90 years on, a special first-class stamp will honour the heroes of Passchendaele

It is unmistakably a blood-red corn poppy in full bloom.
But closer inspection reveals silhouettes of struggling soldiers emerging from its centre.

This striking design has been chosen for a special first-class stamp commemorating the 90th anniversary of the First World War battle of Passchendaele, the Belgian village whose name is synonymous with the carnage and futility of war.