Supplement No. 1 To Quartermaster Service Reference Data, Volume II, Dated 15 December 1943p6

T
Office of the Chief Quart eroaster AK> BS7

;
Quartermaster
Field Observation Report He U. S. EQUTOM
.7
The purpose of this field Observation Report is to give proper dissemination of information collected in this Theater regarding; Quartermaster Equipment, Supply, Activities, and Installations. Opinions, suggestions, and reco emendations published herein do not necessarily have the concurrence of this office. This cojapunie&tiQSi is forwarded as information OHLY.
I G22TSR&L
A,
Period of Tine Covered by Ifois Report
- 21 Nov.
to
1Dec. 19U1+
B. Sector fron Which Report Saanated *' Third US Arr.iy. In the towns of Hahcy, Ketz, TJiicn^llle and surrounding area.
Existing leather Oondj.tions The tenperature ranged fron freezing to near freezing conditions. Sain and sleet fell for all but three days-'. Th6 Kcselle liver and tributary streans were at
C.
flood
height.
D. Hature of Military Operations Third Amy units had nade bridgeheads over the Moselle River north and south of Thimville, and north and south, of Ketz, After eight days of hard, slow fighting, both towns were encircled arid the Germans retreated toward the Rhine River. This push was nade after a two-nonth standstill along the west bank of the Moselle Hiver. 5. Units and Indivifofe||fe jhifeyyigvad
XX Corps
- <$4 Section
t
10th Infantry B.eg% |sth DivJ

Ist Batta.lion, 10th Infantry Eegt.
2nd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regt,
Co, B, 10th Infantry Regt ,
1306 General Service Engr. Regt. bth Field Artillery Battalion
50th Field Artillery 3attalion
Total Kunber of Individuals Interviewed

g
sth Infantry Division
$1 Section
Other Officers Enlisted Men 31.31
S-Us
22
Report Prepared By
U2
Captain Robert Collet t, CîC T/Sgt. Oner E. Lowry T/U Robert J, Schrass
*" *?
f\ fl ft*. r
'
/
\u0084
tyi 3?ield
-aoaart observat^p-aof9rt
No, J fcont; Ie 7 (cent;
4T H
11.
CLASS I
It was the concensus of opinion of supply officers ^ % Ration and enlisted nen interviewed that the 3 ration is very satisfactory, and they were "being, supplied in ample" quantities.
The operational rations of the sth Div. B. Operational Eat ions are being supplemented by coffee, milk, sugar, fresh "bread and fresh neat. This is extremely satisfying to the troops.
111.
CLASS II &IV
A
"
Clothing
1. Overshoes,
Arctic
overshoes, "been very rifle for mcMlity
a. The sth Div. has "been equipped 100$ with a\ioMt."JQ(p" of the cloth type. Performance to date has with satisfactory. The commanding officers cf several infantry companies have 'their men remove overshoes "before an attack and security of the' individual. Other troops wear them at for protection against cold and wet conditions. (Asst. Div.-GftL "\u25a0-\u25a0 sth Div. 28 Hov,;UU)
all tines
The 10th Inf. Regt is practically completely equipped and the "bulk of them are of the cloth type. This regiment used the 5-buckle ruVber overshoe in Iceland for tv/c years, and pre ferred it to the cloth type. (One CO and' 2S-Us R 10th Inf. egt. , sth Div. -29 Nov. UU) b. with overshoes
c. The troops of the 80th Div. have had overshoes for ' seven weeks. "The cloth type is the predominant issue, "but the troops "believe the rubber overshoe is more desirable, be.cause it is made of rubber. There afe^ no specific complaints about the cloth type overshoe.
(9-iSO, 80th Div.
- 30 ITov. UU)
2* Boots, Conbat
a. 'This footwear has been distributed to troops assigned and attached to the sth Div. They are well liked and preferred over the Type 111 service .sho,e., -reversed upper... Tlae boots are not water proof enough; dubbing will not stop leaks around the weltj dubbing the boots makes the feet colder and tightens the leather. , (Asst. Div. q}% sth Div. 28 ITov. UU)
b. The artillerymen are very enthusiastic about the combat boots received. My men take better care of the combat boots than they did the Type 111 service sho.e, and dub them more often. Ho complaints have' been received about the boots leaking. All troops are provided with a pair of arctics which, are worn at all times over '
the boots..
(S-U,
. Div. 28 Nov.. UU) 50th F.A. Bn.V sth
\u25a0
c. , Boots have- been in use about six weeks. Two companies had boots for about five months when, in England, for experimental purposes. They are liked- very much and no changes are recommended. The shoes are dubbed by melting the dubbing and applying it while hot. This permits the dubbing to soak into the leather. The men take good care of the boots and do not complain about the cold except v/hen wcrn without overshoes. (2 Bn. S-Us R 10th Inf. egt *4 sth Div 29 2Tov f UU)
&d:
*M.
#
\u25a0*?-.
\u25a0
d. The combat "boot is a good item, and if a man dubs his shoes at least once a week they will repel water.. The shoes do get a little cold,, but if you stay in nud and water for three hours a
day in any type of shoe, it is bound to absorb a certain anount dampness.' 10th Inf.Segt., stfc Div. (Eegt'l. Supply Sgt. 29 Hoy. UU)
of
..
leggings!
c.. I never so happy to {-;o% rid of those damned was If the nen take good care of their boots and dub then often of the watey.
(One Lt., rifle company, 10th. Inf.Eegt. , sth. Div. -29 Kov. UU)
f.% The combat boot, is an excellent item. Among the manufacturers, I preferred the boots oanufactured by the various Endicott Johnson Shoe Co. The soldiers change socks more often when suggest supplied with boots because they have no leggings to remove. I It pro a hard toe cap in preference to the soft type for the boot. tects the toes and offers more freedom of movement for them. (S-Ut 10th Inf.Regt., sth Div. -29 Nov. UU)
g. Troops in the 80th Div. have bad combat boots for three weeks. Prom my own experience, the boot ia net too waterproof. The soldiers like then, however, "because the boot eliminates the leggings and they seem warmer than the Type 111 sîoe.
enough, they will keep out nost
(<SISO
- 80th Div. - 30 ITov. UU)

a.
3. Jacket, ?ield t K-19U3
with this jacket;

high-neck wool knit sweater.
however, only part of the men have the Soldiers who have the combat jacket prefer it to the jacket, field,
H-19U3. (Asst. Div. $1
The sth Div. is equipped .100$
- sth Div.,,- 28 Nov. -
kh)
b. The men prfeffer the combat jacket to the M-19U3 jacket, with or without the Wool sweated* She objection is that field jacket is not toafn enough* the latter (S-U, sQth ?ABn. 28 Hot iHU)
c. Men of the 10th Infi Hogt* have had the K-19U3. .jacket with the sweater for six weeks Enlisted men who have had nothing but the old jacket, field, OD like the l-i~U3 jacket with sweater very much. The many pockets of the new jacket- is a desirable feature. (S-U, 10th Inf. Regt., sth Div. 29 ilov. Lo+)
B. Individual Equipment
1
Bag, Sleeping, Wool, OD
a. During an attack the soldiers do not use either the sleeping bag cr blankets. They are left with the "battalion supply train and are' brought up later when conditions become static. When on a static front and the men are in foxholes (two man type), the sleeping' bag, blankets and ground sheet are used as follows: Two blankets and the sleeping bag are placed under the soldier and two blankets with the ground sheet are placed over the soldier for warmth. The men will net climb into the -sleeping- bags when on the line. They have been using them for about h weeks (One CO, 2 EM, 2 Bn. S-Us, 10th Inf.Regt., sth Div. 29 Ucv. kk)
field^
Q?4 Field
Ol3servati4|%l
1 i
'\u25a0
v'
oit'0
6
en b. The sleeping bag is a very good it "but several of the cooEianding officers of rifle companies do not like their nen to The troops use then when connitted to the line for safety reasons. have "been using the sleeping "bags for about a nonth. In Iceland this regiment used.' the arctic type sleeping bag Tor two years but under garrison conditions. In a static position soldiers use" sleeping bags following nariner: The .ground sheet and sleeping, bag are used ' in the beneath' the men as a mattress while the two blankets and ,the shelter half over the -soldier. VJhen out of "the line the soldier uses the shelter half and straw, or any other suitable material, under the ba as a nattress, sleeping in the bag and covering hinself with t;wc blankets and the ground sheet. There is no definite way in which- the' doughboy uses the sleeping bag, blankets and ground sheet-.' There "are" aj.no st as nany variations in its use as there are neri "iris&he. reginent 1 When : attacking, the soldiers leave their bedding back with the battalion
lif
it'I&it*&4&P|îi-kijL
^"V
'\u2666 qM.
i
'* Li1
l"p
.^
II
field train, and at night the beddfng'is taken up tc the front line with the first hot neal, Then in the norning they are removed Just before daylight. To dry the bedding, two battalions have inprovised drying roons near the battalion field train headquarters, using the fire units fron field ranges to 'supply drjf heat, and any old house or billet as the drying roon. (S~U of the lOtn Inf.Hegt., sth Div. 29 Hoy; UU)
\u25a0
three weeks. They had been allotted to the three infantry reginents, and specifically to the rifle companies. When attacking, nen usually don't use the sleeping bag but carry one or two blankets. The sleep ing bag is not used in the foxhple. The two 'blanke>s are used with : the sleeping bag in as nany ways'* as there are' -nen-'using then. The use depends on local conditions, weather, terrain, position, ancunt of
f
c.' The SOth Biv. has^had sleeping
bags for the past
danpness,
(Q/iSO
etc. - 80th Div. - 30
Nov. hk)
2. Shovel, Intrenching, l'i-19U3 I-t is the concensus of opinion of conbat supply nen interviewed that each should be equipped with an intrenching shovel. The pick nattock and axe are rarely used.
The doughboy carries his rifle, annunition, canteen with cup, fork or spoon (or German fork and spccn combination) , one 'or two boxes of the X and D ration, ' ' ; tooth brush and raincoat* . . (One CO, 2 3n. S~Us f Regt 1!. S-U, 10th Inf .Eegt. ,-' sth Div, 29-Ilov. UU)
\u25a0
tens carried into conbat) 3. Packs (I
Orcaaj. zatinnal Equipment
sth Div. isupply officer^ are opener is a very excellent iten and 6peris ; of the opinion this can : all the cans in the 10-in-l ration very well. The personnel .handling the 10-in-l rations, as well as nany conbat soldiers, carry this can " opener in their pockets.
(Asst. Div. Q>l sth Div. 28 Nov. UU)
1. Opener, Can, 10-in-l
2. Inner Sion Heater
a. The- operation cf this heater is very satisfactory. It is cleaned about once a nonth to eliminate the carbon. The oil tank at the, rear "of the immersion heater is* given- additional support by placing a" snail block of wood between it and the top of the 32-gallon can. (Ist cook, 1306 &S Erigr. Rogt. 27 Nov. UU)
\u25a0<
-k
i
5
i|H
Q^- Jield Observation Report l?o.
J (cont)
B f
i
f don have to 3^ jrerg^ sg|s iagt o ry, - al>d^p|MH{^W^^^4f^?t and we good tall aroundclean gives* it very often service.
**
(Mess Sgt..,- Serv. Co.

