The following U.S. report on German rations in North Africa during WWII is taken from Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 18, Feb. 11, 1943. [DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

GERMAN RATIONS IN LIBYA The following German food and water situation in Libya has been reported as a result of PW interrogations. The information showed that until July 1, 1942, no food or water difficulties had been experienced in the unit concerned, and after the fall of Tobruk canned fruit and vegetables had been added to the normal rations. The battalion rations officer was responsible for the collection of rations (requisitioned every 3 days by companies) from the supply dumps, and for the delivery to companies. For distribution to companies there were four 3-ton trucks, never loaded to more than half capacity. Thus for 3 days' supplies, a 6-ton truck capacity per battalion was necessary. Bread was collected separately from the field bakery. Apart from the regular 3 days' supply, companies carried 6 days' and each man 1 days' iron rations. Rations included one hot meal each day, always prepared in the field kitchen, which is brought as far forward as possible. Rations per man per day actually issued were: Coffee       Bread       Water* 1/2 oz real coffee 1/2 lb at rest About 5 pints at rest 1/4 oz substitute 1/3 lb in battle About 3 pints in battle *Drinking and cooking water, including water for tea and coffee.

Back to Articles by Subject | Intel Bulletin by Issue | T&TT by Issue | Home Page