THE Royal Mail is searching for veterans and descendants of the crews that sailed aboard Merchant Navy ships over the past 200 years.

Families whose ancestors served with the Merchant Navy are invited to share their stories and to celebrate the heritage of Britain’s civilian seafarers.

The quest is in advance of a new series of Merchant Navy stamps, available in September.

The Royal Mail is particularly interested in stories from veterans and descendants of the brave seamen who sailed in the Arctic and Atlantic convoys during World War Two.

Andrew Hammond, director of stamps and collectables, Royal Mail said: “We are keen to hear from relatives of those who served on ships that sailed from 1813 to the 1980s – particularly those related to the heroes who sailed the merchant vessels during the Battle of the Atlantic and in the Arctic convoys, pitting themselves against German U-boats with the losses of many lives.

“We would of course love to hear form surviving crew members themselves from the more recent Merchant Navy ships.”

Once the stories are gathered, selected people will be invited to a reception aboard the Cutty Sark where they can share stories and hoist flags commemorating a number of the great Merchant Navy vessels.

Those wishing to share their stories should email merchantnavy@goldengoosepr.com, or call Miki on 07900 690 574.

Alternatively, write to Merchant Navy Campaign, Office 101, 145-147 Boston Road, Ealing, London, W7 3SA including contact details and the names of the ships that individuals or descendants served upon.