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Field Ration C
The Quartermaster Subsistence Research and Development Laboratory performed ration development for the US Army. Credit for the initial development of the C-Ration is credited to Maj. W.R. McReynolds, first director of the SR&DL.C-Rations were in the beginning intended to supplement the "Reserve Ration"developed. Menu items suggested for this supplement were, beef stew, beef with noodles, family-style dinner, lamb stew, and Irish stew-packaged in 12-ounce rectangular cans.
By June of 1938 the "supplement" had evolved further into a 3 meat unit and 3 bread unit ration. At this point the 6 can ration kit was looked at as a replacement to the Reserve Ration. By 1939 it was decided that the ration units be packaged in 16-ounce cylindrical cans. The six-can ration contained 4,437 calories and weighed five pounds ten ounces. The variety of M-units were to be meat and beans, meat-and-vegetable hash, and meat-and-vegetable stew.The Army Maneuvers of 19 of 1940 gave the C-Rations the look that we are all familiar with.
"Army maneuvers of 1940 where it was subjected to stern field trials. From that test emerged a range of criticisms: the cans were too large and bulky; the meat lacked variety, was too rich, and contained too many beans. Yet, there was agreement that the new C ration was nutritionally adequate and was "one of the best field rations . . . ever issued to the Army." As a result of the field recommendations, the 16-ounce can was abandoned and a 12-ounce can adopted as the standard size for the ration. The number of biscuits in the B unit also was reduced and chocolate and soluble coffee added. Production experiences brought improvement in the quality of the meat components. Later changes, effected before the end of 1941, introduced individually wrapped hard candies and chocolate caramels. The first large-scale procurement for 1,500,000 rations, was initiated in August 1941 as the ration was being readied for the under-fire role it occupied during the ensuing war years as "the chief operational ration . . . in use for tactical situations in which the field kitchen cannot be used."
Ok that's enough of that. If you would like to read the rest of the story please see the QMC Museum Website.For your enjoyment here are some pics of C-Ration M and B units that I have been able to scrounge up.