These tins were sent by Princess Mary at Christmas 1914 to soldiers at the front.  They contained tobacco, sweets and a Christmas Card.
 

This was probably the inspiration for the fortnightly parcels and cards sent by the Mrs Elizabeth Strouts and her Friends of Great Chart from 1915 onwards.

Nicknamed "The Dead Man's Penny"  or "Death Penny" these bronze plaques were sent by the King to commemorate the fallen soldier. The name of the fallen soldier was cast in the rectangular box at the 3 o'clock position.

They were sent to the next of kin in a box with an accompanying scroll bearing a facsimile copy of the King's signature.
"I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War."

The plaques were cast in bronze and were approximately 5 inches (125cms) in diameter.

I am not sure of the origin of these cards but I have seen them for several members of the village who died including:

• Albert Skinner
• Frederick Tutt
• Thomas Tutt

Size about 4 inches by 2.5 inches

Front                Back

Inside Photo    Inside inscription