This is a British made celluloid & tin plate matchbox cover or grip, dating to the World War One period of 1916.

The front of the holder has a photographic image of Lieut. W L Robinson V.C.

The spine of the holder reads 'LIEUT. WILLIAM LEEFE ROBINSON V.C. - Born 14th July, 1895. - Destroyed Zeppelin L21, 3rd Sept. 1916.

The rear of the holder has 'The Royal Flying Corps' & 'The Worcestershire Regiment' insignia, and reads 'His deed will live'.

Lieutenant W L Robinson V.C. of the Worcestershire Regiment was attached to 39 Squadron Royal Flying Corps.

On the night of 2/3rd September 1916 over Cuffley, Hertfordshire, Lt Robinson sighted the German airship Zeppelin L21 (one of 16 which had left bases in Germany on a mass raid on England). The Lt. made an attack at a height of 11,500ft approaching from below and, closing to within 500ft, raked the airship (a wooden framed Schutte Lanz) with gunfire. As he was preparing for another attack, the airship burst into flames & crashed.

Lt Robinson was awarded the Victoria Cross, age 21.

Similar holders can be found on page 100 in the Schiffer 'Book of Match Holders'.