| Place | Africa: South Africa |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL28161 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Lead solder; Tin; ; Foodstuff – dry |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | December 1899 |
| Conflict |
South Africa, 1899-1902 (Boer War) |
Tin of emergency rations : Private R H Lennon, 1 New South Wales Mounted Rifles
Description
Cylindrical metal tube which contains emergency rations. The ends are sealed with caps that have been soldered on. Around the middle of the cylinder is a soldered band, which is embossed '12 99', and has a looped metal tab protruding from it. There are small areas of remnant paper labelling on the cylinder and on one end cap. This tin was opened in 2001, the contents removed and destroyed, and the tin re-soldered. The contents, separated from each other by a metal barrier, proved to be 4 ounces of chocolate and 4 ounces of soup powder.
History / Summary
Associated with 463 Private Robert Hugh Lennon (correct spelling Lenon) who served with 1 New South Wales Mounted Rifles in South Africa and was invalided home. Emergency ration tins were first issued to troops during the Boer War and contained either 8 ounces of bully beef or chocolate, or two rations of 4 ounces each.