Princess Mary Gift Box

Item

Title

Princess Mary Gift Box

Who?

Princess Mary

Item(s)

Box and contents

Story

These small boxes were given as gifts by Princess Mary to frontline soldiers. During Christmas 1914 (when she was 17 years old), she said that she wanted to use her 'pocket money' to send the soldiers fighting in France a gift. Each box contained a card from her, her picture, a pencil with shell, and sweets and/or tobacco. By the end of the war, 2 1/2 million were made by several different manufacturers. Many soldiers received there gift box after the war.

When?

1914 -1921

Where?

Britain and France

Contributor

Mr. Brian Cross

Collection Day

01/02/18, Sunningwell