Cigarette cards during the Second World War, 1939–45
Cards issued during war time reflected the state of conflict; many militaria sets were produced. Some carried useful information to coincide with government campaigns, such as Wills' Air Raid Precautions, issued in 1938, when fears of war were rife.
Boulton Paul P.III (Jet), British Aircraft no. 26, Carreras Ltd (Turf Slides), 1953
Some sets such as those bearing pictures and details of aeroplanes were banned by the government as they may have been of use to enemy spies. Surviving sets that were never officially issued can be extremely rare and valuable. This subject matter was not allowed again until after the war had ended.
In 1940 cigarette cards were totally banned by the UK wartime government as "a waste of vital raw materials". Unfortunately, after the war, cigarette cards were not really revived, perhaps due to to the cost, although some manufacturers reportedly considered re-releasing earlier sets. Other promotions became more popular.