Jerry Cans

[floydragsdale]

A discussion of missing mail led to a transport discussion and then mention of Jerry Cans: 106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=unit&thread=583&page=1#2080 The discussion leading up to this remains at the listed site. The continuation has moved here


FUEL CANS:

Hello Connie;

Your mentioning of gasoline supplies brought back memories of the "jerrie" cans of gas we passed by along the way to Belgium.They were stacked along the roadside. I don't know why they were referred to as jerrie cans; yet that's what everyone called them.

They were five gallon cans and painted an olive drab color. Most U.S. Army vehicles had one of those cans strapped to their truck, jeep or what ever thing on wheels was being used by the driver.

The top of those cans had a flat surface so they could be stacked, one on top of the other. Also, they were made so they could easily be picked up and carried. When full they sure would slow a person down to a walk though.

A lever on the top of the can allowed a person to open and close the cap with little effort.

Floyd

[connie]

JERRY CANS

Floyd,
I've seen the cans and heard the name, but your note got me wondering. In a war where the Germans were known to our troops as "Jerries," was the common name for this can a coincidence? What was the origin of the name?

Several sources (isn't the internet great!) confirmed that the name did indeed come from the fact that this particular can was originally engineered by the Germans and used by their troops beginning around 1930. Allied troops recognized that this can was superior to their fuel cans and both Americans and British adopted the German design, hence the name "Jerry Can."

This site (on the can markings) along with a link given on the site, show plenty of photos and give some of this history: www.olive-drab.com/od_mvg_jerry_can_markings.php

[floydragsdale]

Thanks Connie:

I wondered if Jerrie was related to the German Army.

Now I know for sure. I have two of those cans at home and used them for a water supply many years ago.

Our water line, now and then, would freeze in the winter so those cans were nice to have on hand - - - just in case.

Floyd

[connie]

Morning, Floyd,

Wonder how many people have Army Surplus cans like this around. Wish I did. We in earthquake country are told to keep a week's supply of water on hand at the rate of a gallon a day per person. If gasoline-free, these containers would be great. And, after yesterday one wonders if anywhere is totally free of earthquake threats. Did you feel it? I am told that there are some as far inland as Chicago and Milwaukee who did...

Were there similar containers used by the Army for water?

As we carry on this discussion it seems right to point out the vital need for those who transported supplies. Those like you-- who were there-- were probably well aware of this but those of us who read of military action often loose sight of what it took to keep an army fed, fueled, hydrated, supplied with ammunition, and nourished by mail and packages.

Connie

[floydragsdale]

Water Supplies/ Support Team

Hello Connie:

Many years ago the water line in our lane would freeze during the winter. Thus, I purchased several of those "army surplus" cans. Had to go to town to fill them about every other day.

I knew how to get along with a minimum amount of water but the Mrs. didn't. Until the waterline thawed in the Spring, I did all the KP at home.

We (front line troops) were informed that it took 15 men to back up one foot soldier on the front lines. Water up front was very scrace. More than once we "ate snow" to quench our thirst. When there was no snow on the ground, getting a drink could be a real problem for the troops.

Floyd

[connie]

Floyd,

Thanks for another interesting point of discussion. I have become increasingly aware of the units designited to supply the men up front. But I hadn't heard that 15 support people for every foot soldier-- especially coming from a foot soldier. You would, of course, be most keenly aware of when that supply line broke down...

[seaforth]

Hello
Read this post again with interest. Thank you for posting.

As far i know the name "Jerry can" comes from British soldiers naming the german gasoline cans "Jerry cans" during the North African campaign.

The model was thereafter copied by the allies but the name stuck.

It stuck so much that in Holland we are still calling all types of canisters modern or the "original" models, containing around 20liters, "Jerrycans".

There are actually scores of the original surplus or left behind cans in europe left. A lot of them still used for everyday use. This goes for about every tool brought to europe and left behind. Only last 10 years people starting to take interest in these objects. As they are becoming worn out now. The are becomming more rare the last 20years. But still. Almost every garage or 2nd hand sale market you'll visit in europe you're bound to find some of this allied army surplus.

As for the surplus there is also a very large part sold to and reused by the freed country's. The Dutch army was build on US and British surplus. Ranging from transportation to footpowder.

A friend in the Dutch army even claims that there are still spareparts for the .50 cal stamped 1944 available in the army to this day.

One found by me on 423rd regt. A comp. positions. 

[connie]

LEFT BEHIND EQUIPMENT:

This is interesting. Of course, while visiting Belgium a few years back, I saw evidence of many of the relics left behind. It was interesting then to see that just walking around a woods where American troops (424 G) had been camped at the onset of the Bulge, that there still remained relics (as well as dents from foxholes. A discarded metal ammunition box lay in plain sight. But it adds more perspective to hear this from someone who lives there.

It's interesting to know that the term "Jerry Can" has stuck. And to know that an army was built on materials left behind...

[seaforth]

Hello,

Selling them for a low price to those country's was A cheaper than transporting it back to the US and B they gained a few trained allied army's for their occupation force relatively cheap.

At least 4. Allied countries profited from the surplus.
The French the Dutch and the Belgian.
The fourth is somewhat different the Norwegian took a lot of German surplus. K98 were transferred to the 30-06 and al other things got a other color green and was ready to use.

As for the foxholes.
Oft i'm standing in one and just think.
Looking at the direction fire would come from.
Thinking your 19years, could hungry and miserable for days. Far away from home ( knowing that that distance was far greater then nowadays with airplanes, internet and such.)
Knowing that in front of you there is a whole army of experts in killing is trying to kill you. Gives you the chills.