I was pleased as punch that someone has finally done a movie about King George VI, and to the win the Oscar as best picture was certainly satisfying to me! I have been an avid collector of the King's memorabilia (mostly stamps and books) for forty odd years now and feel justice has finally been done to whom history often labels as a misunderstood, introspective and unassuming man. In reality King George VI was a beacon of light and inspiration to those who lived through the last world war (my Mum especially, who lived in England during the blitzes), a loving father to the present Queen and a devoted husband to the Queen Mother who outlived him almost 50 years! The King was only 56 years old when he died this month in 1952, and for the previous 15 years he had been called upon to bear the sudden burden of the crown, following the abdication of his oldest brother Edward in 1936. During those years, with the rise of Hitler's Germany, his courage through his many handicaps never failed. England was bombed, the skies constantly violated, the shores threatened with invasion and the Empire faced with disintegration, yet he shared the dangers and perils of his fellow countrymen as only he knew how - in the service of his people.
For those interested in learning more about him the following excellent book is essential reading:
King George VI His Life and Reign by John W. Wheeler-Bennett , first published in 1958. It is the official biography of King George VI, presenting a comprehensive record and analysis of his personal and public life. It is filled with extensive historical background and is based on the author's unrestricted access to Royal archives.
I have an extensive collection of stamps issued during his reign, from 1937 to 1952, carefully preserved in an old Stanley Gibbons KGVI stamp album. At that time the British Empire was immense, encompassing Australia, NZ, Canada, Ceylon, India, Ireland, Malaya, Newfoundland, Pakistan and South Africa, just to name a few. As well numerous African states, most having since gained independance, and dozens of tropical islands scattered throughout the globe that were either Crown, Federal Colonies or Dependancies of other islands, issued stamps bearing the King's portrait. Here then are a few examples of some of these stamps from my collection:
Hopefully, through the release and success of the film The King's Speech, even more people will come to appreciate the man behind the stutter - a great King who some 60 years ago, by his simple humanity, devotion to duty, and service to his people and Empire, earned the deep respect of millions around the world. gws
