Mervyn Mitton Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 The British really started the idea of giving a gift at Christmas to serving troops in wartime. This was always in the name of the Sovereign - although many Companies and Local Governement joined-in. Queen Victoria presented an attractive tin in 1900 - this contained a variety of gifts and the troops chose which one they wanted. This was done for just the one year - the cost proved high. World War 1 commenced in 1914 and for Christmas, troops were given a tin named for the Princess Royal. Again, they could select different contents. Also, as with the Boer War the presentation was a one off. Britain did not have Royal gifts in World War 2 - however, Soutth Africa did. 1940 was a large tin - but, for 1941/2/3/4/5/ the tins were as for the size of a 20 cigarette tin - they did have a choice of butterscotch or, cigarettes. The tins were stamped and coloured with a silhouette of the President and his wife. Field Marshall Smuts and Mrs.Smuts. Each year had it's date and in the left side was the National Emblem - a Springbok - with-in a 'V' for victory. They were held in great regard and were universally known as Ouma and Oupa. The Afrikaans for Grandma and Grandpa. CLICK TO ENLARGE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share Posted February 2, 2012 Contents of a tin dated 1941 - so, 71 years old. I am 75 - so was a little boy when these were made - I think quite fair condition. The naming on the cigarettes is very interesting. ' C to C' . This stood for Cape to Cairo, Our expeditionary Force started in Capetown - drove the length of South Africa gathering troops and vehicles - across Rhodesia into Kenya - still gathering troop re-inforcements and ended up on the border of Abysinnia - , or as it is known now Ethiopia. We had roughly 28,000 men and a collection of beaten-up old lorries - and only light tanks and artillery. The Italians had built a new autostrada - and used it to escape. They had 240,000 men - but, did not have the will to fight as Mussolini was very unpopular. There were several proper battles or, skirmishes - and suddenly we had a large Country - few troops and no food. In terms of succesful Campaigns in WW2 this was one of the top ones - unfortunately it was greatly overlooked with events in Europe. Amazing the history that can come with a tin of cigarettes ! CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share Posted February 2, 2012 Finally, I found this printed sheet in one of the tins. English one side and Afrikaans the other. A nicely written letter from Ouma - that showed a very supportive side to her. CLICK TO ENLARGE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
army historian Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Very interesting items - thanks for posting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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