Queen Victoria Chocolate Tin: The most famous tin from the Boer war was the one which Queen Victoria sent to each of her soldiers in South Africa. Each contained her gift of chocolate, and in her handwriting, across the bottom, said, "I wish you a happy New Year, Victoria Reg".

In December, 1899, the British Army certainly could use some cheering up. In Black Week, in the middle of the month, amateur Boer soldiers and generals had inflicted some of the worst defeats that the British Army - the most powerful in the world - had ever suffered, much to the delight of other Europeans. Hoping to change their luck, the Commanding General Buller was fired - and the men got chocolate.... or so the wags quipped. French cartoonists had a field day. "Oh yeah, right, Chocolate Victoria. Just the thing for treating all the wounded you've got."

When did Hilda collect this one?
See http://www.goldiproductions.com/angloboerwarmuseum/Boer90v_pastdis_tinchoc.html