Princess Mary Gift Box Given to First World War Soldiers

Princess Mary’s Gift Box 1914

The box belonged to the father of Mrs Beryl Morton.

The Christmas of 1914 was a unique period in WW1 with many thinking that the war would soon be over and that the troops would be coming home. There was widespread sympathy for the troops away from home and a fund was set up by Princess Mary, the daughter of King George to raise money to send everyone wearing the Kings uniform a Christmas present.
It was decided to give the gift in a brass box.

The brass was sent from the US who had not yet joined the war and then filled with a variety of gifts.

Officers, men on active service afloat and on the front line each received a pipe, 1 oz of tobacco and 20 cigarettes.
Those who did not smoke, got a pencil and some sweets.
Indian troops received sweets and spices and nurses received chocolate.
When the fund closed in 1920, £200,000 had been raised and 2.5 million tins distributed.

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