Rhodesian Military Rations

Michael · Post by **Michael** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 6:34 pm

I've been doing some reading on that little Africian nation that gave the United Nations a fit---Rhodesia. Does anyone have any information on the daily rations they had? Also, I've read a lot of military history on Rhodesia, there's plenty of "who, when, and where", however there's not that much on "how and the equipment they used". Does anyone have any information that can fill in the gaps?

Post by **kman** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 11:22 pm

Welcome to the forums, Michael.

I can't say as I've heard of any Rhodesian rations but maybe one of the other forum members know something.

Considering the state of even the US rations back then (MCIs?), I'd be surprised if they had their own individually packaged Rhodesian rations. Maybe they imported military rations from other countries?

Jaylo · Post by **Jaylo** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 9:17 am

As the whole Rhodesian debacle had much UK involvement from the get-go, I suspect you'll find that it was the period British Rations that were issued which were not enourmously different to the WW2 rations.

Roundeyesamurai · Post by **Roundeyesamurai** » Mon Apr 24, 2006 1:04 am

If you go to the library and find a copy of "Don't Let's Go to The Dogs Tonight" by Alexandra Fuller, there's a passage where she describes the rat packs her father had as a Rhodesian reservist.

I don't remember the contents, though, as I haven't read the book in years.

Hearvor · Post by **Hearvor** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 5:37 am

Hi,

I use to read the french magazine "RAIDS", about military forces, gears, survival...

About 10 years ago this magazine made several rations reviews. There was an article about the rodhesian one.

I will investigate in my archives and translate the article for you. Just be patient !

Hearvor

donaldjcheek · Post by **donaldjcheek** » Thu May 31, 2007 9:15 pm

It's taken a while, but this is what I researched concerning the Rhodesian Army ration pack:

As described by Alexandra Fuller in her autobiography, "Don't Lets Go to the Dogs tonight." Small cardboard box with:
-tin of bully beef
-pack of Pronutro (instant cereal)
-pink, sugar-coated peanuts
-small packets of instant coffee
-teabags
-packet of powdered milk
-sugar
-2 squares of Cowboy brand bubble gum
-box of matches

As described by Lauren St. John in her autobiographical book, "Rainbow's End." Thin, square cardboard box containing:
-tinned beef stew
-small tin of chopped ham
-tin of Lucky Strike sardines
-dehydrated mashed potatoes
-rice
-peanuts
-curry powder
-tube of condensed milk
-tube of butter
-tube of jam
-packets of instant coffee

Post by **kman** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 9:49 am

Great info, donald - thanks for sharing!

donaldjcheek · Post by **donaldjcheek** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 3:31 pm

Finally got a picture of the Rhodesian Army 24-hour ration pack contents.

4 x small cans -corned beef, chopped ham, baked beans, potatoes in cream sauce (I think)
several packets of quick cooking cereal (porridge & cornmeal mush)
instant mashed potatoes
packet of instant rice
packets of instant milk powder
instant coffee
tea bags
sugar
candy coated peanuts
curry powder
tube of butter or condensed milk
matches

donaldjcheek · Post by **donaldjcheek** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 11:47 pm

Initially the Rhodesian ratpack came in two versions, European & African.

The major difference was the substitution of sadza (cornmeal mush aka "mealie meal") for instant mashed potato powder.

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