The WD & HO Wills Allied Leaders 1917 Cigarette Card Collection is a set of trading cards produced by the British tobacco company W.D. & H.O. Wills during World War I. This collection features portraits of prominent Allied leaders from various countries involved in the conflict. Each card typically includes a portrait of the leader, along with their name, title, and sometimes a brief description or quote.
The collection aimed to capitalize on the widespread interest in the war and the public's desire for information about key figures involved. These cards were often included inside packs of cigarettes as a marketing incentive, encouraging customers to collect the entire set.
Among the leaders featured in the collection are figures such as:
- King George V of the United Kingdom
- President Woodrow Wilson of the United States
- Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau of France
- Prime Minister David Lloyd George of the United Kingdom
- Tsar Nicholas II of Russia (prior to the Russian Revolution)
- General John J. Pershing of the United States
- General Joseph Joffre of France
- General Douglas Haig of the United Kingdom
These cards provide a snapshot of the political and military leadership of the Allied Powers during a crucial period of the First World War. They are not only valuable collectibles but also serve as historical artifacts, reflecting the public's perception of key figures during a tumultuous time in global history.