Emergency Ration

As a result of a report at the end of the Boer War the infantryman’s equipment was changed to a new 1903 pattern. This included an additional small pocket sewn on the rear of the haversack to contain the emergency ration, and the haversack was intended to carry food only. This enabled the soldier to be self-reliant for longer. He could carry a tin of corned or ‘bully’ beef, 12oz of biscuit in 2 or 4 packs wrapped in waxed paper or a new invention; cellophane. There was also tea, sugar, salt, malt extract or oxo cubes and, when possible, cheese. These were called iron rations.