'L.-Corpl. W. Kenny, V.C.', cigarette card, 1915

Cigarette card, No 10 from 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 Lance Corporal (later Drum Major) William Kenny, 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, after a photograph by News Illustrated Limited. Kenny was a drummer and had served in the Boer War (1899-1902). The reverse of the card summarises Kenny's act of gallantry at the 1st Battle of Ypres during World War One (1914-1918) in 1914. It records that Kenny 'won this honour at Ypres, on the 23rd Oct., 1914, where he rescued wounded men on five occasions under heavy fire. Previously he carried two machine guns out of action and conveyed many messages under most trying circumstances'.

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.