'How Capt. Sir John P. Milbanke (10th Hussars) won his Victoria Cross', 1900 (c)

Cigarette card published by Morris and Sons Limited, from a set entitled, 'Boer War, 1900', celebrating recipients of the Victoria Cross of the Boer War (1899-1902), 1900 (c).

Captain (later Lieutenant-Colonel Sir) John Penistone Milbanke (1872-1915) won his Victoria Cross for his actions at Coleberg in Cape Colony during the Boer War (1899-1902). Milbanke was Aide-de-Camp to General Sir John French. While on a small reconnaissance patrol Milbank's men came under heavy fire from Boer riflemen. Although wounded, he rescued a soldier who had been unhorsed.

Milbanke was killed in action during World War One (1914-1918), serving with the Nottinghamshire Yeomanry. Aged 43, he was killed in action on 21 August 1915 in an attack on Burnt Hill (Hill 70) during the ill-fated campaign on then Gallipoli Peninsula.

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.