A Christmas Gift for the Trenches
LIEBESGABEN
British soldiers were
not alone in receiving
gifts at Christmas, 1914.
‘Liebesgaben’, meaning
‘love gifts’, were common
in German military campaigns
since at least 1870. These
were items gathered through
charitable endeavours, and a
huge effort was made to gift
them to the German troops
on the frontline in 1914.
© Peter DoyleCIGARETTES FOR CHRISTMAS
The initial gift contained a brass box, tobacco, cigarettes and
cigarette card, Christmas card, tinder lighter, pipe, and a photo
of Mary herself. All these gifts were supplied by a variety of
different companies, each contributing a specially made item.
© Peter Doyle