Rations! Rations! Ration! The one stop thread about German Rations of WWII.

[djpool]

Simon Orchard asked Tom and I if we would consider starting a “Post your Ration Items” thread on the Equipment forum. Right now discussions on rations are spread throughout the WAF. So of course we thought it was a great idea. We didn’t want to make it strictly a post your collection affair, so we outlined a few topics that might be of interest.
-Post pictures of ration items in your collection.
-Post wartime pictures of ration items from your collection or from wartime references.
-Discuss or post wartime regulations on rations.
-Discuss manufacturer information.
-Comment on or ask questions about the book “Rations of the German Wehrmacht in WWII”
-Tom and I will address changes to the book “Rations of the German Wehrmacht in WWII”. We’ll also expand the discussion of some items shown in the book.
The objective of course is to expand our collective knowledge of this often neglected subject.
Regards Jim Pool and Tom Bock

[djpool]

As the first post Tom and I want to make available the change/update file in PDF format to anyone who requests it. Schiffer publishing does not have a procedure in place to address changes in a timely fashion. Books are only updated when they go into reprint, if that ever happens. Anyway we developed a file for Schiffer addressing editing errors, format errors, factual errors etc along with additional photographs. The bulk of the document consists of new photographs that we omitted on purpose due to space concerns, that we didn’t have authorization to use at the time, that were omitted by mistake, to replace a current photograph or simply because the photograph was not available at the time of printing.
Any way if you would like a copy of the file E Mail me at:

pzrgtgd@hotmail.com

We would appreciate everyone’s help in getting the file out by sending it to friends who bought the book or posting this information on any other forums.

[djpool]

For those that don't want the change file here is the most serious error in the book.


Page 212 change the following paragraph: The 1939 Special Allowance for Motorized Troops portion consisted of the following:

A. 1 box of mixed canned foods
B. 600 grams of Dauerbrot or 500 grams of Knäckebrot
C. 100 grams of Chocolate
D. 5 grams of Lemon powder
<O</O

To read
<O</O

The 1939 Special Allowance for Motorized Troops portion consisted of the following:<O></O>
A. 1 can of mixed vegetables and meats
B. 600 grams of Dauerbrot or 500 grams of Knäckebrot
C. 100 grams of Chocolate
D. 5 grams of Lemon powder
<O</O
<O
Delete the accompanying photo and caption in the book and replace it with this:
<O</O

A recreation of the 1939 special allowance for armored forces. The ration consisted of the following items: 1. Can of mixed meat and vegetables 2. Lemon powder. 3.Knäckebrot (4 Packages total) and 4. Chocolate

[djpool]

If you have copy of the book you will notice that we had to make up recreations of certain items, because we were unable to get permission to use photographs of the original items. In most but not all cases we refer the reader to the location of the original photographs. Here are most of the pictures we make reference too. This first item is Dauerbrot pictured on page 33 of the book German Soldiers of WWII by Jean De Lagarde.

[djpool]

On page 49 endnote 8 we discuss Dauerbrot packages wrapped with string. We found no mention of string being used in the packaging process. The bread was usually wrapped in two layers of material, then overwrapped with a cover. This method of packaging ensured the bread was kept fresh. We can't say for sure if the string wrapped bread is fake but we certainly have our doubts.Here is a picture of the bread.

[djpool]

In Chapter two we direct the readers to a picture of the 5OO Gram ADA cheese can with stencilled information on the lid. The original picture is on page 223 of Camouflage Uniforms of the German Wehrmacht by Werner Palinckx.

[djpool]

In Chapter three we direct the readers to a picture of a Aluminum fish container on page 14 of Camouflaged Uniforms of the Wehrmacht by J. Borsarello and D. Lassus.

[djpool]

Finally in Chapter ten we direct the readers to a picture of one of the few, if not only original Knackebrot carton by the Batscheider firm. The original is pictured in Internationales Militaria Magazine Nr. 99, Januar-Februar 2001.

[Simon O.]

Excellent idea Jim, looks like i've got some photos i need to take this weekend.

[stroh]

Jim,
I did not realize that Schiffer had finally printed your book. The last time that I spoke with Tom he said that it was still in the 'que'. What retailers are selling it?

Ed

[djpool]

Hey Ed,

Obviousily Tom isn't keeping you up to date ha,ha. Yes its in print and being carried by most major book outlets. Best prices are through Amazon or Barnes/Noble. Oh thanks for your help with the book.Send me an E mail at pzrgtgd@hotmail.com so I can send you the change file. I think you'll like the final product (well I hope so). Warm Regards Jim

quote=stroh;4186060]Jim,
I did not realize that Schiffer had finally printed your book. The last time that I spoke with Tom he said that it was still in the 'que'. What retailers are selling it?

Ed[/quote]

[Simon O.]

Ok, here's some bits and pieces. This is all ground dug stuff. where items are featured in the book i'll give a page reference.


A can of Italian Tomato concentrate [p.114]

Two tops from mineral water bottles. Ironically found just meters from some of the freshest mountain spring water you could wish for. What a waste of logistic effort in sending these to North Norway!

[Simon O.]

Conserve jar [p.96]. Quite a common find, these are also found in green glass.

[Simon O.]

A cointreau bottle and part of a label from a bottle of Tirolean red wine, 1941 vintage.

Alcohol seems to have been in abundance. but as most of what i find dates from the summer of '45 it can also mean they were drinking all the stocks before being sent home!

[Simon O.]

A really great German honey jar [p.155]