'L.-Corpl. Wfd. D. Fuller, V.C.', 1915

Cigarette card, Number 24 from the 1st series of the 'The Great War Victoria Cross Heroes', one of 8 sets of 25 cigarette cards, issued by Gallaher Limited, Belfast and London, 1915-1916.

On the obverse, a portrait of Lance Corporal Wilfred Dolby Fuller VC (1893-1947), 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, wearing his Victoria Cross, after a photograph by Farringdon.

On the reverse a summary of the act of gallantry that resulted in his award, 'Lance-Corporal Wfd. D Fuller, V.C. (1st Batt. Grenadier Guards) won this honour at Neuve Chapelle, 12th March, 1915. Although quite alone, he pre-vented an enemy party from escaping along a communi-cation trench by bombing the first man and compelling the remainder - about 50- to surrender'.

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.