\u25a0
~ lOtnlnf.Regt ., sth Div/- 29 Hoy. UU)
3 .Lanterns , G-asoline
a. The gasoline lantern is used down to and including a company CP. The converted gasoline lantern is only satisfactory. After about 20 hours of operation it is necessary to replace the generator in the lantern. The glass globes break easily and the gasoline nantles are too fragile for the nany movements necessary (Regt l!. S-U, 2 3n S~Us 10th Inf.Regt. sth
0
V%v.
in a conbat' CP.
- 29
Nov. UU)
b. We have been using the converted gasoline lanterns to- a United extent because of a shortage of mantles. .Globes break easily when noved on trucks or jeeps from position to position, ViTould prefer to use a kerosene lantern (3ritish type) because:. First, the nantles are stronger; second, the operation is sclent ; third, it is easier to operate. (Lantern and stove repairman, Serv. Co. 10th Inf.Regt., s"th Div.
29 ITov. UU)
U. Mantles, Gasoline Lantern

Initially we were having trouble with the converted lantern because holes were being bloitfn in the end cf the mantle when first lit. This trouble was alleviated by informing supply officers cf this division that the hole was caused "by too much pressure in the lantern when lighting. We recommended that the mantle be lit with almost no pressure in the lantern. The pressure is built up after the mantle is lit.
a.
(Asst. Div. <tfi
- sth Div. - 28 Nov. UU) -
b. The supply of mantles is difficult. The replacement is heavy because the mantles are toe fragile. The mobility of combat units is very tough on gasoline mantles. (S-U U^th PA 3n. 28 Uov. UU)
C. The mantles break easily when the lanterns are moved The mantles on the kerosene lantern (British type) are stronger and hold up much better than our own gasoline lantern mantles. (Lantern and stove repairman, Serv. Co., 10th Inf.Regt., sth Div. 28 ITov. UU)
5. Field
Range,
*
K-19U
a. The front panel mirror is not used. This unit has nrt used the wooden grates provided with the field, range's since they have been operating in Prance. Allunits have been ..converted and*are working very well. The unit is operated about 100 hours before it must be cleaned. The part that carbonizes first is the flame valve. . (3 cooks and mess Sgt ,1306 &S ngr. Regt. -* 27 ITov. UU)
b. The fire units in this service company had just been converted. Iron stock pots were issued to the company; however, they are not used because captured German aluminum pots are used which the kitchen personnel believe are easier to clean and better to cook with. Kitchen personnel explain that the American iron stock pots are too heavy to handle and food sticks tc them,, making them hard to clean. (Ist cock & mess Sgt., .Serv. Co., 10th Inf.Regt., sth Div.- 29 Hoy. UU)
Units are using shelter halves very little at present except tc roll blankets or as a ground sheet. host units except those right en the line are billeting indoors when ever possible. (S-U, 10th Inf.Regt., sth Div. -29 Hoy. UU)
6. Tent,. Shelter Half
Q>i Field
ObservMlSiaftôrtf'lro.
7 (cent)
D. Q-eneral Supplies and Equipment

The concensus of opinion of the supplyofficers of this regiment is that the allowance of IS lbs. of candles per 1,000 nen per .ncpith is toe low. .Vith longer nights and a need, for lighting command posts, ifire direction rooms, kitchens, supply the need, for candles is very points and administrative -headquarters, factor, involved is a shortage .of gasoline mantles which heavy. Another Units the use of the vaseline lantern. One of the "battalion S-Us is of the opinion that his company needs five to six candles per .day. 10th Inf.Regt., sth Div; (Regt !l.~S-U, 2 Bn. S-Us, .2 supply Sgts. and S-U, li6th PA 3n. 29 ITcv. UU)
X>. Gandles
2. Fuel Tablets" , Ration Heating;
a. Fuel tablets are issued with operational rations on the "basis of UOO 3 oz. tablets per 1,000 operational rations, lj pz. tablets per 1,000 operational rations. or 1,000 (Asst. Div. sth Div. 28 Nov. UU)
Csl'-
sequence:
b. The soldiers' preference for fuel tablets is in this
1) 2)
Captured German fuel tablets 3 os wax Ar.er.ican tablets. 3) !"", oz. tablet. It) The alcohol heating tablet.
with snail stove
The c onplaint about the alcohol type tablet is that it heats, the ration too slowly. (S-U. of the 10th Inf.Eefvt. sth Div. -29 ITov. UU)
3.
DDT Powder
using very little of this powder, problem in the division. Very anall quantities and there is no louse of the powder a,re beinf: requisitioned 4 (Asst. Div. Qsi sth Div* * 26 ITcVi UU)
a.
The troops are
This article is used very puch by the troops of this regiment, and the results are very Mo fcuave no louse problem. The powder is requisitioned monthly on the basis of one can per man per month. (S-U, 10th Inf.Eegt. sth Div. 29 ITcv. UU)
b.
IV. OPMETSBHASTER ACTIVITIES A. Graves Registration Service Procedure
- sth" Div.
been allotted by the XX Corps to the division to operate the graves registration collecting print. These six men make proper identification cf the bodies and transport then to the cemetery. This division operates one Graves Registration collecting point Each regiment within the appoints enc of its officers as the G-RS officer for the regiment division and supplies him with sufficient personnel (the number varies) to collect the bodies fron; the, battalicns and transport them to the division GRS point. The battalions appoint an officer to handle the bodies v/ithin^ th,,uriit and" supply him with personnel to transport the bodies to the regimental headquarters. The battalions normally use
1
The Asst. Div. Quartermaster is also the G-raves Registration Officer for the division. Six enlisted men from a Graves Registration Co. haT
<
*4
#
<$4 Field Observation Report Ic.
kitchen,
7 (cont)
personnel for this duty. (Asst. Div. <#t sth Div\; Eegt 1 !.S-U 2 Bn. S-Us, 10th Inf .Regt., sth Div. 28 and 29 llcv. UU)
B. Salvage Operations
- s*h Div
2-l/2
To assist the nornal salvage operation in the division, a mobile ton truck is used salvage patrol consisting of four men with a The four nen are furnished daily in this division to patrol its area. The "by infantry units and the truck "by the division Quartermaster. no "bile patrol operates under the control of the division Quart ernaster. By using this method nuch equipment has "been salvaged and "been put "back The following figures immediately into the division suppl;- channel. representative of the work accomplished "by this no "bile salvage patrol: are
2U ITcvenber 19UU
25Hoven"ber 19UU
10
Kovenber 19UH
overcoats 10 raincoats 10 pr. shoes 5 shelter halves 10 shovels 3 camouflage nets 20
15 overcoats 25 raincoats 15 pr. leggings 5 pr. overshoes 6 canteens
20 10 canteen cups 15 10 pr. trousers 2 field jackets 5 15 5 shirts 10 5 suits underwear 10 pr. shoes 5 1 5 pr. gloves 1 2 "bags, "barracks 10 1 tarpaulin 10 5 ness kits 110 tent pins 50 2 5 tent poles gasoline cans .10 iOO rds. 50 cal. anno 5 v "boxes 30 cal n 1 10 shovels 5 1 case oil 3 10 1 grease gun 10 3 gas "tasks 10 10 1
1
25 15 5 15
overcoats raincoats pr, leggings pr. overshoes canteens canteen cups pr. trousers jackets suits underwear pr. shoes pr. gloves "bag, barracks bag, duffel shelter halves ness kits gasoline cans bales canouflage
netting
5 belts 5 helnet s 5 shirts
237
1 1 2 1
pr. leggings gasoline cans case heat tablets set truck bows belt boxes 30 cal, anm case 50 cal. anno
blankets case laundry soap, GI packs rolls twine gas nasks
belts shovels
helnet s case C Rations box X Rations tailgate for trailer boxes 30 cal. ammo rds. 50 cal. anno (U3 boxes) panel and case German rifles German truck tires (700 x 20)
1 2
300
3
k
Distribution: 2 OQjvHJ OCQj-I, Com Zone IS q}i First US *roy 1 q}i Third US 1 1 Qi Seventh US Army 1
C#i Hinth US Army Q^l Sixth US .army Group .1
ROBERT M. LITTLEJOHH 1-iajor General, U.S. A. Chief Quart eroaster
..... .......
Ilfifl/tffcfl
COM-iOITICATIOITS 2021E
EOHOPM THEATER OF QPSMIOIfS
Office cf the Chief tyuarteraaster
APO SE7
Quarteraaster
Field Observation Eeport He. 6
xr. s.
wpmsm
The purpose of tfcl field Observation Report is to give proper disscainatioh of information collected in this theater regarding Quartermaster Equipment, Supply, Activities, and Installations. Contained in this report arc experiences of personnel of all ranks and position* in the use of Quart eroast or Equipment, Opinions, suggestions, and reocaendations published herein do net necessarily haê the concurrence of this office. This communication is forwarded as infernatien OKLY.
I.
(M3SRAL
Period rf Tine
Cryered "by This Report
3. Sector Froa Which Report Emanated
30
Te:.iporatures ranged "between C. Existing V'cather Conditions r F. and 60 1. A little rain fell nearly every day.
- First US Array.
- 20
tc
30 Uovenbcr 19UU.
D. ITature cf Military Operations
- First
Amy nade a slow advance.
3. Units Observed and Individuals Interviewed

First US
ii-riiy
3d Arncred Division lOUth Division
P. Report Prepared By
- Captain
S/S F;t.
r
tyi 3d Arnored Division 3d Arr:.ored Division 52^d Araored 3n. S-U and WO Asst. Arncred Inf. S-U
6 Enlisted bankers, 3^ Amored Div
U Enlisted Infantryr.ien, 3^ Amorcd Div.
Platoon Lcs.der t Depot Supply Co.,
Depot, ASCZ Class I
36th
Gillian R. Kugler, tyiC
Kar-prud
Capadalis iiike S.
Ist Sgt. Jeroae
11.
CLASS
J.
Nearly all units have "been otl the B Ration for 3 Ration the past five to ten weeks It is regarded as excellent and all troops except these r.ctively committed were receiving this ration. In the 3d Arnored Div, three ccapanies of me conbat conaand vrere en 10-in-l rations, and two companies rf another coiibat ccrjjand were en C rations. The rer.iainder the division we.s eating 3 rations.
3.
because
This is a favorite with the arnored troops it is very well adapted to their use.
IQ-in-1 Ration
-1
83
**: \u25a0;>*;
\u25a0!.
ji.V 'cii J
Lm
' ttifS9 '*'
(#4 Field Obse
'on Report jffo
6 (contj
&IV 111. CUSS II
A. Clothing
This iten is well received and well Conbat Boots liked in the 3& Aracred Division.
Overshoes, Arctic When the overshoe is worn over the shoe and legging ccnbination, the buckle on the legging wears a hole in the side of the oveVshoe.
*
2.
Several units have expressed a need f^r 3. Raincoats sone type of rain suit to replace the raincoat.
a. Individuals interviewed in the 3& Ar:.:cred Division expressed the thought that nen riding in jeeps and m r.:r tor cycles should have rain suits. Scnc nen were seen wearing the CV/S inpemeablc one-piece suits for this -purpose. It tears rather easily as do the raincoats \*hen worn around vehicles.
b. An --fficcr r.f an anti-aircraft artillery cor.-pany stated that his nen had tc be ut doors f^r lon' periods cf tine, alert and standing by their nns. In the rain they wear raincoats which are fairly sat isfnet cry. The field jacket is net sufficient protection frcn the rain nor is the iiackinaw. Ed stated that he had seen a "Parka and Trousers, Wet Weather" end these itcus wculd "be "just the thin,." for his r.ion.
a ..~reat nany ncn have been observed U. Cap, -1/001 Knit tr "bo cutting the visor off this cap so that it will fit down further on the head. The cap is considered satisfactory.
,y
-.
5. G-lcvcs, Wcol, CD, Vf/Loather

a.
actually
loading:
Pains
S\.
dexterity than
The nen of artillery units wear this glevo while and firing their ?tuhs. It f -;ives then greater finrer tl-o jieavy leather work <':love.
b. Hen cf infanv^r units who h?4 been under conbat conditions in the snovr for several clays in the Eoetgen fcrests, thrai-ht that this glove was net quite v:ar:-; enow'h. They clenched their flittt inside the gloves and put. their hands in their pockets. individual Equipment Hess C-ear Several individuals in the 3d ii.rr.nred Division stated that the hirh replacer.:ent rf noss 'gear in this unit was due to the fact that when a tank is hit, nest of the individual equipment of the :.ien is lest. Infantry nen or. front line-duty have ; been observed in nany cases to be ;c?.rryinr the G-ernan fork and sp~-rn set in preference to US eatin f utensils. The- reason for this, they said, was that it was easier to carry in their packets. than our spoon (Q-er;.:an utensil is 6 In. lon^; *i:crican spcrn is/7i* in* l^n.') -Hoss : gear is being used tc ccok in, over rxiny types of fires. One burner stoves, American and G-cman heat in; tablets, i:.ipr^viscd stoves ::ade rf shell cases filled vrith gasoline and sand, and weed fires were cbsorved in use. In scne cases the ness ,;:ear hue becruo so badly dis colored that the nen have discarded it. Tor the ::c st part Vth aluninun and stainless steel are considered satisfactcry, but the zinc ccated ecuipnent is not liked, iiess gear is a necessary iten at the fr---nt and very little is "being discarded.
\u25a0
"
-2-
"{
\u25a01 .
/*
.-
'.4.'
*/ ..W
,t..&U&
QjK Field Observation Bepcrt Ho.
6 (cont)
C. Organi zatie nail Equipment
Units on the B ration are using 1. Field Hange, H-1937 these stoves constantly. Units interviewed have either cenpleted the installation of the new generator on the fire unit or are about to dc so. The new generator is well liked. Quite a lot of "baking is bein done and various improvisations have "been nade to enable the stove to distribute the heat properly for baking. The cast iron stock They pr ts are not well liked and have been replaced wherever possible. easily under field conditions. rust
Infantry nen want these 2. Stoves ,. Gasoline, One Burner stoves. The chief failure has been in the flane cup. It was noted that the First Amy is now issuinr the French SELOH one burner stcve.
D,
Expendables
There are tines when this is the only 1. Fuel Tablets r.ethod of waminr food. If a one burner stove were available it would be more desirable, lien have also learned to tear up the ration box into snail pieces and use it to warn a cup of hot coffee or soup. Our ration heating tablets are used; but one conplaint is that they blacken the cooking utensil. Sone Geman heating tablets were issued by First .arty in place of our own tablets. These were nade by Dynanit Ccnpany and were considered satisfactory. for candles. Sone lon^ Geriuan candles have been used, and although they good light, they burn fast. The short round G-ernan candle poor liht, but burns for a lone tine. elves
2'
Can&l s e
i-iany units questioned expressed
the need
KOBEtLT M. LITTLEJOM Major General, U.S.A. Chief Quartermaster

