“Smokes for the Troops – British and Canadian Tobacco Funds during WWI” with Dr. Jean Wang

In World War I, decades before the health dangers of smoking became recognized, newspapers and organizations such as the Over-Seas Club in London set up charitable funds to send cigarettes and tobacco (“smokes”) to British Empire troops fighting overseas. Smokes bought by donations were sent to the front with the aid of military authorities and allowed to enter duty-free.

For soldiers, smoking could relieve stress and boredom and boost morale. The smokes sent overseas represented a piece of home and were a reminder to the men that they were not forgotten by the people they were fighting for. Providing smokes for the troops was considered patriotic and a way for people at home to contribute to the war effort. Every parcel of smokes sent to the front included a postcard addressed to the donor. The postcards returned via military post gave civilians a tangible connection to the men serving overseas, and the messages of thanks stimulated further donations.

In this presentation, Jean will discuss the reach and impact of British and Canadian WWI tobacco funds through the study of reply postcards sent back from the front.

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