Mk 2 Carrier water can

[Robert Bergeron]

Thank you Ron .

Canadians might of used these in Italy as they were supplied by the British from forward bases in Africa. Most of the rolling stock the Canadians had brought with them to Italy from England had been sunk to the bottom of the Mediterranean so possibly Flimsies were used . Probably not NWE as the 20 Gal Jerrycan became prevalent by 1944.

Interesting addition nonetheless.

[Ron Pier]

Originally Posted by Robert Bergeron

Thank you Ron .
the 20 Gal Jerrycan became prevalent by 1944.

You'd need some muscles to lift that one Ron

[Robert Bergeron]

Yes Ron , the 20 Litre / 5 Gal Jerry is heavy and cumbersome but they give you ''legs '' , autonomy . That is especially important when you stretch your lines of communication / supply.

A tank ( Sherman, Stuart ) , Half track or armoured car demand a lot of petrol... Carriers not much more than a CMP truck but still. So 20 Litre / 5 Gal jerries were a definite improvement. And they were re-usable contrary to the ''Flimsy''.

ANY MORE 1 and 2 Gal cans we haven't seen boys ? Thanks Ron , i corrected the typo.

[Ron Pier]

You missed my point Robert! I think you meant 20 litres. (5 Gallons) Ron

[Ed Storey]

This thread has wandered into discussing the British wartime policy of water supply and that of petroleum, oil and lubricants which directed how the various containers were distributed and used. For fuel you had various bulk and medium size containers, so in the case of the rectangular 4 gallon tin (flimsy), this was considered a non-returnable bulk storage item. On the other hand the 4½ gallon Jerrican was considered at the time as a medium sized returnable item. I have reference to non-returnable fuel containers being used in the UK prior to Normandy and direction that they were not to be used as water containers afterwards.

Wartime terminology refers to the returnable containers, the items most likely found on vehicles, as British - Jerricans, US - Amerricans, and British - 2 Gallon Cans.

The 'Amerrican' copy.jpg

Also 4½ gallons of fuel weighs 27lbs or 12kg. The same amount of water is 32lbs or 14.5kg.

[Robert Bergeron]

Here is a general idea on the subject. I managed to build a shelf and display my cans.

[maple_leaf_eh]

Bob, next time you're passing through the K1A postal code, let me know. I have a can for your collection.