Distribution:
OtslG
<yi First US Amy ..,,.... , Qjti Third US Amy r <# :Seventh US Amy QJ-I iTinth US Amy tyi Sixth US Amy Group QJ4 Tv;elfth US Amy Group Qsl Adv Sec Con Zone ESIS Tear: Captains
OCCtf-i, Con Zone
. 13
1 1 1 1
1 1 1
...... ........ ... ..... 3
\u25a0
~\
xi?
ilHI1 vs^ I H'
>
Office ''of the Chief- Quartermaster MO 887
Quartermaster .\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0*
Pie Ift Observation \u25a0'\u25a0..

.
'
Report *
:*:
]tfb "3
-\u2666trrs.
equipment
'
e* Th; purpose of \hls Field Observation Report is to give proper- dissemination of information collected in this Theater regarding Quartermaster Equipment, Supply, Activities, a.nd: Installations-, Contained in this report are experiences of personnel, of all ranks and position^ Opinions, suggestions, in the use" of Quartermaster Equipment* and recommendations published- herein do not necessarily ' s ha>e 'th e cohc urr eh ce of this office. Thi c ommun l tl e a on is forwarded as information ONLX.
'
!
I. GENERAL A. Period of 18 November 1944 "
Time* Covered
by This Report*-'
\u25a0
'
6 November' to y
"y"
B*
Sector From yJhlch Report smanat-ed-^r First U>S-. Army Area-.
'G> Sxlstinp; leather Conditions-ty During the night of "[_ ' \u25a0', 8 *S- 9*November, show began f'alllng.,' and on 9 November approici-"" mately 14' inches was in the itrea- abound Sisenborn, Belgium ' and Roe t gen, G-er many. In the valleys there was less snow than
\u25a0
on-the - hills*and ridges. The temperature stayed- around freezing and- it continued to rain or snow for several da ys. * B- ;Nature of Military Operations-r^Slow^ advance;
V if
\u25a0
S;
Units and Individuals Interviewed \u25a0i.\u0094
\u25a0First
\u25a0\u26 6
First
U.S."'
Army
U,S' Army Corps
-
QM Section
803r4
9th Infantry Division 20 +vi Infantry Division

Tptal Number
: QM Fumigation & Bath Co
of Individuals Interviewed
"
\u25a0 \u25a0
"
'
-'\u25a0
\u25a0
> : R " OM O"ff1 oe*r <i s^fe;... /.;\u25a0.,... ..14 *\u25a0\u2666 * , : 32 Other Of fi cers Enlisted Men-'^ ,,.......... .361
T6tal 412
....
....
Report
'
Prepared
By
Captain
John lU Bankus, QMC Captain William R. Kugler,- Qi^G Ist Sgt* Jrome Kamprud S/Sgt. Hike E. CapadalisJvt. Vernon W, Leeper
'
11, / CLASS I
/^* B Ration-r^puring; the period of this observation" even .* committed 'inf t^y. regiments were able to feed* sometimes two/ en 3 Ration meals a day to front-line battalions, and three meals to supporting battalions,. Containers of the. round,* lnsulated type were used extensively to transport hot, meals V The fresh meat, ' butter, .and even eggs were greatlyâppreciated, .In the. face 6f the hardships of weather being endured at' the present' time, it was gratifying to notice., that plenty of good hot 'food was available-. Several .condiment kits were seen and the Items
'
*.
t\
**
1*
QM Field
ObservatiWll^l^*^%?sriftl.
s^*1*
were very well* liked and seemed properly proportioned except for the lemon ponder' which is t\o% "being used at present. \ -\u25a0 Cereal is very well received during tKis eather %2\u 5a0i 'v " . . .. .
!
\u2666
the new type G Ration menus have Wen -received (beef 'and noodles, spaghetti and meat balls } are -very well liked, making meat and vegetable stew " arid These : ': Most men iv;; rtloat -and -^vegetable hash less popular than ever. 'I questioned preferred the C, Ration when in a static psiti'n' because it was more filling, in the' assault, 'or during action,- 'the C Ration is not as convenient to carry, and, because the Infantry man travels light during such periods, , <. . this seemed to be an important factor,
'\u25a0
B*-
Q Ration
Only a' few -of

\u25a0 \u25a0
'
\u25a0'
..
\u25a0
\u25a0\u25a0
C# D Rationalised extensively to. supplement the C and X Rations t but used very little,as. a ration" byj itself One regiment used it? of ten to make hqt chocolate, thus Supplementing ' the C and X Rations*
V* X \u25a0Ratipn^r-Qnt : .the. .move, .and .when operational rations are issued,.. the. ,X wa,s. mor.e .conv.e.ni.en.tly shaped to be carried .than the :G-,; ''Thi-s-^seemed .to- .be. .ajm important feature with the 28th Division .be cause -many .more -K Rations have been consumed than G, See table below. Sometimes the, X package, was opened contents, distributed thre-ughout the pockets. and the The supper unit (pork loaf) eaten cold looked greasy "and- tasted greasy* Lemon p^wderîs used very little during cold weather. When possible'j C. and combinations are Used as operational ration diets. D. Rations, ;. coffee and bread are used to supplement The situation on the this ration.. The* coffee is very popular. 28th Division front- was such that the infantry front^lino units had operational rationsfrom five to twenty days. More variety is desired. Three infantry CDs stated that a X meal was not sufficient, and often four boxes were issued Instead of three. However,, one battalion of the 28th Division which was cut off for five days was able to issue only approximately- "2-1/3 X Rations during this. period, which seemed enough, probably because of; the nervous strain of the situation. The fruit bar in the Artillery breakfast -unit was not as popular as' the chocolate. Units -did not use X Rations very often because the 10-lnriv-and B are .usually. available to them*. The new X Ration biscuits were believed to" be 'much, better than the old type. \u25a0\u25a0;\u25a0;.
;
:
Table rsKow'X'ng"iTomparrson of-.-G-and ...E Ration consumption by 28th Division, X Ration seemed to -be preferred, *
irimarx-,
because
of convenience
in 'carrj in
' '
Period
ct. Get,Oct. Oct. Nov.
8- 14 Inc. 15 21 ".-. ".-. 22 -. 28 , '.' 29 \u25a0-*-.N*Vi 4 11'"5
','
'
G c
.
' " "
Ration
X Jla tipri
tipri
18 ,120* 2,024
2,312
10,992
3,680
3,520
*
4,4284,428 11,448 24,396

51,792
*'
\u25a0
\u25a0
n*t .'available
-figure abnormally high, '' "because io~in-i Rations ' , .\u25a0 '. . f
were
?*\u25a0 10-in~l Hatl#n-^>3e cause the 3 Ration is available, the 10-in-l is being litse'd very little at present. It was used exteasively Hy allr units o* the move across France ' r and 3elgiuin T Vvhen prepared in the kitchen for .an entire company it was found that a great. many boxes and cans had to be opened and considerable sorting' done for each* meal. From the standpoint of the kitchen personnel a B Ration meal was much easier to, prepare f The quantity of-, food was^ th.pugh^ -^yjrfis^fnt for only
L_
rr%
*\u25a0
eight men. On the whole, however, this ration is very-

liked, and its use during a move greatly simplifies the
well supply problem. This ration is particularly well adapted for
by motorized units where the field ranges .were stored and
use cooking was done in small groups* During the present cold
It was suggested
weather, cereal seemed to be very popular. juices be included in this ration inasmuch .that a variety of as grapefruit juice was becoming very monotonous. * F# 33 and C Klts~^ These kits, or some equivalent,- were
requested by several medical officers of the 9th Division for
, use in clearing stations. In the 28th Division, amounts of coffee from the supplemental issue, and whatever cocoa could to Joe obtained were turned over by the Division Quartermaster "the jnedical supply officer for distribution to battalion aid
stations and .clearing stations.
about
Vitamin Pill These are issued to personnel of the s-r9th and 28th Divisions on the approximate basis of two per man per day. -They are available in chow lines or on the tables. Preference for issue is offered the Infantry troops. Some took advantage* of this issue and s.o.me did not,.. Those who had been using the pillsthought they did some good. The 9th Div. QM noted that some bottles were broken when cases were opened. Markings, on one such case were as follows:
G-.
"
Grove Laboratory, Inc,

St, Louis, Missouri
100 Capsules, Multi-Vitamin
Lot #1144-42
Manufactured 9^20-4^
#1 X 6150
R&C Klts-Ûfrits are now being issued this item in bulk. It was felt that although there were plenty of double-edged razor blades .issued, there should be more single-hedged available, Brushless shaving cream. Is. not popular. Men on the front shave only once or twice a week, and use some type of lather soap, A few who had recently performed euch an operation" were suffering from chapped fa.c.es* ' A desire for more chewing tobacco was expressed because It was of ten impossible to smoke, Tooth brushes with tkree rows of bristles were preferred to .those with two rows of bristles. It was observed: that there wereample, if not too many matches.
4
"
111..
CLASS II &IV
A.
Clothlmg
A heavy denfand for the EE widths made this obtain. The majority of units will not substitute sizes except/ in a definite emergency. The Type II shoe is still preferred to the -Type 111 even though the latter seemed to be easier to break in. Complaints were still being received about the Type 111 shoe leaking and being, colder in spite of constant dubbing. Improvisations of the combat boot are still going on, One infantry platoon leader stated that in some instances men who wore leggings did not. remove- them to change socks because the shoes and leggings were wet and muddy. On the. front line most., men sleep in their -"clothing. Very recently the combat boot has begun to be issued in those few' sizes where, the Type 111 shoe was unavailable, Men are* very anxious to receive, combat boots and some have gone sofar as to lie about their size in ordefgto get the combat boot. Although it has been the practice to Ofn. of, dubbing with each size difficult to
1,
Shoes
ifllf'VOTf
r~.
J^
QM Field Observation Report No, 5 cont*

