'Captain H L. Reed, R.A. V.C.', 1902

Cigarette card published by Taddy and Company, Number 51 from the series, 'VC Heroes - Boer War', 1898-1900, a set of 125 cards, 1902. Published by Taddy and Company, 1902.

Captioned, 'Capt. H. L. Reed. R.A. V.C. Awarded the Victoria Cross for gallant bravery during the attempt to save the guns at Colenso, 15 Dec. 1899'.

Portrait of Captain (later Major General) Hamilton Lyster Reed, Royal Artillery, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry during the Battle of Colenso on 15 December 1899. Captain Reed led three gun teams in an attempt to retrieve guns under heavy Boer fire.

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 14 cigarette cards.