'2nd-Lieut. A. S. Blackburn, V.C.', cigarette card, 1916

Cigarette card, Number 150 of the 6th series of 'The Great War Victoria Cross Heroes', one of 8 sets of 25 cigarette cards, issued by Gallaher Limited, Belfast and London, 1915-1916.

Portrait of 2nd Lieutenant (later Brigadier) Arthur Seaforth Blackburn (1892-1960) after a photograph published in the 'Daily Mirror'.

The caption on the reverse reads, '2nd Lieut Arthur Seaforth Blackburn VC, (Australian Infantry) won this honour for the dogged determination by which he cap-tured an enemy trench, after personally leading four separate parties of bombers against it He captured 250 yards of trench, then, after crawling forward to reconnoitre, returned, attacked and seized another 120 yards of trench'.

Blackburn served with Australian Imperial Force at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at Pozieres during the Battle of the Somme in 1916.

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.