Army

2014 Christmas Box Campaign Launched

The 2014 Christmas Box campaign has been launched, marking 100 years since the first were sent to soldiers and sailors during World War One.

The launch of the boxes, 8,500 of which have been produced by charity 'uk4u Thanks!' this year, took place at the Imperial War Museum in London and featured an original from 1914.

An original 'Tommy Tin' from 1914, issued to troops in the First World War

The boxes, nicknamed ‘square stockings’ in the Armed Forces, will be rolled out to every serviceman and woman serving away from their loved ones over the festive period, including those still in Afghanistan following the end of combat operations in October this year, military and civilian personnel providing medical support in the fight against Ebola in Sierra Leone, and also troops stationed in the Falkland Islands, Cyprus, and on Her Majesty’s Ships and Submarines. The charity will also send boxes to personnel recovering in hospital.

The contents are kept secret until Christmas Day, but may include some 1914-themed gifts.

The launch was attended by Minister of State for Defence, Anna Soubry MP, and members of the Armed Forces who have received these gifts from the nation while on operations in recent years.

The Imperial War Museum, where the launch took place

Ms Soubry said: “As we mark 100 years since the first Christmas Box of treats was sent to the front in 1914, it is a timely reminder that at this time of year, our troop’s morale is given a real boost by knowing someone is thinking about them while they serve far away from home.”

Flt Lt Lance Levin, a recipient of uk4u Christmas boxes in the past, said: “I would personally like to thank uk4u for their tremendous support to UK service personnel who are serving overseas at this time of year.

"The effort they go to in putting together such a thoughtful package is a huge boost to the morale of the men and women of the armed services away from their families and loved ones over the Christmas period. The continued support of uk4u and the general public at large is greatly appreciated and I hope it continues for many years to come as we continue to deploy on operations overseas”

Members of the public who want to support the Armed Forces this Christmas are advised to donate to a service charity. Further information on the work of uk4u Thanks! can be found at www.uk4u.org.