'2nd-Lieut. Fredk. H. Johnson, V.C.', 1915

Cigarette card, Number 96 from the 4th series of the 'The Great War Victoria Cross Heroes', one of 8 sets of 25 cigarette cards, issued by Gallaher Limited, Belfast and London, 1915-1916.

On the obverse, a portrait of 2nd Lieutenant (later Major) Frederick Henry Johnson, Royal Engineers, wearing his Victoria Cross, after a photograph by Bassano, 1915.

Major Fred Henry Johnson (1890-1917) was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on the 25 September 1915 when he participated in an assault on Hill 70 during the Battle of Loos. He was killed in action on the Western Front on 26 November 1917.

On the reverse a summary of the act of gallantry at the Battle of Loos in 1915 that resulted in his award, '2nd Lieut. Fredk. H. Johnson, V.C. (Royal Engineers) won this honour at Hill 70 on Sept. 25th, 1915. Although wounded in the leg he remained on duty throughout an attack, and at a critical juncture led many charges, under heavy fire, on a German redoubt. He re-peatedly rallied the men near him and by his example saved the situation and firmly established his new position.'.

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.