Photos featured on Red Arrows stamps the pinnacle for long-time RIAT volunteer

  • 15th Jul 2024

When Peter March began taking photos as a young teenager at the fence-line of the Bristol Aeroplane Company’s Filton Airfield, little did he know that some 70 years later, he would still be enjoying taking photos of aircraft and adding to a vast collection.

Peter, 84, is the Royal International Air Tattoo’s longest-serving volunteer after first becoming involved with the event over 50-years ago.

During his involvement the former teacher has held a number of positions from programme editor to aviation photographer as part of the volunteer media team, a position he still holds today.

2024 is the 60th display year for the Royal Air Force’s world-famous display team, the Red Arrows and to recognise this diamond season, a set of special stamps has been issued by the Royal Mail.

Of the eight main photos shown on the stamps, three were taken by Peter and a further eighteen are printed in the Prestige Stamp Book and Presentation Pack. Many of these images, some dating back to the mid-70s, were captured whilst Peter was volunteering at the International Air Tattoo.

“In 1965 I attended the first ever presentation of the Red Arrows here in Gloucestershire and I’ve photographed them in action around the UK, Europe and the USA ever since,” said Peter. 

“Having my images selected to be printed on RM special stamps is the ultimate accolade. I’ve had many photos printed in books and used on television but for me, I don’t see how I can do much better.

“The images I have taken are a unique photographic journey through the Red Arrows’ 60 Seasons which forms an important part of my 51 years as a RIAT volunteer”.

After striking up a relationship with RIAT’s co-founders Paul Bowen and Tim Prince back in 1971, Peter has been on hand to capture the event as it grew into one of the world’s biggest and most popular air shows, receiving a Royal seal of approval from Queen Elizabeth II in 1996 and raising much needed funds to support service charities and young people entering the world of science and technology.

Reflecting on his time as a volunteer, the veteran volunteer says it has been an ‘adventure of a lifetime’.

“The Air Tattoo as a public performance has never failed to amaze me,” he added.

“Every year brings new highlights and memories which encourages me to sign up for ‘just one more year’.