| Place | Africa: South Africa |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/00957 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Brass, Foodstuff – wet; Foodstuff – dry, Paper, White metal |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | c 1901 |
| Conflict |
South Africa, 1899-1902 (Boer War) |
Emergency Field Service rations: Boer War
Description
Unopened emergency field service ration tin in the form of a white metal cylinder with soldered ends. Each end has tinned brass band with a loose end designed to be opened by a patent key can opener. One end is embossed 'DINNER' and the other 'COCOA'. A paper instruction label for use is attached, but only the title 'EMERGENCY RATION/ Field Service...' is legible.
History / Summary
This tin of emergency rations, to be opened only when instructed to do so by a senior soldier or officer, was carried by a Trooper Miller during the Boer War. Troops were inspected regularly to ensure that their emergency rations were intact. Normal rations in South Africa were bully beef and hard tack biscuits, occasionally supplemented by fresh meat and vegetables.