pair of combat boots, First Army sales store officer stated about 50/& of combat boots received came without dubbing;
that
2*2 * Overshoe s The cloth type, 4-buckle, was the.\ most common observed. Under the adverse weather conditions, such- .an* Those, individuals item or its equivalent was very sorely needed. wh* couldn't set a .size large enough to get over their shoes, had accepted a smaller size, taken off their shoes, put on two- pair " of socks and inserted cardboard innersoles* . .<
Wool, OP A few of the men observed had - been issued British styla OD trousers with, tabs- and pa tch: poclcets; Although the heavier material was liked, the patch- pockets were : not as popular as the U,S type, 3,
Trousers,
4, Trousers, Cotton, Field, OD-<rA very few officers were observed wearini this item in conjunction with the high-necked It was stated that some of sweater.. and Jacket, field, these trousers were available for purchase at the mobile sales Whether or nt this "ensemble' 1 is as popular as the stores.
Mi-19^3.
trousers,
i
combat remains
to be seen.
were observed 1 as being used recently "combat suit"' for' warmth. This was 60th Infantry, .The HBTs wet through easily and the new type" combat suit would be preferred. These garments faded upon being washed, but were not ordinarily salvaged for this reason
Suits,
HBT. 1 piece and 2
piece^Sults, HBT, 2 piece, over OJDs as an improvised standard uniform ;for the
6, . :\u25a0 Carp;o .Eoqkets The type .of cargo pocket on HBT suits* However, a modified, smaller type, generally not popular. was similar to those on the, jacket, ..field, M-1943, was well thought of #
\u25a0
O.D-~hen who had been with the Division for some time had been equipped with this -jacket.v In an assault the field jacket is worn -as the -outer garment. <
7, Jacket, Field,
ory. by men who possess t enough withou t i
8.
Jacket,
Field, K-194;? .The jacket is thought satis,fact T the sweater to go with it but not warm
9. Jacket, Combat, Wlnter^-This "jacket is..-still- the fayorite with -all officers and men. They do like the'pockets and darker color of the k-1943 jacket and think that. these features should be incorporated in the combat jacket*
v
Raincoats' A universal desire was that raincoats be made longer, Pockets were reported as shipping water and the garmemt tore easily, Many men were observed wearing, the raincoat iiside out because the smooth side will shed the* water better, when worn outside. The use of the CVvS one piece decontaminating suit was/observed^ One CO of a- FA. battalion suggested- the possibility of adopting the .rubberized two piece rain fiuait similar to .the- : type used by- the- Navy for use by .motorized or mechanized troops* It was noted that raincoats were receiving abnormally heavy usage 3rush by troops using them to cover framework over foxholes, and dirt were- piled on top of this .framework for protection* ';'
i
10,
Ten thousand officer.s -field coats were in stock at the", First Army Sales Store, available for sale to. of ficers>. 'Many officers, especially those on the\front line, wear the issue
type to lessen the possibility of becoming a sniper target.'
'
1-1 warm heavy muffler longer than the present type was definitely preferred to the short type which had been lssue#
Mufflers-^ A
i
TVPv
fix
w,
i^
_^H
QM Field Observation Report wool.,

protective, were observed act as both hood and muffler. .
T
fto* 5 cont.
FfD
It' was felt that all troops should to some troops in England, be equipped with mufflers for winter wear* Some of the hoods,
OD~,
to be worn for warmth to"
12. Caps, Tool, Knlt-Â few individuals have been observed to cut the visor off !of the wool knit caps in order that they 'may be pulled down further over 'the forehead and' : . ears. i. . . ....'. x
-.
item is highly prized" 13." Helmets, Combat, personnel who travel in vehicles of any type. People by all MPs etc. i.e. guards who must stand in exposed, positions protection of face and neck' from the also want this helmet for weather-.
14"
\u25a0
Buttons
the. overcoat
15,
is preferred
The plastic button on No "button trouble. ; to -ithe old type brass button,.
\u25a0
Gloves, Wool, OP with Leather Palm :This item . ; was satisfactory but a desire was expressed by some front line troops for a type of wool mitten with an Opening" to clipout a finger for firing a weapon instead of a trigger finger arrangement on' the glove.
16. Texture of Clothing and Equipment-- Field jackets, jackets and all outer clothing, when washed excessively, combat bleached and were more readily seen at night. Shelterhalves : leggings, and web equipment are rarely if ever washed, and present no problem. As' evidence of the dislike of light-colored garments at" night field jackets are often worn inside out. ' The The color of the M-1943 jacket was accepted as the best. 28th Division camouflage officer indicated no problem of camou flage with clothing and equipment, especially on the line where , it got pretty dirty.
3.
-,
Individual Equipment
fool> OP Men. are issued -four blankets However, many accumulate or a sleeping bag and' two blankets. additional blankets. Some German blankets "are in the "hands of our troops but the Army Quartermaster has requested that these -be turned in for exchange for American blankets.
!
Blankets,
T
2.
Bags,
well received. line who sleep with all- their clothes on, including shoes*, the problem of getting out of the bag and into- action quickly was presented. A few comments were received that the zipper However, because the item should be longer and on the outside. recently issued, not much experience has been had "with was only " '' '\u25a0\u25a0 : : \u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0. it* V .
\u25a0 \u25a0 \u25a0
Sleeping, T fool, OP As a rule these were very However, in the case of troops on the front
troops rarely possessed viewpoint, unit commanders did this item and from the tactical Motorized not desire "it because of the transportation problem. definitely over the' .' -\u25a0\u25a0. units did possess it and preferred it barracks bag. In the case of some, mechanized' and motorized units, duffel bags are hung on the outside of halftracks: and tanks, exposed to Weather and splashed mud. One' armored- field artillery battalion complained that clothing was mildewing in ' '
3.
Bag.,
Duffel'lnfantry
this bag,, -although the bag; was

j,
quita..water^repellent>
isst
\u25a0
\u25a0\u25a0'
/^ v&j.f""*^'
ess
j&m
,V
\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0
': \u25a0.\u25a0\u25a0"\u25a0
'
'\u25a0>:
QM Field Observation Repirt
No,
5 cont.
33a. g;^ Clothing; Waterproof^^This item was not However, in orde.r to protect personal items observed in use. well, as . certain clothing items. such as shoes from the duffel as bag, r a desire for this type of, bag was expressed-, to' be used in conjunction, with the duffel bag* It was. supposed that in';' cas.es of exposure to, rain and snow and mud, such a bag. would prevent mildewing... However, '.'for the front-line infantry, who- ; do. not. .usually have a: duffel, bag,' it was doubtful whether this' \u0084.'.,.' item could be usedalone-#-
'
'
\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0
" 5. Bap,, Carrying, Ammunition-^ Apparently this bag conies packed in a. box. or, bale separately from the carrying strap;,,/- A" des ire" was; expressed; that the' bag, carrying, 'ammunition ; ; be issued complete with the.strap, .
-r-^This item was not-^; co :mtnents oil the .feasibility of it .the were' lukewarm, individualsr'are roo.re or less satisfactorily hanging grenades about their person, arid"'" it seemed to be ionable as. to..v.rhe.ther, there wak,'" a. necessity for this item. ' (Se'..e comments, on. su spenders") \u0084\u25a0 \u25a0.\u25a0"'/'
"
observed .in. use. but
6<
Carrier, Grenade,,,
\u25a0
\u25a0
..
". 7* .'.-Cov.crV Protect iv.s /'.lndiy'^dual*ln, most units gas : masks were stored withiri th: prganiziat ion. \u25a0However, any extra covers available were used to line" foxholes or improvise a roof
for a dugout*.
8,
;
,. \u25a0. -.
. .
-.
. .;
or Ca.rbine It was observed that during inclement weather, the muzzles of. some; carbines, and' rifles were \u25a0cove'rsd with the transparent "inner: bags of the X '/ Ration. ;.Although it".Was nof uriiyersal, it. is possible that' a need for an .expendabie: muzzle cover exists-. However,, it should ' ; be the type 'that .could. be shot through:* . J : ..' ;
Coyer
'
,-Muzzle , Rifle
',
'
' . Go =\u25a0, , ^le s -r'."Fo &&Xrifz,: o f goggles was not ;?/ serious^ problem. : Tank .men expressed a preference, for a. type; with the full g'la&sV.^" They preferred the. /glass Ifensos' ov'sr, the plastic type;. '\ ;;'
\u25a0\u25a0
'"''
\u25a0
._. . . 10. Mess G-ear-T-.The meat can and cover usually remain in the^.kitchen "'area gind are sent forward with hot chow. '.The spoon and; the^cup invariably; are carried by the. individual, the- forjk sometimes,;' and the knife rarely. One fic^d' artillery .battalion
"
\u25a0
commander mentioned that a r chow- line,is readily -.observed; by^ the enemy because the mess gear, cither aluminum or stalnles steel* glints. Aluminum mess gear was. definitely preferred* .
'
'
11 Noty Helmet,, W/sand^^xtreme satisfaction was observed with this item. The 9th and 28th Divisions were issuing a new/ type. not. helmet with band, through engineer channels. . Cppy ' of for this type of helmet, >re 'attached. /. / /'
12. Belts > .;BAR^->Thers, se.ems to be a heavy; demand for' this The 9th Division Ordnance Offleer divulged to the master, that there was a high rate of' losses of the BAR. These are In short supply and, First belt's." an improvised arrangement the be. Army .is experimenting with to made in..repair..' shops' V
item.
'
13. : Shovel, Intrenching M-1943 -No: excessive breakage observed, was. 4. few individuals have sawed off about 4" from the handle- 'sq. It. wont dig into them at the back of the, knee joint when on. the 'beit.' .Kost. .individuals have acquired- this; 'item, ;bu t a :few in ea^h group ".carry; tjie pick matto.ck which is; ;us ed in ; combination with the' shovel. The axe is used very rarely, ;p
:
'*
'
'
'
Q,M Field Observation 14,
Report
cant.
Tent,, Shelter Half The shelter half is more commonly used in an assault a& the outer cover to the blanket rolL left behind' at kitchen's. This blanket roll is inter' changeable. Recently ,- the shelter half was receiving
exceptionally hard usage ac a foxhole liner or a cover for a foxhole, and to gover log roofs of dugouts. Six or eight placed over it and boughs used for
inches. of\ oarth* ware
-;/... v
\u25a0
\u25a0 \u25a0
\u25a0
\u25a0
r ,'
y.*
\j }
.T
4'/
<\u25a0*?
camouflage. The double- end type of the dark OD heavy material

was much -preferred over' the thin single open end type, -
. : 15V Sus ponders A demand for this item was evidenced by many front-line troops who even Amprpvised. some from old .
belts ana pieces, of webbing* The reasons stated were that
'",
cartridge belts- become heavily loaded wrth ammunition and other Alsd, suspenders are used
items and' a support" is necessary, v^ to hook grenades .'onto, ?.nd slip raincoats and blankets on the -(^ back when- a p^ck is not ca-rried. Ons' infantry company commander suggested that a p?ir of suspenders be designed to be a part X 'ft of the^ belt , .pistol, or belt , cartridge., and include a
detachable arrangement for a light, papk,. &nd also rings, or ,~^
buckles at various points on the front and back to which could be quickly attached ajid detached much of the present.^ equipment 'yA which is designed to be carried by straps over the snoulders or hung on the be lt Jt was -emphasized that packs must be light,
tMt
\u25a0
1J
""^
~ Combat Packs^-The re seems to 'be no standard *\s~ ;% "combat pa.ck v as' suchv Much leeway is offered to the- individual; as to what he sôula &&&\u2666 Usually ' an dnfantry man- will go ;%'% into combat equipped very lightly."\u25a0\u25a0. He stuffs his pockets with ,^-^" '* 1' , ':':/ a ration, tooth. "brush;,- razor > alew miscellaneous .toilet artic.les', and a S.I. spoon or. a German spoon and knife co-mbination. He carries a canteen and' cup on his be 1-t, and if not wearing a haversack, loops .a- raincoat and js-ome tines-' a .' ;^ blanket, on the -back of his- belt /*| The new style haversack is- being seen more frequently now because many units, arc composed ' ' '^ mostly- of replacements 'Which have arrived with this item. There is a diverse opinion on the ; new stylQ haversack as
' compared with the haversack M-*l92Sy The new style is handy to throw in odd items:, biut is felt to-be too large- for combat use even though it can foQ\. folded to* varying s izes The carrier <>$ pack is rarely \u25a0uscd^Wittt 'tho; fevb^s;aok ;-M-1928, indicating ?-H \.'^ t^long the need for a very light combat pack, (See comment on - V^' ' \U suspenders),
:
16,,
'
'--^
'
. ..
Vf^
r >,*f
'^
}
'
-:
\u25a0
1T Blanket ,BollsT~An interchangeable roll consisting /;p r of shelter If extra -blankets is left behind ,at the " ~f\ company kitchen together with the mesa. kit. These rolls- are /^f Most -, :T brought up to the men when the position, is stabilized. .'y. men observed' were in a more or less static position and had 'r t,hcir packs and rolls' with the 51, Nq infantry men observed had \h - --. -, duffel bags,- . . \
'
.....
\u25a0
'
"
\u25a0
\u25a0
\u25a0
\u25a0
.-.
..
'
\u25a0
.. .
\u25a0
\u25a0
\u25a0
\u25a0
"^
\u25a0
v, > *^ ,
,1
QM Fiold Otts ervat lon Re port No , 5 , c ont

