"THE PRIDE OF THE REGIMENT"
1941---1945

Pin-ups, cigarettes, and soldiers seem to go hand in hand. Pictures of pretty girls, like Raleigh's "The Pride of the Regiment," could be found in the wall lockers of most state-side World War II servicemen. Old coffee cans painted and labeled 'Butts' were conveniently placed throughout their barracks. Out on the parade ground cigarette butts had to be 'field-stripped'. A cigarette is field stripped when the smoker splits what is left of the cigarette paper lengthwise, shakes the tobacco free, then wads the paper up into a tiny ball. There were few comforts or amenities, though, for the foot soldier in combat. Field rations consisted of canned meats, a can of fruit, vitamin fortified biscuits, plus a small accessory packet containing chewing gum, coffee, sugar, toilet paper, a book of matches, and cigarettes. There were several versions or revisions of C-rations issued during the Second World War. Toward the end a soldier's daily rations included a cigarette pack with nine cigarettes in it, or three smaller packs of three cigarettes each. Chesterfield, Lucky Strike, and Old Gold were three WW II C-ration cigarette brands that had very plain packets devoid of graphics.
1941 showcard packet of four cigarettes
packet of three cigarettes
packet of four cigarettes


The artist who created the striking show card that I have pictured above, didn't sign it. Although I'm not 100 percent sure, it's probably the work of Zoe Mozert. Ms. Mozert (1907-1993) was a famous female pin-up artist who is best remembered for the movie fan magazine covers that she painted.


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*NOTE* All images are copyright by James A. Shaw. Reproduction of any kind is strictly prohibited without prior express written consent...