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M1932 Mess Kit

A wartime issued mess kit made of galvanised steel in the early part of the war and then later in stainless steel (M1942 version), there are two parts to the Kit both of which are used to eat from, the lower part (Meat Can Body) is deeper than the top part and is designed to place the Meat Ration in. The top part or lid (Mess Kit Plate) is divided into two compartments to accommodate different food. The two halves are stored together with the Mess Kit Plate (lid) being stored on top of the Meat Can Body and is held in place by the folding handle attached to the Mess Kit Plate and then held secure by a ring.

Rations

Three types of combat rations were issued to the US soldiers , firstly the 'D' Ration which composed of three 4oz chocolate bars in one container, this ration was used as a supplement to the main rations or used in an emergency as a meal. The container was wax covered like many of the ration containers, the bars were also issued seperately in their own individual wax proofed box. The second type of ration was the 'C' ration, which consisted of six 12oz cans filled with meat, vegetables and bread in various combinations to provide a balanced meal, these cans could be heated to cook the contents. Included in the 'C' ration was also Coffee, sugar and chewing gum. The third ration was the 'K' ration which consisted of three small cardboard boxes one for each meal of the day, so breakfast, dinner and supper. These boxes were pocket sized and could be stored in the cargo pockets of the airborne jump suits and were well received by the troops. The 'K' ration entered service in 1941 with the first type issued in a plain cardboard box with the words 'Breakfast', 'Dinner' and 'Supper' printed on them. In 1943 they were changed in design so that each box had its own colour and unique patterned designs.