'How Capt Fitzclarence (Royal Fusiliers) won his Victoria Cross', 1900

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 Fitzclarence, sword in hand, leading an attack on a Boer trench, Mafeking, 1899.

Captain (later Brigadier General) Charles FitzClarence (1865-1914) joined the Royal Fusiliers in 1886. In 1899, during the Boer War (1899-1902) in South Africa, he was serving as a Special Service Officer, training a squadron of the Protectorate Regiment. Nicknamed 'The Demon' for his ferocity in action, FitzClarence was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry at Mafeking. On the 14 October 1899 he led a successful sortie to relieve an armoured train attacked by Boer forces. On 27 October 1899, FitzClarence led a spirited night attack on Boer positions. On 26 December 1899, FitzClarence was wounded in another action.

FitzClarence went on to command the 1st Guards Brigade in 1914. He was killed in action on 11 November 1914 at Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, Belgium.

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.