Major G. L. Compton-Smith served with the Royal Welch Fusiliers in France during the First World War. He commanded 10th Royal Welch Fusiliers at the first battle for the Scarpe, 1917 and was twice wounded. He received the DSO and French Legion of Honour. After the war he served with the 2nd Royal Welch Fusiliers in Ireland where he was taken hostage by the IRA in 1921 before being shot in retaliation for the execution of IRA prisoners. This cigarette case contains a letter written by Major G. L. Compton-Smith prior to his execution by the IRA.