'Lieut. Richard B. B. Jones, V.C.', cigarette card, 1916

Cigarette card, No 124 of the 5th series of 'The Great War Victoria Cross Heroes', one of 8 sets of 25 cigarette cards, issued by Gallaher Limited, Belfast and London, 1916.

Portrait of Lieutenant Richard Basil Brandram Jones (1897-1916) wearing Victoria Cross, adapted from a photograph by Central Press.

The caption on the reverse reads, 'Lieutenant Richard B B Jones, V.C (8th Batt Loyal North Lancs Regt) won this honour for the gallant example he set his men while defending an isolated mine crater His conduct so steadied and inspired his men, that even when all ammunition was ex-pended, the remnant flung stones and ammunition boxes at the enemy'.

Jones was educated at Dulwich College and was only 19 years old when he took part in the action that resulted in him being posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. The Germans attacked at Vimy on 21 May 1916 to counter Allied mining. Jones was shot in the head while his unit was defending the 'Broadmarsh Crater'.

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.