A
\u25a0,<.v"i
>
v
**" t
used for -coffe because of the desire to Conserve the insulated containers,,; especially during 'periods of enoimy artillery fire-.*- T.he gaskets on this item are definitely not satisfactory, primarily because they are .easily lost> .Some units 'complained that -the, container leaked -when used to transport liquids even when a. gasket was. used f v -y 3. 'Ôpeners, Can In the kitchen, the table type can opener i's greatly preferred over all existing types, individuals-, the type, issued with the 10-in-l ration is very popular because C Ration cans may be opened and Treated without .the -loss of considerable juices and food, a-rid r-a result ing mess. .
1
;m
'
'Stove-s',- Cooking* One Burner ~-This is a very popular item and used extensively. Individuals ra-rcly ; if ever, carry 'this . item on their person* It is usually carried in a' vGhiclo around, vrhioh groups \u25a0gather, to .cook meals, or else it is kept in the company which sends. it forward when it ' is possible' to use \ it
4;
*:"4
ii *
y
I
\u25a0<i
\u25a0
A \
'it
\u25a0>"
. :$j It took thorn approximately Yorty i: division, is not' installing minutes for each fire unit '^This | attempt to 'better; \>| two extra generators- -on the fire unit in an control ?he issue 'of this item when replacements are necessary. >9 * A division Quartermaster remarked that the metThod of the / Quartermaster" stocking parts and the Ordnance maintaining the .field range was not very Satisfactory due to the division of responsibility, The 28th Division had not converted any fire & units but was instructing a division cadre who would in tutfn -<j instruct individuals from units who were going to perform "'} Although- many .-.'.; the conversion for their own organizations. ',] units did as 'much baking , as was possible under the circumstances, there socmod to be no need for a baling attachment to the present ; | "' ; ;: :" -, -] field range 6- Ba,s , De lous in%~~The 9th Division -was currently \u25a0| using some With ,satisfactory results... There was not very' much insect trouble ,''but in the few instances .this bag performed '?-. satisfactorily,
work for the entire- division..
\u25a0;E
5. -Ran^c, Field, M^l937^-AH units are very well satisfied with this item. $he 9th Division is in process, of converting the generators. .' Two men from a '-service company and one man from division , ordnancv a-rc doing thg installation
\u25a0$ :
*\u25a0?
-s
a
..
-^
-
'
'
\u25a0\u25a0
\u25a0
'
"
\u25a0\u25a0
\u25a0
\u25a0
\u25a0
3arber KitsThe need for sharpening the 'tools in. this kit was apparent, c'spccially in the 9th Division which had -used their kits since operations in the African Theater. Replacements were difficult to obtain. B. Backboard , Plyv;ood- The 9th Divis ion had approxi mate ly 400 on hand but- had never used them.
'"\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0
V;
'
'
i
Stoves , Tent The 9th Division had; -be en issued ox ima't ply $0% captured German type stoves and approximately 50^ stoves^ tent, H-1941* No oil.'burner stoves were observed, Spark arresters were declared to-be an and i'spens able item. .during present blackout conditions* . , . -V > . . . D General Supplies and Squipmcnt
appr
9-
\u25a0
\u25a0
"\u25a0
\u25a0
\u25a0
\u25a0
\u25a0
I.' Qompound:, Gerffiic Idal Rinse 'This item is looked upon with great favor. It~is felt in the 9th Division that at least one epidemic of "G.IUs" was cured oy its use
>
.m
/
'"
'
Aw
j^fc
nf
T;
f:*'SBi "^
It-
\u25a0i:
'
'
'{
"
v -\'- r
<
">
QM Field Observation
Rejfe4iA#ifcMzt3iC
" '>** M
a preventive
but as a
2** DDT Powder Most, men use this item not as cure, with satisfactory results*. 3*
t
Writing Paper & Stationery~~ Stationery supplies being requisitioned on the basis of needs rather than tables. Mimeograph paper was used extensively and in short supply.
were
4* Water-Re pellent SolutiQn^Sevcral combat officers suggested that water-repellent clothing which has been, or may be j issued be retreated with a water-repellent solution after laundry. :
W: .QUARTERMASTER ACTIVITIES
A,
observation the shower unit of the 863rd Fumigation & 3ath Company was called.ûp to the 28th Division area specifically to service its personnel which had recently been in action for some time* The Division Quartermaster furnished the stock of clothing for issue to the men in exchange for their dirty clothing. Tents were used by the shower unit and during the cbid, snowy we a the r^ these facilities, did not induce very many men to bathe , Attempts, were being made to locate a building for this facility.
Fumigation & Bath Company During this period of
28th Division Provisional Supply Co*--During a recent engagement -in heavy woods during inclement weather, a provisional supply company was organised in the 28th Division with Cargo Carriers, M-29 for transportation* . This unit furnished food and ammunition to front-line troops, many of whom had been cut off by the enemy On return trips they evacuated wounded. The Cargo Carrier, M-29, in spite of its bad feature of slipping the track, was declared tq have been instrumental in saving at least two battalions of infantry which had been cut off from eithesr capture 6r annihilation. Each vehicle carried and because of the wide traclc'i approximately 1200 pounds exerting only approximately; 2 lbs* pressure per square inch, not much trouble was experienced by mines which were present , in the area,
\u25a0
B, .
t* MISCELLANEOUS
A Maintenance Factors*-**An attempt was made to iaquire
into the reasons for a high and continuous demand from the
items, particularly mess gear-.
field for cortain'ûarteîtiaste.r The table below shows items which the 9th Division has issued over a period of approximately p.ne month, and the approximate amount still needed. Much of tHe amount required is expectedto be available from the division salvage, piio accumulated from casualties and picked up in the. area. These items will be inspected for serviceability by the division and issued.
Item "Cans, moat
Canteens Cups-, canteen
Spoons
last 30
Issued over
On requisition
this date
days
500 \
375half .,
\u25a0..-".
23Q 600
465
0
\u25a0'\u25a0\u25a0
\u25a0
Forks/
Polcsv, tent
Tent,
riives
, shelter
287 300
:
'1200 1200
500
shelter half.
1200
200
1300 800 '800
*.v
QM Field. Observation Report No',

/
UfSvS 5
,
1
vr
W-
v \.V*i
\
/-*
#*-'- ,>
Cont*
T/
>'
The 9th. Division stated that when individuals are on i operational rations- for an extended" period* during which they
4 allowed to oarry mess gear>, mcxl discarded such items with
a* the possible exception of 'c"up* spoon and perhaps a, fork* Sub~
seciuently, ifand when the situation stabilizes, a "showdown, >S inspection" is held and invariably a requisition is submitted , as for any other items which have been, for mess gear as wall * i\ w *r seldom held; rather, discarded or lost. Actual tt show-d6ims X" \* requirements are initiated by the individual and -consolidated 4 experience, if operational rat idna upward. As" a result of such , are to be eaten for a period, many units- keep the meat cane s A - feii 'it is possible to sorvo hot -; and covers, at the kitchen. '/\u25a0'\u25a0 1'1 chow, the mess gear is, used for cooking purposes and it becomes *'-/blackened and grimy (especially true of the stainless steel type-} \u0 84 .^;V; hard to clean,, and in some cases rather permanently stained or the., individual may lntchtiotv* circumstances " * discolored. Under these hie foxhole when ha movee on* /.; ally "forget the- item in
\u25a0">
f
\u25a0 \u0 84
>
\u25a0
\"i
V (]^. moving out, to collect all/ items which have been discarded^ V y before The graves, Registration Officer in one regiment has also bean givon the additional duty of salvaging items in the regimental ' , ;' area as well as evacuating bodies. It was mentioned that whon tiJr^ "wet, invariably they arc left behind. , .,'..,. blankets atd clothing arc ;'\i when a move is made. Many blankets, shelter halves, raincoats. line foxholes, and after-- .-/- .;, and some clothing arc used to floor or i such use must, be processed to. make tiiem worth ntov ;ng, especially * regimental S*4 stated that after lay an individual. '. Oho- infantry area,, among others things he picked .--*; six weeks on the line in one up over -600 complete suits of clothing .{socks _, underwear, wool OD ' -'\u0084">* ,/\ shirts and trousers) which he had laundered and used as a stock taking a bath at the to exchange for dirty items when men were improvised regimental shower. Many units from the company up. ' to the division perform such salvage functions in order t6 retain a '^tock of clothing sufficient to issue - to ihcn when the opportunity ' * .. . presents itself. Frpnt-linc troops are not particular as to X whether clothing is Class A or not. All they desire is a clean. outfit and a reasonable fit.
\u25a0
supply sergeants and .regimental supply officers have admitted that they .always attempt to police their areas,
Company
,
<*
i-
\u25a0
j.
\u25a0
I^.^>-v^t4>^
/* In another regiment.* t{ie commanding officer and S~4 have t only what they think he will to issue the individual yi keep the remainder of the items in stock and- not
-carry, and Thus, 3 pair
draw them, notwithstanding the t/E 21 allowances* ' '{\u25a0* ?
suit, pne, OD shirt and ; of socks, 2 handkerchiefs, one HBT , shoes', arc issued per individual instead, trousers, and one pair of :
lighten ; ' ' [[ of tho full allowance. This measure was instituted to v the men's loads, as well as prevent items from being discarded.^ v equipment >wo re vdry * -, In this same regiment the following itens of " " requisitioned* \; seldom requisitioned* /
attempted
.
;
Whistles, Thunderer Screens, latrine * > Saws, cross cut .-'Ropes, drag with shoulder strap Kit, tailor ,Kit, shoo repair
'
Goggles Case,, Canvas, Dispatch Cutters, wire Carriers, pack axe Buckets', canvas
*.
.;.' Several supply officers and.NCO f s (28th &29th Divisions) -,: ; f , admittpd that ~even if '"an item was not authorized by a table. o allowance^, requisitions were , submitted with a c.crtificato of \u25a0necessity* and in many c/ases requisitions were approved, and tho n items issued. It must be remembered that requisitions from units .
"f"
_
;
"<l /:{
..; /;
_'.]
\u0084
'
""
\u25a0
'
"* -**-^ **
'
"
'
i
'
Jl'nJ*^ >^^pMAi^--i~('
*-\.'
i^.'.^rA-A'rfi'^&k^
\u25a0M
AM Field Observation Beix&'t No.

are,
S.'o<A*' "
"
,+
is needed it is requisitioned wlthq&feêg^rd o Such practice, isfi|so- tables. As an example f Of C was &ofiiS&3&e&,more than four blankets it tfoalT&l*sy ooulteH get more than per man, "A'\-ew '.ioa a 1f coule M -of bla&kets inside a .stoeittng hagj during
l
no t: edited
tit& accepted -as being within'
.bî^Lîtia'd
some r of his' eq^l^st* &n&&^$ thc clotft&ag end equipment on litter cases is cut, away by tuV&e&lcal offjscere* Exhibit^ A through ;ft<ma covering combat losses by E inclu $t^geinent .with the enemy the was stillgoing n during thl period of observation. which/ Exhibit. F is a .BOHjal-J^;JF#utlnG rotfuiUition hy the s.amo ou s.amc outfit* all" itejss wcxre. sivai!lW?ie^ Many #t. iho itema on these Not e requisitioS were he gd&lîft. quip- eiraouees who wer^ still in the divisional, areas wHorti would fco sent "back directly to their organizations, after- a jpp|?|x*i of thre%,to ten days re-st and mcdicvai attost ib'n* t QuarteTOaster -stated that later on si the a'rtsa would be policed when. the tactiioal and, some of :the, clothing and equipment tsight; be salvaged* How*Qvet-, ifthe divisloii Wxye it is v debatable t^ rette*jsod to the salvage channel^ quest l6n as "tp how especially if enow the groun^^
oafcOj -loses or discards
li, littGt^ case
lost
combat*
r
or
.processed s evacuee ;
y
V
This sa-me division had- organized & company (casual) which all replacernqn^ received tejitijo division and also all^ as fit for from t^ho front ifaps "who w> duty* Such individuals*, usually fed or clothing but what was on their |*c^^n>" 3?" of this -organisation attempted to. Stock 300 each of the more common ual equlpTiont items to outfit he|;s organizations; 'This such aold-iers and re company casual the 'dlvlfeXo^ Quartermaster for stock In the same, maiihdf" aa; a feginenfc/bt* battalion* /However, it was given priority bce^jfio of thc-faot. that replacements wore needed on the line Mo#orly clo^hod, fend equipped. In this division it was 30P idividâl .blf, equipped with only oneVjjair of, skirt, anil trousers plus a change of under^
Exactly how. imny loat and discarded items discussed above .reach Balv$go !C%4 and^how njany are rendered useless by exposure, covered ui*i' or pidked uj> by civilians s yet to
;Balvsgo;
determine
'\u25a0
\u25a0
';,'
"
\u25a0
\X
'
. ;
'.
. . Inol&iJ, InoTs-iY, . - Appendix. -ArP -IncJ- Photoâphic -Aniaex.

