Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 2, South West Pacific Theatre, Australian Military Forces Operation Ration 02

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Subcollections

Messes, Rations, Cooking, Meals and Catering

Overview

Rectangular, green painted ration tin outer with crimped lid and base, containing three separate ration meals. A metal turnkey for opening is tack-welded to the lid. Container is labelled i"A.M.F. / OPERATION / RATION / 02. / D^D".

Historical information

Battalion and company commanders whose units used this ration in New Guinea described it as invaluable for forward troops and stated that, while at present its use is restricted to 4-day or longer patrols, it would be very useful for other types of work if larger supplies were made available. The contents of the ration are packed in three portions or meals, each in a sealed bituminous paper carton which has been finally waterproofed by dipping into molten wax. The waxen meal carton is only intended to give temporary protection from moisture and insect pests to the contents, consequently the outer container should not be opened unless the contents can be consumed within the following 24 hours.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-98-721

Inscriptions and markings

The reverse is printed with the following statement: "This Ration is intended for use in circumstances where normal rations cannot be supplied. / This tin contains three complete meals separately wrapped in waterproof cartons. When one meal has been consumed, the remaining two meals can be carried on the person and the Tin discarded. / The contents form a completely balanced ration with ample protective (Vitamin) cover. / The complete ration in the tin will keep indefinitely, and can be submerged or buried." The manufacturer's name is printed under this; while the base is impressed with the date of manufacture "3 45".

Contextual information

Museum example remains unopened with no visible signs of deterioration of container or content.

Links to additional resources

Australian War Memorial documentation including contents list

Last modified

Friday, 24 October, 2025

Completeness

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Australian Army Museum of Western Australia