'Driver F. Luke, V.C.', cigarette card, 1915

Cigarette card, No 13 from the 1st series of 'The Great War Victoria Cross Heroes', a set of 25 cigarette cards, published by Gallaher Limited, Belfast and London, 1915.

Portrait of Driver Frederick Luke, Royal Field Artillery, after a photograph by Central Press. The reverse of the card summarises Kenny's act of gallantry at the Battle of Le Cateau during World War One (1914-1918) in 1914. It records that Kenny 'won this honour along with Driver Drain, V.C, also of the 37th Battery, for gallantry volunteering to lend a hand in saving the guns at Le Cateau on Aug. 26th, 1914. They had to face a hot fire from 100 yards range.'. Captain Douglas Reynolds (1882-1916), Royal Field Artillery, was also awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry during the same action.

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.

One of a collection of 103 cigarette cards.