; \
. * \u0084.-.,.. .
.
%>
**
"
\
"JROB6RT H. LITTLEJOHN
v
'
Maôr Qenoral-, U.S#A* -Chief; Quartermaster ' ,

/
, ; *^ \u0084.13 .\u25a0.\u25a0\u25a0"')" '\u25a0V '. . QM.;Flr^t.i!^: Army.'.:/. vr<^>v 1 '

AX "'Third US Army*\.t * ;. 1
" QM Seventh US -Army, \u0084 *^.;-*< ;l.1;
t'*. /;;?: Ninth UEI Army. <1M " v, QH Sixth US Army aroup*,. ***;1 ', Group* r * aydlfth US Army Gi^mp^t*,^,.^-- \u0084r . Q.H --gfcill W Adv SOC Com Zoiie,,.i.-;w.-.V/'X \ ;W |lifu25a0\u25a0 IVIIl*^ ,^ SIB feam Captains** \u2666.> 6^,, r;y.
\u25a0
OCQM,, Com 2*
. ... ... . . .. / \u2666;/. .. r. . , . 'l' ,

i
..\u25a0
\u25a0
\u25a0
\u25a0
">\u25a0
\u25a0
YiftilalHftlftlllILLI
"t ITr^*^*
-3 V,*
L.
- '
aeeenpjx: nnAH
\u25a0
\u25a0
*
'
, -v
,
;.;-.
J
\u25a0EMERJ3OTCZ
\u25a0
i^ftuisiTlON (COPY);
..,;,. ..,;,.
Covering items lost in combat through enemy action by the 28th
(xo9"inf.) ....,..
'
\u25a0\u25a0-\u25a0*
.......
.\u2666..'......
M*:
\u25a0
'
10 November
1944/
v
'
'\u0084"\u25a0/ ->
-7
A
\u25a0
'
V'f "'
V
'/''
-,
f/Kaversacks Covqr, cariteom Gups, canteen Canteen ' Can, meat Tents, shelter half Boltg; pistol < Pockets, f/pistp-1 Pole, tiprightV 12*3* Tents, pyramidal/ ' oomp, Tents, OP, conp. * ?aper,- toilet '^Roll, -bodding, fficcrs
Haversacks Carriers,
oa.
oa
c'a. ca
#
200
200
'
oa, ea, oa, ca, oa, oa,
.
v
960
300300.
'
\u25a0
.
' "
'
.*
'
/ -',' "
;
,i
r(
Vj
ro.ll- ca
#
\u25a0
ea',
.
r
360
,
109 600 300 3.00 .3 :3 3
'\u25a0
\u0084
'
.1. -' *:'.i

" '
v '.;
" '
\u25a0\u25a0
J'
>' * -.; : '\u25a0 -] ', Xr* \u25a0;'

\u25a0\u25a0
'
6
"
\u25a0
>
'
\u25a0>
*'v* ;,\u25a0', "\ '.-1

'0 "\u25a
APPENDIX "Bn .
'
.
. :
~**
\u25a0;.\u25a0"-..)
"
',
EMERGENCY REQUISITION (COP)*

s
Covering items lost in oombat through enemy action by the' 2Bth V ,', DiV. (109, 110, 112th Inf. & 893rd TD)
-.
"
"\
".
\u25a0
'12 November
'l944.
'
. Bucket,
Bag, carrying f rocket oaA canvas " water, 18-tit. O a* ? Cutters,, wird ea Carrier, wire- cutter GRt Container, round, insulated ea .
' {qc
11 /ii 1%
'"
,
ir
.'
'
o^
2
"
. -
; /Tables, amp /.folding

Cans, water, 5-gai.
Whistles, thumerer , Gr?^ ' ; canvas, water, stcr, e - Axe, lntrotaohihs >oai Carrier, axo, intrenching' ca Picks, 6^7 lbs. ' Ga Rope, drag, w/shoulder strap 'â, Bag, c arry ing,~ ammo ~^'GSE, i" Mittens, a&bestos Ca-Be, canvas.,. 'dispatch . Saw, cross-cut;/ 2 man, 6 ft. ea, 'Tube, flexible^ nozzle ea Range, Field, Kr37/. fiPaofc AMAM ' G '\u25a0 ?anê, Field, M^3?, "Pack BMBM C a. Xantern,- gasolljne A oa, /Shovo-l, intrenchln.6 ea* Carrier, shove \,r intrQ,notiins Gay > Funnels, tin, truncated oa. Desk, fiber*, field, CO oa 4 Qhal-rs, folding,, wood O a,
a!
'
'
. ;
"
X - -15 '
240
PP
'84 qa-
;
' '
\u25a0
'"
'
' ' '
'
-"
\u25a0
-.
\u25a0"- *
-\u0084". ,i?:
'
eal
6 8' l
- .
\u25a0
- '*"
'
";^
-
'
\i
1
24
,-X5 -12
'
\u25a0
is:
2 1
l
'.
'\u25a0
' '
:."
'^
\u25a0
.>.
f*
.â*
ea-
507
>:>
'
''
'
'
-"V:-"
: :
ST^J -rz^
r
*\,
\u25a0
""
v~7? .IJU
&\u25a0
'It'?
"\u25a0\u25a0
<
#r.fii ki
\u25a0
ea.*
-'^7
**!)
T--7
\u25a0c
.A
Ft
Stove, tent, cotap*. Fly,- tent* wall,

Fly^ tent
Teijt y pina aiid .lppiee Tent,pypamidaX, O1?!^*O1 lpas less'
;
vrall^
\u25a0
3
/-oar"
oa*:
v t
.*
Ridfege jjple,
'
*
Sf,
comp*.
?!^* *;-''
1
f/5P
tmt;
\u25a0*
Veft-*oa*- /
\u0084.
. w
#
5 6
X 9 . 1"
'
\u25a0'î
'
! /
\u0084
'/i
combat tjhaeottgb Covering items lost in omMt.ttemsfe "enemy r.QTI&Q -(ilOtb "..'* 4)1^ jU>n--<iK)tb Infantry! "-'* tt 2Sttt. 28ttt.
*
.
-Diîonn
* ' *' by action 'I
; lA;
\u25a0
"
'. ;\u25a0.*::.'../ \u25a0' ::[.._/

l
' '
a r
10 No;tfoiriber 1944 NQ^waber 1
' oa ^ a >inct r \u25a0Sejotii 'lf'#!t tct -* :l3eli&3t feadbaM,^ wllriGr'îlel^3t oa'#, ' * , ea#, ca#, j&batKl;* r; ' 3fires;a wqo,l '. .pr. -<.<?' *- 3vc >te|i% t -iMtif ,v Stove ,' }%si%9 -%*4li^\,. aw
t.
f/liGr' -
"
. .-
2100
300' 300 300
"
<V
.' /
'
15 15*
t
\u25a0
I'-
' '
\
;
=
'
...
JkPIEHDIX nlfa '\u25a0\u25a0 a

<,
\u25a0
..'
EttOEJ^y REqiUISITIOI*,{COPY)
itoms t Cqvjering items loat |^t combat tte^feh enemy action by tfcps**gh onomy * :\u25a0 , the 28th oiv>#-(112 th . * ' ,' ' * NovG'nbcr 1 Novonbe/ 1944
>
r
\u25a0
>
'
\u25a0
\u25a0fifpdcfliîfool-, lightôlgHt rim,? wool, lightWolgHt

Incoa^t '\u0084 feincoa^tC3,e l4 >o3?,, f,, C3,el4 r >09,, ?,, ; Jackets'^ sket^ T,ent^ f '$bD^tOP tej,jf :, , iU toJUf^ <. j Bolt^^ ;S^R. Lt^^ S^R
\u0084
"
..
'
''eaj.' ea ea.
jprj ''-. ,r^'

-\u0084.'*
r \u25a0.r
\u25a0.
.. ..
'
- lOyObCt,. fv. lOyC^Ct. ?. 4* ' - '&&&., ?.-u5:\u 0 '; SSp... '"'u052\a2/'"\a 25a0
; :
' '
\u25a0 \u25a0 \u25a0 \u25a0
>
ea.
%t
v
,;BQ]Â> cpsp3ssG . with î^-^M.poiee

: no3>
.^;>
\u25a0
'-eanâs-
pr,
ea-.
ea*
oca* oa
\u25a0\u2666 /*
>vol r .iutrpehit^>
Tsrie^. f/shoy^l/ ~
intf* M-43 oa- > jkots.
t/carbide
\u25a0*
Hrf43
'
'
-*
> -
l,P)0O"* l,po" 560 I,PBQ - , . J'

r
80& 80Ct
\u0 84:\u25a0;,\u25a0\u25a0 \u0084. ;
-.
oa;
.\u25a0
steot, .f/pistol iteen
*.-v \
'
ea^
>
oa*
,-
6pO v ?Q0
JOQ ,'
200
6-00
APPENDIX &
'
\u2666
,'
*^
\^.-'_.
~^
tfbverJUig
\u25a0
28*fa Dlvlsloa^lftKH
'
3;tG^ 3^st In caisbat tlarw&h :

Xnfantry) :
; \u0084;
\u25a0
enemy action by
t>o
i 1
'.
'
'
'6 November l944

,>
t
-'
Y>
.*\il '*t^R^
wîma.a
-
v (yp
* 4"
.>:.'.'' !>\u25a0.<\u25a0 ./.
'\u2666routine" requisition (copy))
..:-...\u25a0
tV&^s *'\u25a0#:?&
/*\u25a0'-.*
This type of requisition is submitted twice weekly by %hoy; r yj^;^ 28th D&tfiattKW 6nly the' itiems in quantity <are >xtracto<| :; : 7 ';" ; / v --ifm with tiotGlfri titma requisition. woro unavaiXab^p at^ tipic pY submisB.ion of
\ i
12 November
Gloves., wdoi, PD Ovoreoata, wool, OD
Qvefcsljoes,
pr.
-1944
28th
Inf'*s&*}"4
'v.
oa
,
Arctics
pr# i
i ca. \u25a0.
235 * .235 ' XQ(hQOQ*

-' ' Ppii 12,000*
\u25a0
6i2
:.
N
--^ .'!\u25a0-';\u25a0
\u25a0-\u25a0
.;
..-V^
>
V't^*
.^
ErAwdjrs'y iot^ton w i . * ' i a* j.;.wop1 Drawers . Undors b.it^s f w6ol ~ ea UndQrsbirt, ;<k>tôr; oa. . pr Glovop, JiH*; f^liîng, unlinod ' " oa Jacko-t0 f Flei^VoD , oa. Jaoket, coffibai^ wintor i oa. ", oa. Trousers, combat; wintor ' "' , "S oa. Raincoats pr. "Socks, wool-./ , , ' .' pr. Lfegglngs, canvas' ' pr Shoos, Service

I
HaodKorohiQf s >
..
ea#
1,226
4ts*
200^
lf5OQl f50Q
' '
.^.-^5"* V.J M
.\
vs*<
"\u25a0\u25a0
'
'
<
Blankots, wool, OD Bolts, GfMrtridg^, Gal# . 30 '\u25a0' :' Canteen' Cans, meat Covor, canteen
Cups, Aanteon.
' '
oa.
%
ca>
ca#.
'
avîê}^^ V ;:^ 68* . -'\u25a0\u25a0',\u25a0: .^m . >68* (25 '\u25a0,-,.';,; >;'^ 1,325* (^5 avaMtfto^ v^ avaijrft^^v^ 1f525* [1500 3V6^)o* (1500 et^^dâl .-,'s >3ksQQi* .., *i*w&pjffi;-;% 378. -'VMv^f*! 378 (ÔO /.\u25a0S.;--:^*ViiS in J^'ifiite *iih BOO* ttis "noi> ava4la:l95 v t* '''' >00 ..rf \u25a0".'*s
1,5(30* (100
4
'825* : 585*
\u25a0'. / :. -.': y&M
\u0084
\u0084
\u25a0
"
oa.
oa.
Haversacks Knives, mess gear Spoons, mess gear Forks, mes gear Kits, sowing : r, y Headbands ,.. r/foar tiiine he lme t Po eke fca Poles , tent,,, shelter half .Bag,' carrying,- ;amin6 Tent,. -shelter "half
oa.
oa,
"
"824_
,
IQB'
. .
.
n
.n.
V^^
'
'\u25a0*
.5-7^ 220
.
v
.'
.-
\u0084
.
.
/
< v
.''.
/-oa. 'QSU
oa. c a.
(
\u25a0
400 400*
0' ;:u\ 25a0/'\u25ah ;, v;
'.
;^
/*','
' .^; ^
<;\u25a0
f/^n^
,
t
Desk, fibre, field, CO.

