'Capt. F.O. Grenfell, V.C.', 1915

Cigarette card, No 2 of 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 Captain Francis Grenfell VC, 9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers, 1915, wearing Victoria Cross.

Captain Francis Grenfell led the 9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers in the action at Audregnies, on 24 August 1914 during the Battle of Mons, against a large body of German infantry who were advancing to encircle the 5th Division. This action was later compared to the Charge of the Light Brigade since it demonstrated great bravery but accomplished little. Later in the day Grenfell and his men helped to drag away British guns which were in danger of being captured. In this painting, the artist appears to have combined the two events.

Although not the first action of World War One (1914-1918) for which the Victoria Cross was awarded, Grenfell was the first to be gazetted, that is, officially listed in 'The London Gazette' as a recipient. The citation was for 'gallantry in action against unbroken infantry at Audregnies and for gallant conduct in assisting to save the guns of the 119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, near Doubon the same day'. Grenfell was killed in action at Hooghe near Ypres on 24 May 1915. The first VC to be won in the war was by Lieutenant M J Dease, Royal Fusiliers, on 23 August 1914.

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.