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Puff of the War!

 Several cigarettes manufacturers contributed in their own funny way to the ‘War Effort’ whether by thought “if the bombs don’t get em - we will” is not too clear or whether the relaxfulness of a gentle puff would do them good - no one is sure - the latter, one suspects, as cigarettes were seen as morale boosters. Although they were restricted, they continued to be available. The shortages led to long queues forming at tobacconists and local shops as deliveries were made. 

The popular cigarette cards ceased at the beginning of World War 2 and advertising showcards stopped being made in 1940 to save paper. As the war progressed, the manufacturers were forced to stop using carded packets and to use paper wrappers in a further effort to save paper! Also, less ink was used as more and more designs were modified accordingly. Tobacco tins carried requests that carded packs be returned to tobacconists. Why they used tins for tobacco, if they were paper wrapping the cigarettes fails us? An interesting notice appeared  also advising people not to be ripped off as follows:

NOTICE

Shopkeepers who have increased prices of tobacco are gross and flagrant profiteers. They are charging extra on OLD stocks at OLD prices. Therefore robbing the public who are already burdened. 

And another notice:

Buy British - From British - and be British! 

This edition sees 4 vehicles all carrying embles related to the war.

    “Army Club” cigarettes manufactured by Cavenders Limited (note the Military reference ‘Sandhurst size’)

    “Tank” cigarettes manufactured by W. D. & H. O. Wills

    “RAF” cigarettes manufacturer not known

    “V” (for Victory) cigarettes manufactured by Masters Tobacco Co. (we assume J. J. Masters of Nottingham). 

A nice set of 4 dedicated to one theme.

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