Portuguese combat rations in Africa

[donaldjcheek]

Even though Portugal had a vast colonial empire in Africa, it was - and still is - a poor country. The combat rations used during the bitter, protracted "wars of liberation" in Africa were simple, inexpensive, and assembled from readily available components.

The most common combat ration, the "Ração individual de combate", came in three forms: Tipo E (European), Tipo A (African) and Tipo M (Muslim). The most common, and the most elaborate, was the Type E.

The Tipo E came in two menus: Number 20 and Number 30. Both consisted of primarily canned foods, supplemented with fresh bread and fresh fruit when possible, or by hard crackers ("military biscuits") and canned fruit when not.

Each consisted of a small cardboard box, placed inside a plastic bag sealed with tape, and contained - in theory - sufficient food for one man for one day. The No. 30 had more food than the No. 20, but there wasn't a whole lot of difference between the two. The No. 30 had nine (yes, 9!) cans, whereas the smaller No. 20 had 6.

Ration No 20 contained: a tube of condensed milk, can of tuna, can of sardines, two cans of meat or meat with beans, small can of jam, and a can of fruit juice, plus instant coffee, a peanut nougat bar, and mineral replacement tablets.

Ration No. 30 contained: can of chocolate milk, can of fruit juice, can of fruit in syrup, can of sausages, can of bean & tripe stew, can of tuna in olive oil, can of sardines, small can of jam, instant coffee, sugar, salt, mineral replacement tablets, matches, paper napkins, plastic spoon, and a small, folding can opener.

[housil]

I´m always amazed about your rare finds!

[Treesuit]

When did they stop using the No. 20 and No. 30's and have they gone to a new ration? Seems to me that two of those photos are old.

[donaldjcheek]

TS,

The Portuguese reworked the "Ração individual de combate" to make it STANAG 2937 compatible. It now comes in a camouflage box printed with the flag of Portugal, and reads, "Ração individual de combate - NATO approved."

I have the information, plus pictures, I'll post tomorrow.