Modifications to the Cookers, Portable, No. 2 (Mark 1) Stoves:
There was an immediate necessity to derive and issue a field modification for the existing cookers to minimize the damage while a long term solution could be developed.
Information regarding the modifications can be derived from the following sources:
1.***** Royal Army Ordnance Corps, Report on Research Work and Experiment, Quarter ending 31 Mar 1943
2.***** War Office Letter 57/General/1926/O.S.9. dated 17 Mar 1943
3.***** Army Council Instructions, 24 November 1943; 1725 Equipment - Cookers, Portable, Nos. 2 and 3 - Improved Modification for Burning Leaded Petrol.
4.***** Investigation of Operation of Cookers, Portable, No.III, Mk.II and No. I (Hydra Type).* 14 Aug 44, from Capt, W.M.Campbell M.E.3.(b). to M.E.3 CMHQ
RAOC Quarterly Report:
Item No:* 96
Objective Requirements:* Cookers, Portable, No. 1, 2 and 3: - Stoves
Research and Experimental items in hand and contemplated:* To prevent choking of the burner jets by ingredients of petrol grade M.T. 80
Progress and Position on 31 March 1943: "A simple metal trough to be filled with fire-clay or other "insulator" has been designed, which can be improvised by the user.* This protects the petrol feed pipes from excessive heat and minimizes precipitation of lead."
Link:*
http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oo...6/1364?r=3&s=1
War Office Letter 57/General/1926/O.S.9. dated 17 Mar 1943; Cookers, Portable and Leaded Petrol
http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oo...88/388?r=3&s=2
"....These improvisations must be carried out as soon as leaded fuel is used.* If lead accumulates in the Cookers they will rapidly become unserviceable.* No unit should proceed overseas without making these preparations.* Action should be taken to inform all units by the quickest possible means....New patterns of burner are about to be produced, which will be immune from the effects of leaded fuel, but it is essential that the large number of Cookers in use be protected and kept in service."
Army Council Instructions, 24 November 1943; 1725 Equipment - Cookers, Portable, Nos. 2 and 3 - Improved Modification for Burning Leaded Petrol.
http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oo...88/385?r=0&s=1
"An improved modification which enables Cookers, portable, Nos 2 and 3 to burn for much longer periods than previously before it becomes necessary to clear lead and carbon deposits from the burner components has been developed....The instructions in War Office Letter 57/General/1926/O.S.9. dated 17th Mar 1943, concerning Cookers, portable, Nos 2 and 3 are hereby cancelled.