Carrier,
, ' .*
ea. ea. oa. ta, ca.
ea ea.
AOOA00
,
.;:J-?ir
367*
102
144
,^
-'.i <'l-^3
.-../â
;
>
\u25a0\u25a0-.\u25a0\u25a0/ >v-..'ii
'
'
\u0084
4ss*
52
1
v^,^
V ;\u2666
a'
'V<
'V
BnpVQx f intr. shovel t intr. oa. ' 8,50Q* Covers, protective, individual oar 29* Clippers, -hair. ,! . . ca ea 11* Kit, barber ; oa 51* Lant c m, gaso 1 oa # me Mant los f/gas lant grn ea.. " 576* W : 51* Outfit, cobki%^ 1 .burneroa. ea. .'..- ' 13* Outfit, cooking, 2 burner ; ; .ea ea* Opener, .can, rotary type / > 36* '5* oa. Inserts, f/c;orlta. }.nor rd. . 220 -ea. ehchingo Shove ls intr oa., / \u0084 Gtoggles. 3 ca # : . ' vl, h^Vy# 15 gal. .\u25a0\u25a0 P ot> eoQli? r v ea PPaul inr fcfcnvas* sm^ll
\u25a0 \u25a0
oa.
"
".oTo* ' *1 * 220
-". ,
( i
, :
'
; \"
;| v^
.'\
\u0084
- V'"i \u25a0% '. , \

r
"
'
J fV.
\u0084'J 5
, \u0084~~.
,
.
..
>
-_.
\u25a0'
\u25a0 \u25a0
: 'iV.j|
'.
;;
y
v-jv
-j
-.
*\:
\u25a0\u25a0\u0 84.
;-^;
-^
\*i
.
'
\u25a0-
\u25a0'...-.<\u25a0 ' " ' .\u25a0\u25a0' '

'
o- V
. -''
....
:\u25a0
'
4
'
'
"
.''
'*'
.
\u26 6
'
y \u25a0'
\u25a0'
v-^1
-^^ - 'v11?v 1? 11^

1
. . - ""\u25a0;% \u25a0<
;
\u25a0
\u25a0:\u25a0
'
I'\u25a0
. "
/'
'
-'' \>
'
'
\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0
.,.'\u25a0
' \u25a0'\u25a0
".\u25a0\u25a0';
'} '}
4r
y
\u25a0T .P
*i
:P^r*
; ' ;
'''\u25ba'-
..-.'. V
\u25a0^^^^^^^^^W^S^^^^^pj^f*^*,
COMOTICATIQITS ZOHE EUROPEAN THEATER OP QPEHATIOKS Office of the Chief Quart ernas tor APO 887
HEADQUARTERS
Quarternaster
Field Observation Report No.- U
TT. S.
E<SJIPFr
The purpose of this Field Observation Report is to give proper- dissemination of information collected in this theater regarding Quart ernaster Equipment, Supply, Activities, and. Installations. Contained in this report are experiences of personnel of all ranks and positions in the use of Quarter Opinions, suggestions, and recennendations naster Equipment published herein do not necessarily have the concurrence of this office. This communication is forwarded as infcreation ONLY.
\u25a0
I. GENERAL
A. Period of Tine Covered "by This Report 13 Kovenber 19UU.
3 November to
3. -Sector ffron Which Report Eaanated Third US Amy.area. conbat units in and near Nancy, Tcul, Visited service and Pontr-a-Mousson Etain, Conflans, near Met z, Thionville, and Verdun.
C. Existing Weather Conditions

freezing tenperatures.
Rainy, cold with near
D. Units' and Individuals Interviewed

$hird.Arny Hqsj *f <$& fe'etttioh :+: XII Corps Hqs* + fy Section XX... Corps Hqsi i feedtioa 86th Division 35th Division 80th Division 90th Division
:
Cî
Infantry Regiment & Bath Co & Bath Co Laundry Co. (Section) Us?nd QJ4 14.65 th Laundry Co. 3022nd qpi Bakery Co 3032nd qpi Bakery Co.
318th
855th (#1 Shanigation 858th <l Fuiiigaticn
. .
C^-i
323Uth
250th tyi Depot Supply Co 998th tyi Salvage Collecting Cc *

303rd tyi Railhead Qp.
QM Mobile Repair Tear.: (323Uth <$i Service C0..)
300th Q^'i Salvage Repair Co.
<^d
Service Co.
39181h
9Usth Q|i Salvage Repair Co inc 3 877th qfr Gas c l 'Supply -Co,
<î Gasoline
Supply Co ;
(^1 Pield O'bservatioli Heport Ho
f*J vV- -'
"
4
<-r \v )+ (cent)
''
'-
"
Total Number of Individuals Interviewed
Q>i (Division, Corps and Amy) 5-U Other Officers TEnl iatd Men Enlisted Men ..,...
..-..\u25a0
10
13 \u26 6 100
6U
Total E. Re-port Prepared B;
185
\u26 6
Captain Robert Ccllett T/sgt. Oner E. Lowry

T/U HCbert J. Sclirass
Q>iC
Washington D.C, Tear.i was accompanied "by liajor Wlllian 1-icLean,- OîG, i who renamed with then until 5 Hovenber 19UU.
11.
C3^.SS I
A. 3 Bation .- On this visit a"bcut 60>^ of the troops were

The
eating the 3 Ration and nc general criticises were gathered. suggested that the dehydrated potatoes packed XX Corps Quarternaster "by the Beechnut Packing Co., Hew York, be checked, because it was not possible to nash this "brand cf potatoes properly and it was less
desirable than other brands. The 90th division quartermaster stated
that his troops did not like the Argentine corned beef.
Generally- sp eaking, the conbat infantry soldier hin,: for it is does not care 'to take' the C Raiion into the line with The PI Ration is preferred. too bulky to be carried in the peckets. satisfactory for such troops as artillery, However, this ration is following suggestion tank destroyers, tankers, and sinllar troops. The Corps; It was offered "by the Quart ernasters of the 90th Div, and XX like a flat sardine would be desirable to design the 0 Ration can 1 The can
type can so that it could be placed in the soldiers pockets. can, It was also suggested
cûld be opened fr*n the top like a sardine eating purposes. that a snail wooden spoon be included in this ration fcr
D Ration This ration
is very well liked and in the opinion cf the supply nen and soldiers it serves its purpose as a
suppler.' entary ration cenponent
C,
B.:>: "C. Ration
iten is very popular with infantry troops Division Quart ernasters receive specific
cf ration fron regimental S-Us when the
the line. The S-U of the
31*th Infantry boxes) is not
Reginent states 'that the issue of the, K Ration (three request fror.i four
sufficient for cenbat activities, and his soldiers cf cold to five boxes daily'when fighting under existing conditions weather.
This for "operational purposes. reouisitiens for this type unit is being connitted to
X Ration
"This ration is very well received The can opener in this

outstanding cci^>la4nts were encountered. no ;; The nest -good and lilted by all concerned. ration is exceptionally popular r.enu is Ho. U
. B.
'10-in-i Ration
and^
\u25a0
y RAC .Kits 1. Hard candy such as charns and fruit drops

by the S-U
is not 'popular with the troops. It -has been s-uggostcd candy be replaced cf the 318th Infantry Reginent that this type
*f by a nilk chocolate bar.
i-
'
\u25a0'
" v v
'
"
"
'
Csl Field Observation Report He. U (cent)

2. Brushless s}iaving creSi: is nrt popular and it has "been
suggested
that it "be replaced "by a lather crean.,
pc^diar
powder is unpopular and soldiers would prefer \u25a0'\u25a0 trrth pasie* nancd \u25a0brands
3* Tooth
\u25a0
& Hi* CLASS II IV
>
A. Clothing
. i. Shoes,.
There is Service Reversed Upper, Type 111 both service and cenbat troops that the a.genp:ral. conplaint 'fron s Tjrp'e lll'he e, does net repel water and is colder than the Type II service : she in spite* cf the numerous applications of during. The Typb 111 service sho.e is conforta"ble and easy t^ wear, , "but- under the present cold,'- wet 'conditions' in the Third Amy area,, it has nnt per ' formed satisfactorily against the rain and cold,.
I'conditons'1
,,
Based on linited 2. Boot ,. Cgnbatv Reversed Upper experience as to quantity and tine, Division Quartermasters and S-Us interviewed-are of the opinion that this "boot with th^- reversed upper
has the sane weaknesses as the Type 111 service shoe in tha% it aY s orbs water and is ccld even when dubbed extensively,, Ho t/bv^r, it is accepted very readily "by the troops for' it eliminates the use of leggings and is' a" tine-saVer when dressing.
1
\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0
used in the Third Amy for special jobs, and niscellaneous leather wcrk. Hone is being used to repair shoes for other services such as the ITavy or Marine Corpsj; and none is being used to repair civilian shoes.
3. Leather Repair
gaps * ,leather repair taps are' being slip soles, orthopedic work, strapping for-
A sr.all quantity of laces 'of this type have- been issued to the' troops in the Third Arr-y. *he 26th Division has recently received a tr&H issue. However* they have not been in use long enough cr in llirge enc-Ut^h quatitities to dete'rnine 'the relative value of this t&c&i
U- ITylon Laces
was the Cargo Poikotl on, Trousers^ Wool,, o> and officers questioned on this general opinion of the enlisted tien subject that cargo pockets would not be desirable for trousers, wool, OD,. Specific objections to a cargo pocket are tho possibility of snagging,, too bulky, -and not. neat enough when the trousers' are used as part of the Class A unifcrr.. Ho experience with such an iten exists excQpt ".through the use of cargo pockets on trousers, H3T.
5.
Based on a linited experience, having the Conplete uniforri of jacket,, fiold, Hl9U3 rith and not high neck sweater, supply officers interviewed do not like this jacket as well as the conbat jacket. The conplaint is that itas not warn enou^h..when
no lining, either sewed in or removable,, is ', \
provided;,
6..
Jacket,,
tfield, n~19U3
In the opinion, of the Class II : the Third Arr.:y, this it will ncet ready, acceptance en and 17 officer 'of by the troops as the outer garnent as part of the Class A unife-rr., ' and as an under garnent for warnth when used under the overcoat, raincoat, or jacket, field,. M-19U3. To date this iten has not boon issued to the troops in this arny.
f>
' 7 . Jackets Held,. Wool
~ A very snail
quantity of this iten has been issued in the Third Any.. The 90th
Div.has about QQ Sets aneng }.ts troops,, who arc very enthusiastic
' about it/
8. ?arka and Trousers, Wet Weather
*\u25a0?*
QJ{ Field :Observation
He^rt* U^* U (cent)

