing Anzac stamps to be date-stamped on that day at the Chief Post Offices at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. The special datestamp was similar to those used on the first day of issue but incorporated the words 'Anzac Day'. 

Stamp Bulletin

This stamp issue first appeared in New Zealand Post Stamp Bulletin No. 33 in February 1965.

Acknowledgments: Bulletin scanned and provided by John Biddlecombe of the New Zealand Society of Great Britain. Their web site offers further information useful to those interested in the stamps and postal history of New Zealand. Link: http://www.nzsgb.org.uk/

Product Listing for 1965 Anzac - 50th Anniversary of Gallipoli Landing

Image	Title	Description	Price
	Single Stamp	Single 4d gummed stamp. This stamp depicts Anzac Cove with the cliffs in the background.	4d
	Single Stamp	Single 5d gummed stamp. This stamp depicted Anzac Cove with the cliffs in the background with the addition of a red poppy. The poppy was included in the design to commemorate the later service of the Corps in France and Belgium.	5d