Food Packet, Survival, Abandon Ship

[rattattoo]

I went in search for Lucy-Ellen Candies on the Internet, and found this astounding piece of ephemera... "The New Generation Survival Ration: A Brief Report"
https://books.google.com/books?id=IVArA ... es&f=false

I guess we should just be glad that it was not the Lucy-Ethel Candy Co... Anybody up for a very dated TV reference ?!?

[Norton]

This thread is super interesting to me. Lifeboat, Abandon ship and Air Crew survival rations must be able to do several things. Have high calories for the size of the package, have a long shelf Life, be able to eaten right out of the package with no preparation.
Now they would also have to be able to be eaten as small portions by a sailor, or Airmen who need ed to stretch them until rescue or other food is found. I think a further Job or role they serve is this. After an initial disaster such as a warship going down or air craft shoot down or crash landing. The survivors will be in mental shock for a time. I have read multiple stories from American, British German Russian Italian military personnel being lost in extreme conditions. They initially open their survival rations to see what they have. Then eat some, after that they regain composure and tale stock of the situation The food and water is then rationed accordingly.
One of my favorite examples of what can go right and wrong with survival rations is this.

In 1942 a German Air Force HE 111 was attacked by British fighters. It made a crash landing in Libyan Desert. They had some injuries and were in shock. A gunner found their survival kit and broke it down to see what they had. The kit was packed by the Italian Air Force and was well done. With canned meat, hard bread, pasta, macaroni tea and sweets. The crew made a quick lunch and had tea and pasta. They quickly regained their composure and even laughed about their situation. This story noted the Germans were initially glad Italians had packed such a good kit. Latter they realized without a large amount of water. The type of foods would not work. Yet they were able to walk out.
So it did serve one purpose. They were able to clear their heads after eating decent food and having a hot beverage. Then form a plan to survive. This same story has been repeated by military personnel of many nations. I note that this life boat ration has certain types of food that can be eaten with very little water. Such as the Jelly bar. It is hard to pack a survival ration that can be eaten on a raft and be stretched for a long time if necessary without a full supply of water.

[Ruleryak]

That older case is amazing, even in somewhat rough shape. I think it's the only one I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing the pics!

[steve1989]

This thread is super interesting to me. Lifeboat, Abandon ship and Air Crew survival rations must be able to do several things. Have high calories for the size of the package, have a long shelf Life, be able to eaten right out of the package with no preparation.
Now they would also have to be able to be eaten as small portions by a sailor, or Airmen who need ed to stretch them until rescue or other food is found. I think a further Job or role they serve is this. After an initial disaster such as a warship going down or air craft shoot down or crash landing. The survivors will be in mental shock for a time. I have read multiple stories from American, British German Russian Italian military personnel being lost in extreme conditions. They initially open their survival rations to see what they have. Then eat some, after that they regain composure and tale stock of the situation The food and water is then rationed accordingly.
One of my favorite examples of what can go right and wrong with survival rations is this.

In 1942 a German Air Force HE 111 was attacked by British fighters. It made a crash landing in Libyan Desert. They had some injuries and were in shock. A gunner found their survival kit and broke it down to see what they had. The kit was packed by the Italian Air Force and was well done. With canned meat, hard bread, pasta, macaroni tea and sweets. The crew made a quick lunch and had tea and pasta. They quickly regained their composure and even laughed about their situation. This story noted the Germans were initially glad Italians had packed such a good kit. Latter they realized without a large amount of water. The type of foods would not work. Yet they were able to walk out.
So it did serve one purpose. They were able to clear their heads after eating decent food and having a hot beverage. Then form a plan to survive. This same story has been repeated by military personnel of many nations. I note that this life boat ration has certain types of food that can be eaten with very little water. Such as the Jelly bar. It is hard to pack a survival ration that can be eaten on a raft and be stretched for a long time if necessary without a full supply of water.

Norton, that German Airforce story is amazing - right up my alley on interests! Amazing what a little food can do for morale and getting a few stressed out minds back in the game!

[steve1989]

That older case is amazing, even in somewhat rough shape. I think it's the only one I've ever seen. Thanks for sharing the pics!

So glad ya liked the pics, Ruleryak! That case is one helluva nice display item!

[steve1989]

Just like Ruleryak's (except mine is has a October DoP instead of his September), my 1992 case of Food Packet, Survival, Abandon Ship has the same Black Duct Tape enforcing the outer case.

I wonder how many of these things are still "floating around" out there?

The hunt is still on to get pictures of what a complete 1960's case of Food Packet, Survival, Abandon Ship looks like, with that 40 count pack of cigarettes for you guys. Wish me luck!
I've smoked old cigarettes, oldest I've had were from a SA-3 - I'm still not exactly sure of when the DoP is of that particular Ration, but I have a full set of photos that I am uploading very soon.
As for how old cigs taste? That depends, if they were in a dark, airtight container stored in mild conditions, I can tell you folks that tobacco in general, lasts indefinitely. And not just "lasts" but keeps very well.

I can say it can - the most enjoyable cigarettes I've ever had were Lucky Strikes with a State Tax stamp I think it was New Jersey from 1956 that were stored so well, I shared them with several other fellas that all truly enjoyed the heck outta them this past Thanksgiving. I wish I took photos!

[dirtbag]

I tried a Lucky Strike that had been packed into a rubber life raft in 1943.
This was in 1969.
Visualize the lit fuse from an old movie, fast burning, hissing and smoking.
Like smoking old rope, I guess.
26 years in the tropics did not make for a good smoke!
We had to peel the wrapper off the brick of cigs, and break one off.

[steve1989]

That's hilarious! I mean, sorry you had to deal with such awful smokes, but it's also an incredibly hilarious story for the fellas here including myself. I picture a couple young dudes daring eachother to smoke these really rough looking smokes and coughing and choking on them.

I have quite a few old smokes - and one old 4 pack of Camels has mouse bites on the box - those ones are probably pretty rough in there. Got that pack for a buck at a flea market. I'm a sucker.

I've had had some that were terrific! Just had C-Ration Pall Mall non-filters this past weekend when hiking. I know that might sound nuts, I took pictures of them too - but those were great! Had to be storage conditions.

[noderaser]

Just like Ruleryak's (except mine is has a October DoP instead of his September), my 1992 case of Food Packet, Survival, Abandon Ship has the same Black Duct Tape enforcing the outer case.

Sure looks like OD green in the picture...

[steve1989]

Hey nod. You're right it really looks OD in that picture after going back and looking. It is black, but I think it was something with the lighting, I should check outside In the sunlight that always gives a good honest reading on whatever it is you're looking at.