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Australian Army Mess Tins, World War 1
Subcollections
Overview
Australian infantry soldiers used this D-shaped mess tins, while the mess tins used by the Light Horse had a shallow, circular design and was strapped to the saddle. A strap held the lid in place and rations could be stored inside. While having a handle to suspend over a fire unlike later versions which had handles to permit holding over a heat source.
Historical information
In war or in training, to a soldier, hot meals, cooked centrally but served locally are an important factor for morale, health, hygiene and readiness. A mess set consisting of knife, fork and spoon and convenient containers to receive food and drink is an essential part of a soldier’s kit. There are frequent times and circumstances when a soldier is required to prepare and cook his rations (issued or locally sourced) individually over a local heat source. The military mess tin could meet both requirements.
In Australian military use, mess tins traditionally consisted of two parts, a base and a close fitting or nesting lid. The ensembles were light weight but sturdy, frequently with handles and usually with rounded corners or circular to facilitate cleaning. The two portions could be used for frying, boiling, serving and drinking. The mess kit was lightweight, compact and fitted into a canvass container easily attached to webbing or the saddle.
An combination knife, fork and spoon set was normally issued. Many soldiers also carried a tin mug for drinking as the mess tins themselves could be hot from cooking and the their shapes were not convenient. It was not until the issue of American style canteens with an integrated cup, that the separate mug disappeared.
Details
Details
Registration number
cwa-org-32-55-348
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Other items from Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
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Vietnam Era Mess Kit
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World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, HALL, 10 Light Horse
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World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, BURNS, 10 Light Horse
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World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, CARPENTER, 10 Light Horse
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World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, CULLEN, 10 Light Horse
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World War 1, Australia, Western Australia,DICKERSON, 10 Light Horse
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World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, DOUGLAS, 10 Light Horse
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World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, EVANS, 10 Light Horse
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World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, FUHMANN, 10 Light Horse
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World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, GARDINER, 10 Light Horse
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World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, GRIBBLE, 10 Light Horse
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World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, HICKS, 10 Light Horse
Standard Australian Army Mess Tin, World War 1
Bottom half of mess tin being used as drink cup
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