In 2003 we arranged for a selection of modern covers to be posted to us from a variety of places on the Falkland Islands. this took the form of a survey to ascertain what was then currently available in postal markings.

In 2003 there were 4 post offices operating. Stanley in the capital, Mount Pleasant at the Airport, BFPO 655 also at the airport and lastly Fox Bay. There was however a small variety of postmarks and different cachets being used at these places and all those discovered are offered below while stocks (often very limited) last.

View of the township of Stanley from the water.

Above we see the most common datestamp in use in 2003. The 2 cachets at left are situated in the Philatelic Bureau in Stanley.

Note: The above cover bears the gold embossed crest of the Governor on the reverse.

It has been autographed at left by the Governor himself, Mr Howard Pearce who is shown at left.

Note: this cover bears the cachet and the signature of  N. McGregor Edwards, the director of Health & Social Services.

Note: this cover bears a cachet indicating that 2003 was the 150th year of the company.

The picture at left shows the Upland Goose Hotel in Port Stanley. This historic hotel was originally called The Eagle Inn with its building dating back to the mid 19th Century.

Further details can be found here

Note: this British Forces "Bluey" normally provides free postage from the Falklands back to a soldiers home in the United Kingdom but when posted to another destination postage stamps must be used as with the above example. Backstamped at Christchurch 20 Feb 2003.

Note: This cover differs from the previous one in that the patriotic sticker has an incorrect wording variety with the "S" in Islands missing.

Note: The above cover has been autographed by the Lan Chile Flight Captain. Datestamped on arrival in Stanley with the large Oval Stanley datestamp.

Note: The above cover has been autographed by the other Lan Chile Flight Captain. (They have 2 pilots on this flight) Datestamped on arrival in Stanley with the large Oval Stanley datestamp.

Note: The above cover has been autographed by the Lan Chile Flight Captain Jorge Espinoza. Datestamped on arrival in Punta Arenas.

Note: The above cover has been autographed by the Lan Chile Flight Captain Flavio Eggers. Datestamped on arrival in Punta Arenas.

Note: this postmark was issued to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict and the Memorial Chapel for the event in Reading.

Note: this postmark was issued to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Operation Paraquat - The battle for South Georgia in 1982.

Note: this postmark was issued to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Battle For The Falkland Islands in 1982.

Note: this postmark was issued to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the loss of H.M.S. "Ardent" in San Carlos Water 21/5/82.

Note: this postmark was issued to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Argentine surrender in 1982.

Note: this postmark was issued to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the return of the Task Force in 1982.