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Christmas Adoption: Defence Catering Group Gift Box Items

Object details

The Christmas Gift Box from the Defence Catering Group, part of which is stored in our Reserve Collection at Stafford, was sent to RAF personnel serving in Iraq in 2004. This RAF tradition began in 1914 when 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. Originally made of brass, the box would have included smoking materials, chocolate and a photograph of the Princess.

Although the contents no longer include smoking materials, the Museum’s 2004 Christmas Gift Box contained food, toiletry and novelty items, echoing the sentiments behind the 1914 one, helping to maintain morale for those deployed away from home at Christmas.

Three of the items which are on display at Cosford and are available to adopt are: a Christmas card featuring the message ‘Fill your boots this Christmas’, a flashing red nose and a red rubber ball.

There were several other items inside this box including a face flannel, Father Christmas hat, magnetic pocket chess set, quick shot camera, pocket torch, handwarmer gel, bottle of shower gel, key ring spice dispenser, packet of butterscotch sweets, packet of mulling spices, packet of Worcestershire sauce, miniature Christmas cake, hot pepper sauce, apricot and almond bar, and a souvenir London bottle opener.

Adopting the Christmas Gift Box package is a timely reminder of the Christmases that many families have spent apart, and the importance bringing a touch of home and Christmas joy to the ones you love, where ever they may be.