'Capt. N.G. Chavasse, V.C.', cigarette card, 1916

Cigarette card, Number 159 of the 7th 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 Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse (1884-1917), Royal Army Medical Corps, wearing his Victoria Cross, after a photograph by Central Press.

The caption on the reverse reads, 'Captain Noel G. Chavasse, M.C., M.B., V.C. (R.A.M.C.) during an attack tended the wounded in the open all day under heavy fire, in view of the enemy. Next day under heavy shell fire he carried an urgent case for 500 yards into safety, being wounded in the side. The same night he took up a party of twenty volunteers and rescued three wounded men.'.

Noel Chavasse and his twin brother Christopher (1884-1962) represented Great Britain in the 400 metres at the Olympic Games in London in 1908.

Noel Chavasse was awarded the Victoria Cross and Bar during World War One (1914-1918). This card relates to his first VC, awarded for his actions during the Battle of Guillemont in 1916. Chavasse's second VC was awarded posthumously. He died of wounds received at Passchendaele during the 3rd Battle of Ypres (1917). Christopher Chavasse (1884-1962) survived the War, serving in the Royal Army Chaplains' Department.

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.