'Lieutenant Walter L Brodie', cigarette card, 1915

One of three cigarette cards from the series 'Victoria Cross Heroes', 1914-1915. Published by W D and H O Wills, 1915.

Walter Lorrain Brodie (1885-1918) was serving with 2nd Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry, when he won the Victoria Cross (VC) in Belgium.

The 'London Gazette' of 12 December 1914, recorded that it was awarded 'For conspicuous gallantry near Becelaere on the 11th November, in clearing the enemy out of a portion of our trenches which they had succeeded in occupying. Heading the charge, he bayoneted several of the enemy, and thereby relieved a dangerous situation. As a result of Lieutenant Brodie's promptitude, 80 of the enemy were killed and 51 taken prisoners.'

Brodie later rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel but was killed in action near Moeuvres, France, on 23 August 1918. He was buried at Bienvillers Military Cemetery.

Cigarette cards were produced from the mid 1870s until the end of World War Two (1939-1945). Used to strengthen thin cigarette packs the cards were quickly developed into advertising devices. Series of cards covering every conceivable subject, from sportsmen to flora and fauna, were produced to encourage collectors and potential smokers alike.