Presentation Cigarette Case-Dunkirk Recognition.

An interesting presentation cigarette case, which is in a box with a certificate and a length of general service medal ribbon. It was presented on 14th August 1940 to Cpl. E. Austin by the Mayor and Citizens of the Borough of Wokingham 'in recognition of the gallantry and heroism shown by him at the Evacuation of Dunkirk'. The engine turned, plated case, is in perfect, original, unused condition, and carries on the front a crest with an enamel centre of a single hanging acorn with the name 'Wokingham' around it. In a cartouche, also on the front, are the initials 'EA'. Inside, on the left it is engraved 'Dunkirk 1940'. It is all very complete and original, including the paper and tissue the case was originally wrapped in. The plain buff card box is good - there is light rusting on the staples and some biro scribbling on the lid. Unusual to find a Dunkirk commemorative, a battle which was seen as a “deliverance” rather than a victory, by Churchill.