Red Cross Ship SS Vega

Date of Issue: May 08, 2013

Jersey Post issued a set of six stamps and a miniature sheet to commemorate 150th Anniversary of International Red Cross on May 8th, the Birthday of its founder, Henry Dunant.

Since its inception 150 years ago, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has become the world's largest network of volunteer-based humanitarian organizations, helping people during times of war and peace, suffering and tragedy.

Jersey was occupied by Nazi troops from 1940-1945, and islanders experienced first-hand the humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross. Not only did the Red Cross postal message system keep Channel Islanders in touch with their relatives, the Red Cross ship ss Vega delivered food parcels at times when the situation was becoming desperate and many lives were saved.

During her six visits, the Vega delivered 456,264 standard food parcels and 22,200 diet supplement parcels. On her final voyage, 118 bales of medical supplies and 23 cases of x-ray equipment, food, clothing, and fuel were delivered arriving in Jersey on May 31, 1945.

Text Source: Presentation pack of Jersey Post.