Princess Mary's 1914 Christmas Gift

All serving Benfleet troops would have received this.

The embossed brass box Christmas gift
Jane Oliver collection
The writing pouch Christmas gift
Jane Oliver collection

Princess Mary started the “Sailors and Soldiers Christmas Fund” to provide a gift on Christmas day for each member of the forces. It consisted of an embossed brass box containing gifts such as tobacco, a pipe, sweets etc. For non smokers there was a khaki pouch containing writing materials.

The pictures here are of examples of both which were loaned to us by Benfleet resident Jane Oliver for use in our shows during 1914. They belonged to her grandfather Fusilier Frederick James Davies. Somehow he managed to get one of each. The pouch is very rare.

All Benfleet troops would have received a Christmas gift.

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