The Post Office is commemorating the 250th birthday of much Manx naval hero Captain John Quilliam.

Captain Quilliam was First Lieutenant on HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar alongside Admiral Horatio Nelson and Captain Hardy, where it is claimed that he steered the ship into battle.

Shortly after his return to the Isle of Man in 1807 Quilliam was made a Member of the House of Keys, but resigned his seat in 1810 after being called back to sea to serve first in Home waters, then in the Baltic and finally on the North American Station.

He was invited to resume his post as MHK upon his return in 1817. MHKs were not elected then.

Local designer Colleen Corlett created six stamps narrating the life and achievements of John Quilliam utilising photographs, portraits, statues and images of Quilliam memorabilia.

The issue text was written by Frank Cowin, who, alongside Andrew Bond and Andrew Lambert, is the co-author of the book ’Favourite of Fortune, Captain John Quilliam, Hero of Trafalgar’.

The collection will be issued on September 25 and available as set, sheet set, presentation pack (limited to 1100) and first day cover (limited to 1500).

Fifty signed limited editions of ’Favourite of Fortune, Captain John Quilliam, Hero of Trafalgar’ will be available including a special first day cover of the ’Victory at Trafalgar’ stamp (signed and numbered by Colleen Corlett).

Mrs Corlett said: ’I have been lucky enough to earn my living as a designer-artist for the last 50 years.

’Fifteen happy years were spent as the in-house designer for the Isle of Man Post Office, researching and painting many aspects of the island on stamps, before going freelance.

’I was delighted to be asked once again to design a stamp issue, this time about the life of Captain John Quilliam on his 250th anniversary.’

Mr Cowin said: ’Captain John Quilliam is a much-celebrated Manx hero but is not well known elsewhere.

’This despite him being the third most senior person on HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar where it is claimed he steered her into the battle.

’Commemorating his life with a book and a stamp collection is a fitting tribute.’

Andrew Lambert, professor of naval history at Kings College London, said: ’In the age of Nelson the Royal Navy had many heroes, but only a select few were hand picked by the great man: among them was John Quilliam, Manxman, world traveller, and a veteran of many battles, a man of skill and dedication, who exemplified the finest traditions of the service.’

Maxine Cannon, general manager Isle of Man Stamps and Coins, said: ’We commemorate a true Manx hero by celebrating what would have been the 250th birthday of Captain John Quilliam.

’Being able to present our local heroes, who have played a vital part in history, to a worldwide audience is very important to us and we are extremely proud of our ancestors and heritage.’