Alexander Ross was born in Castlemaine in 1879. He became a member of the 4th Battalion Infantry Brigade and was noted for his soldierly qualities. When volunteers were called for the First Contingent, Mounted Infantry Unit going to South Africa, he was one of the first to enlist. In the Battle at Rensburg he was shot through the chest and died shortly after. Major Eddy and Lieutenant Roberts also died in the same action. About a fortnight before he was killed Corporal Ross had mailed the Queen's Chocolate Box he had received, to his father. In it was a letter which included information "...I am quite well and have not seen action yet. I remain Your affectionate son Alexander Ross"Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".alexander ross, corporal, castlemaine, 4th battalion infantry brigade, first contingent, mounted infantry unit, south africa, rensburg, major eddy, lieutenant roberts, queen's chocolate box

Private Willson was part of the First Contingent - Mounted Infantry Unit sent to South Africa. He joined the Victorian Mounted Rifles only a few weeks prior to this. During an attack in force by the Boers, at Hobkirk's Farm near Rensburg, he was struck by a ball in the eye and died instantly. He was known to be a brave man and good soldier. He was 23 years old. The back cover of the booklet shows a reduced facsimile of the Queen's Chocolate Box received by the late Private A H Willson.Digital portrait from "In Memory of the Gallant Officers and Men of Victoria in Transvaal War, 1899-1900".albert herbert willson, private, first contingent, mounted infantry, victorian mounted rifles, rensburg, south africa, hobkirk's farm, boers

In 1898, Queen widow Emma of Holland grant Droste permission to use her royal crest. This tin is at least a second version of the original design made in 1920 and modified a number of times to 1940. The design on the sides is know as 'the Droste Effect." The nurse is reprinted on the Droste tin she is carrying on her tray. The 1920 version has the nurse on the cup. The Droste Effect implies infinity.Production ceased in 1940 when the German Army overran Holland and supplies became unattainable. Tin designed by famed commercial artist Johannes Mussett.Typical cocoa tin sold in Australia between WW1 and WW2. Droste still sell cocoa and chocolates in Australia todayHinged tin box . Highly decorated on all sides and lid. Front: Royal crest of Queen Widow Emma, taking focal point on pale green background. Rear: Commercial badge with 14 gold medals. Words Hamburg 1898, Hague 1898,Brussels 1904 Antwerpen 1901 Grand Prix." Both Sides depict a 3/4 length nurse with large head veil and white arm band on left arm, carrying in right hand, a tray with cocoa tin and white mug with red top band. Left side words "netto 1/4KG Cocao.. Right side words "For Eng. & colonies net 8 oz." Cocoa.Front and left side have words "Droste's Cacao" in large print. Front: words "Droste's Cacao N.V., Droste's Cacao & Chocolade Fabrieken, Haarlem, Holland." Lid had company logo centered with decorative patterns cooking, kitchen, tin, nurse, holland, cocoa, droste, parlor

Rectangular brass / tin box issued to allied servicemen Christmas 1914, organised by Princess Mary (daughter of King George V). the tin was presented to all the troops at War for Christmas containing a photo of King George and Queen Mary, a Christmas card tobacco or chocolate. Initially to seamen at sea and soldiers at the front but widened as many thought they missed out. Funding the Christmas boxes were organised by public donation.Tin lid impressed with a female head in profile encircled with a wreath, and two "M". The tin is dated Christmas 1914. Around the edges the names of the allied countries are noted including France, Russia and Japanchristmas box, christmas 1914