Christmas Gift Box Items from the Defence Catering Group

In 1914 Princess Mary supported the creation of a fund to pay for a Christmas gift box to be sent to every serving member of the UK armed forces. Made of brass, its contents included smoking materials, chocolate and a photograph of the Princess.

Although the contents no longer include smoking materials, this 2004 box, which contained food, toiletry and novelty items, echoed the sentiments behind the 1914 one and helped to maintain morale for those deployed away from home at Christmas. These items come from boxes distributed to RAF personnel serving in Iraq.