Here we have the last clue, and it is the universal image of Remembrance Day, the flower which bloomed so freely on the fields right across Europe, covering the unknown graves of all those wasted lives.
If it had not been for the war, all the upheaval of the ground through the bombings and blowings up and trampings through the mud then it is unlikely that the poppy would have become its emblem. For the poppy likes nothing better than disturbed soil, and if the soil lies compact it can wait decades until something does break the surface and let it free.
Another reason that the poppy commemorates the loss of life is that it is a very ephemeral flower, its petals tumble to the ground with the slightest provocation, and seldom last but days. This card even says that "the poppy is at its best for a few hours only"
Now I have done a bit of research and though there is no month given for the issue of this set I have traced it to May 1939. The reason behind that is that the index of the Cigarette Card News gives it as a New Issue reported on page 155. Now I do not have that page, I have March 1939 which ends on page 128, and June 1939 which starts on page 177. It seems to me that 155 is closer to 177 than 128 so it stands to reason that it must have been in May 1939. If anyone does have a May 1939 then MAY-be they could have a look and confirm. A scan would also be of use, please!
Our original Gallaher Reference Book RB.4, published in 1944, tells us that the set was printed by E. S. & A. Robinson. What this does not tell is that these people were Elisha Smith Robinson and his brother Alfred, whose works were in Bristol. The company was founded in 1844, and it printed all kinds of materials from cards to packages and even books, though intriguingly it started out by printing something that we almost forgot how to use, until the dire state of the Earth reminded us of them - the humble paper bag. Most of the work was litho, and the press would have been steam powered.
And the company lasted for a hundred and twenty years, though the personnel changed, Elisha`s two sons taking over in the late 1860s and early 1870s. Curiously their names were Edward and Arthur, but I an not sure if Edward had a middle name beginning with S or not. It would have been rather fun if he did.
The company was merged with John Dickinson Stationery in 1966. It has been sold and merged several times since. And it seems doubtful that any future owner will be able to beat the longevity of the original firm...