Mk 2 Carrier water can

[Peter Duggan]

Guys,

I was generously gifted this 2 gallon container, dated 1943 at the recent FMVA Odessa meet. Painted grey with white lettering, in great condition.

Peter


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[Robert Bergeron]

Thanks Peter , this adds to our knowledge base greatly . Grey with white lettering , just like a water can . Awesome . Thanks .

[super dave]

A interesting 1 gallon Water can I picked up a while back.

[Ed Storey]

That is a very interesting can. It may not have been for potable water like the 2 Gallon cans.

[Robert Bergeron]

I concur with Ed. Very interesting Dave !

Keep them coming.

The knowledge base is expanding.

[Peter Duggan]

Robert,

I'm new to the business of kitting out a WW 11 vehicle, so some of my questions may seem quite basic.

Is there any documentation that states how these containers should be painted/marked?

The dark grey for water containers ? Large white W painted on the two sides or "Water" printed, if so 1" tall letters?

I have acquired several 2 gallon containers (British and Canadian) which are embossed PETROLEUM SPIRIT HIGHLY INFLAMMABLE. I'm assuming this was the norm for containers meant for transporting gas. Did Canada use the term Gas or Petrol ? How were these containers painted ? The same colour as the vehicle?

My stowage diagrams for the Lynx do not list the 5 gallon jerrycan, but most period pictures of Lynxes in service show that the toops in the field certainly used them.

Thanks, Peter

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[rob love]

I have only seen the embossed "petroleum spirits...." on the very early (1940) Canadian cans. I have never seen it on a later Canadian can.

I have to wonder if perhaps a white water can was for potable water, and a grey one for "grey", or non-potable water. However I suspect there more than likely was no difference.