Winter in the field

[jim]

Details of the K Ration

Gum - fairly easy.

I buy the top box of gum because they come unwrapped with paper - just the foil.

Go to the 90th website and print out a page of gum labels- don't use white paper too white.  Use the same light tan paper you used for the 2 oz D bar paper wraps.

You can just wrap the foil with the label - but it's not period and the tinfoil shows (top piece of gum).

The middle and bottom one have had the foil replaced with wax paper and then the label.  Slight change but why not take the extra step.

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[jim]

Details of the K Ration

Spoon - Easy

A K Ration Meal came with a small flat wooden spoon.  The 90th ID site covers it and some sources to try and get them.

I've found a fast substitute that while not exact in shape it will get the job done.  All you have to do is eat a box of Dove Bars and save the handles.  Got a slight shape to it and is better than the straight sticks.  You guys can eat your way through the Ice Cream Bar section looking for a better one.  If you do let me know.

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[jim]

Basic K Ration

The fast type - but it will get the job done.  As you get more experienced you can go all out on the details.

I ate the alternate packaged D Bar so I substituted the 2 0z Box for the picture.

I would like to see a good number of you with meals at least as good as this one at the next tactical.

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[jim]

Dinner Meal

This is how it all fits together if you follow all the detailed instructions at the 90th ID site.

Top is the cardboard outer box.

Middle is the waxed inner box.

Bottom left is the meal can inside the small box.  It's used to keep the contents "square".

Middle is the rest of the contents that have been sealed in the outer plastic bag.

Right is the cigarettes.

When you put everything in the box the cigarettes will go on top (as you look at it) of the accessory pack.

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[jim]

Some of the accessories made up.

You can see the white wrappers on the gum are too white.  The tan paper works better.

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[jim]

Dec 22, 2020 12:27:03 GMT -5 jim said:

A source for the more period ( don't know the dates) cans.

www.generalarmynavy.com/product/surplus-wwii-us-army-wood-alcohol-fuel-tablet-ration-heating-can/

Plenty of time for a few guys to get together and get a few.

My order of four cans showed up today.  Same size as the other can.

Popped the top on one.  Full to the rim  and I lit it. Burned hot.

You guys might want to think about picking up a few.

[jim]

A little research

Sterno is a keep warm item only.  Burning at about 175 Deg it will not cook anything or bring water to a boil.  Really too slow for in field use.  Will be good for keeping my coffee pot warm in the Plt CP.

Wood alcohol burns at 3,398 deg F. and will boil water.

Get the wood alcohol cans.

[jim]

Cross Thread

D Bars

D Bars are a pretty easy weekend project.  Key thing is getting about six 4 oz molds and one 2 oz mold.

About the hardest thing is finding wheat flour and dry milk.  The wheat flour in the proper amount is what makes the D Bar "gritty".  The other ingredients are chocolate chips, sugar and some vanilla extract.  A bit of melted wax helps with keeping the chocolate smooth.  You start making D Bars and try to make too big a batch above what you have molds for and you'll see the chocolate mix turn into cement.  Best to make just enough for your molds.

The molds are made of a brittle clear plastic that will break if you try and pound out the bars while still warm.  Best to put that batch in the frig for about an hour and then turn them over and tap them out onto some wax paper.  If they still stick a light pressure with your thumb on the top will pop it out.

The molds, 4 oz and 2 oz boxes can be purchased from many WW II vendors.

As with all things relating to reproducing WW II rations it is easier for one troop to handle one item.

D Bars for the tactical are done and in the freezer.

Half are boxed for those on the list and the other half are reloads - for you that saved your boxes from the earlier issue.

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[jim]

This is the recipe I use.

While cruising the world wide web I've see just about all the D Bar recipes out there.  One guy even talking about using oatmeal.

The one below will get the job done.

This recipe is for one bar.  I multiply x4 and this will get you six 4 oz bars and one 2 oz bar.  Don't fill them to the top otherwise they will not fit in the box.  

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[jcoyle]

I've got 3 complete K's all packaged up, a canteen cup heater and esbit tabs inbound. Going to order some wood Alcohol heaters today. I'll probably pay for this but I sure hope we don't get a warm spell. Looks like a full moon phase so moving around at night will be a challenge unless some clouds intervene. 

[Daniel Elling]

I have 3 K rations, my cup stove, and I’m picking up some esbit tabs. I also plan on ordering some fuel cans as well.

[Rick Smith "Smitty"]

And that Fancy Orange soda?? 

[wswiers]

Top identified the wood alcohol c-ration heater in his 18 Dec post - the first in the thread. Those heaters are available and aren't expensive. Maybe a group buy to save shipping?

www.armynavysales.com/gi-wwii-wood-alcohol-c-ration-heater-can.html

[jim]

Was looking around and found Front Line Crate's K Ration box page. 

While $40 seems expensive for 3 inner and 3 outer boxes the purchase also includes wrappers for the inside stuff.

No food items but you should be able to handle that.

Inner boxes are not waxed - no big deal - you can do it yourself.

The mid war "Patton" boxes would have a wider use date than the "Phillips" - but both are good for D Day on.

Have not ordered from them - but I might.  My box supply is getting low.

www.frontlinecrates.com/products/reproduction-ww2-k-ration-boxes

[jim]

Most of you know "The Crate Man" above and have run into him at Latta or Monroe.