German WW II Paratrooper Combat Ration Set

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German WW II Paratrooper Combat Ration Set This is a reproduction of the complete "Kampfpackung für Fallschirmjäger" (Combat Rations for Paratroops) as issued to German Paratroopers during the war when going into combat. This ration is the very one described in a report on German paratrooper rations, from the U.S. Intelligence Bulletin, June 1944 "Rations as a Factor in Paratroop Efficiency." This complete set consists of: · 2 cans of meat (in this case pork/ham cooked, ready to eat) in the plain metal tin with the proper "Fleischkonserve" circular stamp on the lid, as seen in many empties found to this day in locations like the Ardennes. · 2 cans of cheese - Yes, real canned cheese, as issued to paratroopers for combat missions only. Each can holds 225 grams (8 ounces of cheese, enough for three meals) in the plain-tin can with the proper Luftwaffe "Schmelzkäse" stamp on the lid. · 1 bar of chocolate substitute--The same "ersatz" high-temperature chocolate issued to Wehrmacht troops as an energy food, or, if melted together with boiling water and milk, as a cocoa beverage. · 1 package Knäckebrot in the classic single-serving (albeit for a hungry paratrooper, thus enough for two meals) reinforced box. Yes, it's the proper box, extolling the virtues of eating this whole wheat bread product, and how a paratrooper must make sure to "fuel himself" with all the nutrients in Combat! · 6 pieces of Kaubonbons wrapped in a single packet--This is w the June 44 article was a bit "off". The chewing gum referenced is actually chewy fruit candy issued to all branches of the service. These are a super energy food and are made to this day. · 1 package of lemonade candy--Again the '44 manual was a bit off. The Luftwaffe did not issue lemonade, but lemon drops--Hey, we'll let the Intel guys get away with the fact that they mis-interpreted "Zitronen Drops" as a drink, instead of the hard energy candy they are. You get the correct thing, the Luftwaffe pouch of lemon candy, ready to fold in half and stick in that awkward top pocket of your Bandoleer as a snack (next to the "Kaubonbons" above). · 1 package of coffee mixed with milk. While Mr. Meier, err, we mean Mr. Goering would have loved to provide his troopers with more sugar, the actual Luftwaffe instant "Milchkaffee" was actually white coffee, which could be prepared hot or cold (but, cold it is, well...). We have the proper item in our packet, namely 2 inner pouches of coffee with milk (not creamer) that brew up a canteen cup full of wakey-wakey; Luftwaffe style. · 1 tablet of solid fuel for heating OK--What is it with US intelligence on the Italian front in '44? Did they only see pictures? The fuel carried in the Luftwaffe combat ration was a packet with TWO compressed alcohol tablets. But by '44 Esbit had problems meeting the required production numbers, and second line products, such as the inferior "Flammo" brand tablets were issued. We are including the proper low-grade Hexamine based tablets made by the off-branch of BASF under the "Flammo" brand. If you own this set, you have finally completed that long trek toward getting your Fallschirmjäger kit complete! Your authenticity officer will be green with envy, even though this should be the standard combat ration if you are heading out to "clash" with Yanks and Brits. How many Jäger in your unit have the COMPLETE ration set? Shipping for this item is $8.60 in the United States and to APO/FPO addresses; more to other countries. We will gladly combine multiple orders to minimize your shipping costs. For those interested, is the article in question as published in 1944: RATIONS AS A FACTOR IN PARATROOP EFFICIENCY It is popularly but wrongly supposed that German paratroopers are granted special ration privileges at all times. Membership in German parachute units (as in the case of U.S. Army parachute units) is on a voluntary basis, and in this connection the Germans put out a good deal of propag... read more

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