Packet of cigarettes : Lieutenant W C B Stavely, 59 Battalion, AIF

Cigarette packet containing five cigarettes. The colour illustration on the front of the packet depicts two soldiers in colonial uniforms. The Egyptian soldier is leaning on a white rectangular sign bearing the maker's details and also indicating the 'CHOICE EGYPTIAN' blend. The base of the packet has a sticker that also contains the maker's details. The cover illustration is repeated in black and white on the inside lid, underneath which is written 'ABDULLA IS AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN AN ENTIRELY BRITISH FIRM'. There is a slip of white paper inside the packet with a product code entered through a series punched holes and also instructions on where to return the product if it is faulty. A piece of yellow card separates this paper from the cigarettes.

Associated with the service of Lieutenant William Charles Beresford Stavely who served in 59 Battalion, AIF during the First World War. Stavely was born in Victoria in 1894 and worked for the local council at Avoca until his enlistment, on 11 February 1916. Allocated the service number 2253, he completed initial training at Broadmeadows and later on the Salisbury Plains in England, before his battalion moved to France. After service there Stavely he was sent to Balliol College, Oxford where he underwent officer training. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant on 17 May 1918 and returned to his battalion in France. He took part in the Battle of Hamel, taking over command of a company when Lieutenant Facey was killed. Stavely was gassed later in 1918 and saw no further active service. He returned to Australia on 5 February, 1919 and was discharged 15 March 1919.