i
The laundry companies, salvage repair companies" and Quartermasters visited had no ccnplaints to register in regard to the breakage" of buttons. It is not considered a problem. 9* buttons
B. Individual Equipnent,
;
1 -Blanket 8: -'"There1 is no excess .stock of blankets, wool, dD, in this a,rny 'Pr c seni issue o f "blankets per individual is as follows: Two, if the individual is issued a sleeping "bag with wool liner, or four if no sleeping "bag is issued.
"
"'
2* Bag, Duffel This- bag is.preferred to the bbarg r barracks, for the following reasons.. It is pre v/aterpr.oof tan^ convenient to can be locked and! offers the soldier, protection' and security handle. It for his personal itens, and lastly, it eliminates the transportation . "\u25a0' of one bag.. It should be noted that German . duffel bags 'provide double , straps for carrying as a pack.
\u0084
Bag Clothing Waterproof and Sag., Food, Waterproof -;; .; These' itens have not been issued to the troops., The following '-' : information is based on bpinicn. The Class II& IV'officer,. Third' ! Amy, the Quart errmster's ; .oiE* the SOth Bivision, 90th Division and 'XX" :. Corps are of the opinion that the ?<bagy. blothi'ng, waterproof would be a desirable iten of issue to .their troops. It would help greatly in keeping the enlisted nan 1 s personal itciv^s dry in the duffel bag. These officers are also' in agreement 6n the ufeo cf thebag,..fcod, waterproof as an excellent iter. in which to ke'ep 'such articles as letters, rings.-, \u25a0 pecket books, ' toilet articles and other iteris of a personal nature..-. At present, nany soldiers use a snail green-colored bag, not. water proof, supplied by the Hed Cross. The XX Corps Quart ernas tor is of the opinion that' this little *bag would also nake an excellent personal effects bag in the 'event the-' soldier became a casualty.- /'
\u25a0
U. Individual Sack for Protective Clothing " Protective clothing is being laundered and reissued as regular clothing.
Srmll Ar:.:s en .This it had been used, by sode conbat. troops at the beginning of the invasion; however, it is rarely seen now. Its use depends upon the policy of the cor.i~ nanding officers of conbat units, nany cf. whor;* do not favcr a cover for any type of -weapon., The SOt.h Division Cjoarterrmster do.es net . believe a waterprco-f 6^ cover .is necessary ~ for- cenbat -troops, but night '? be desirable for service troops*
\u25a0
'
5. Cover, .Waterproof,
Three "division quart er:.iasters interviewed stated that 'this article is used very little for its : -v original purpose' and cculd be el-ininated as an ite:.; of issucV ,T-he: 80th Division Quartermaster took exception to this, position and main ' tained that ;Lt :i,S', ir-ipbttant for messengers , first sergeants, dispatchers and all officers. . :...'" ":'\u25a0' \u0084.\u25a0"\u25a0-'
\u25a0
sp 6. Ca se , Canvas , Di a tch
Gear The 80th and 90th Division Q,uartermasters that the ness gear carried by the infantry soldiers in ccmbat s^tate Consist's.. of a .fork or spoon, and canteen with canteen cup. Some infant ry sordi'ers. carry the crma,n fork and spoon combination with the canteen and cup.' Troops .from tank destroyer units,, tank crews and artillery units and-'sinilar' un-its^ usually carry all mess equipment '" ' . , \u25a0"\u25a0' \u25a0'. '"\u25a0 .-:\u25a0\u25a0' ;.;'\u25a0 \u25a0.-\u25a0' issued to then.:" i.
T- Hess
Oap,. Container.^ Plastic A check .with two Quarter master Salvage Repair Companies and three division Quartermasters indicates that the new depressed top plastic cap is satisfactory.
8,
Qfrrl Field Observation Report Ho. k; (cont)

Some gaskets are "being lost fron this cap, "but the quantity is snail
Con"bat troops use the 9; .Sôyglj Intrenching^ M-19k3 quite often for cutting roots arid sinilar objects when diggingshovel
foxholes. "In the. opinion of the 80th and 9Qth Division Quart emast ers
and XX Corps Quarternaster, cocibaf; troops .should "be issued a shovel.,,
of one per individual.
intrenching, H-19U3 on the
:
A suggestion was received fron the Asst. A franc tent pole "be Quartermaster, XX Corps thai a Corps replace the present pole. developed for the pup tent to J sections per. leg to This new type pole could have two / \ :suitable 'for packing when; not in use. In his opinion, it make it would provide -nore roon for the occupants of the pup tent and also (Reference is apparently to pole give a nore'uniforn appearance. design for noun tain tent.)
TO. lent Poles
"basis^
According to the SOth Div. Quartermaster, and 11, Packs S-ks in this Division, the infant ry..conbat soldier's pack usually con sists of a raincoat, shelter half and one or nore "blankets, depending on -'the. Situation. tFsually, the individual soldier has the option of He strips down to taking into thclifte whatever equipnent he desires. nobility and sedurity. Tank crews carry all their a niiiinun for individual equipnent on the tanks; other nc torized units do 'likewise, Using their vehicles, ". .
\u25a0
set per individual, These

purposed
12. Tagsj Identification

tags
en The issue on this it is one are used only for their authorised
>
C,
Organizational Equipnent
1. Cans, Water, 5-*Q"Q4lfl '~ registered -regarding t<he inside coating
conplaints have "been of the \mter can taint ing- the taste of the water.- !h i^l'l'crnance of the \*ater can has "been very satisfactory. Whenever "tiftg o^cu^fe iiis at the top or en the sides, wherever the coal ing has "been chipped,'
The suggestion that' 2. Spigot fo^ 'l^d-allon Watfef |an a spigot "be attached to the cap , of the water can was not favorably received "by the four ness sergeants, three, S-ks and ti/o. Division Quarternastefs: intervie\ired f Althcuf:h easier to pcur a glass of water, in the opinion of these supply people it would break off
frequently and just. add
another
repair probl en* .
This it is used en extensively to carry hot food such' as coffee, soup, and stews to the front line troops. A general, c'riticisn of this iten fron ness sergeants and S~k.s is the rubber gasket which is easily lost, per nitting the. Contents ,to ccol^ rapidly and spill out of the container, A battalion. S-k fron. the 312th" Infantry E'eginent' suf;ges ted that the rubber gasket be nade at least 1" wide and sealed to the top of the container* A second .suggestion was pffered to keep the contents hot for a longer period of tine: A snail spigot be inserted near the botton of the container to pernit hot coffee and clear soups to be poured frorx tha#-.poijvt.- P?he top would/not have to be opened to use the contents.
3* Container, Round, Insulated
I*here is general agreenent anong -supply officers and ness personnel that changing the nuuber of handles on this can^ r^n two to four would not be beneficial. A supply sergeant fron &m lnfAt#| j||j^gSted that if the
U. Can, Corrugated, 3ft-ga'3J o ft
mW^M
Qj& Field Observation Report
UNuLtiw&i'
ilij***
No. k (cent)
present handles, "be imde- large enough to ccne up over the top of the can so that a pole" Coul.d "be inserted through the handles, this would allow any nunber, of nen to carry "the can.
Opener, Can, Individual (Issued with 10~in~l Bat ions) In the opinion of the 80th Division, 90th Division, and XX Corps en Quarternasters, t.his can opener is a very well received it and is Very satisfactory. change -is needed on this iten. In their cpinion, no
55
Opener, Can,- Mechanical -Many requests have, "been received for the issue- of -a nechanical can opener for each ness to open the nany cans 'that are provided with -the B Ration. At present, cooks use cleavers, -knives, or any other sharp instrument which is 'Thethat this Quart ermster available. on theSotfc"3[)ivisipn nechanical can suggested per ness. iteri "basis, of twe openers "be issued
6.
Stove, Cooking, Gasoline, one-3urner A survey of the 9Usth Qj& Salvage Repair Co , 300th $4 Salvage Repair Co. and the QK Motoie Repair TTnit C323Uth ,<si Service Co.) indicates that the majority cf the repair work of "this 'st eve consists of replacing the burner cup and the needle- yalV/ Much 'difficulty had "been encountered in replacing the burner cup* However, this is "being- net "by having the present "burner cup "bra aedby 1' the- repair unit and fitted "back into the stove* Burner cups in use are nade of brass only; the duplex type of brass and stainless stbel was not observed ,
7<
The conensus,\of opinion, of supply officers and enlisted non interviewed is that it is not desirable to replace the one-burner stove by fuel tablets for cenbat use. The stove can be used in practically all situations by the cenbat troops for heating rations, and is exceedingly, popular. One-burner stoves are rarely discarded by the troops when going into the line. They are either taken into conbat or left on the notor vehicles.
Whether. a Carrier should be developed for this stove is questionable. Scne.of the Quarternaster and reginental- supply nen interviewed favored the idea while others thought it of nc value. The four-inch dianeter container for the cooking st^ve is used nainly as a protective cover rather than heating food. Hoy/ever, the con tainer is used at tines to heat water for shaving or' to heat canned * . . rations.
\u25a0
which pemit wood tr> be used as a fuel in this unit have net been used' to'dato-. Supply officers interviewed are cf the" opinion that these wood grates are unnecessary. Fire units, are now beine converted; and based en a very lini-ted experience, the conversion is highly successful. All fuel used is leaded. Black. iron stock pots are being used by s one units and are' fairly. satisfactory. Cooks and ness sergeants prefer which are easier to clean and lighter in'weight. The aluninun pots' front panel nirror of the field range is seld'-n used according to cooks and ness sergeants interviewed.
Cocking in the Field The neat can is often used' by reconnaissance, troops and -tank crews to.cook C and E rations in the field over the gasoline- stove, one burner, fuei tablets or a wood fi-re. The canteen cup. is used to.heat coffee and bouillon.' Because of tho ' nobile nature of the ?i^htin eT and,extensive use of sr.al-1 detach:-;cnts and task forces^ nuch\Cocking in ,the field is d^ne without the use cf the M-1937 .field range.
g. .Field Range, M-1937
-
The grates
9.'
'
Lantern, G-asoline This it is in the process of on being concerted by allunits withir} Third Those in use at the
10,
1 1 1 fil
QK Field Observation
present tine have proven very satisfactory, "based en the experience of a limited quantity in operation and over a short period of tine. The cennanders of two salvage repair companies report that two ninor problens have arisen on the converted gasoline lantern. First, a roaring sound is produced when lit' and this is objectionable to coiibat comand posts when operating in a confined space* Second, the initial flow of gasoline and' -air fron the generator often nakes- a snail hole in the nantle', causing it to "burn out rapidly. \
11. Mantles for Gasclinte Lantern. The comanding officer salvage^repair conpany reported that "before the gascline lanterns of a were converted, nany na,ntles were broken ."by the frequent cleaning of the lanterns. On the converted lanterns, nany nantles are "being re placed because the initial nixture ; of gasoline .and air .-.ls. raking, a siiall hole in the bcttora of the nantle. To eliminate this it is sug gested that the air pressure be kept as low as possible .when lighting.
Ho experience to .date on 12. Burners, Tent, Oil Stove. this iten within the Third Amy was reported.
by hand grenades,
13. 3 ag, Carrying , Annunition (12~3/S This bag is "being used by conbat 3" deep)
\u25a0
high by wide troops to carry rifle grenades and clips for the tonny gun.
f>
7-1/2"
This article has had United use IU. Bag, Delousing area, but when used it has proven very satisfactory. in this
noTnally erected en poles. Ho conplaints have been received about tent-age itens being infected with nildew* The salvage repair cenpanies handle the repair of tentage for the. units* Eepaired tents are returned to the original unit. Little tentage has been seen in the salvage dunps. Ho ternite .trouble has been reported in this theater* and pins and poles have not been treated with a ternite-procf solution. The paulins have proven very satisfactory, frr outside storage.
3).
15. Tent age -, Tents in this theater are
General Supplies and ffquipLietvti
their prinary purpose %c provide light.
1. 2.
Candles
St garic 4c id
Candles have been used for

This iten has not "been
Crean, Protective, Flash Burn issued to the troops of. the Third Amy.
soldier has been quite
'good, but linited by the lack of an insect problen ancng the troops., According to the 90th Div. Quartermaster they have encountered very lit,tle difficulty and XX Corps
3 DDT Powder
The use of the DDT powder by the individual
with lice to date,' but believe the problen will beccne nore acute when we enter G-ernany .and use billets fomerly occupied by eneny ' ' troops.
'
'-\u25a0
increase
Q rnP c" Grerr.:lcidal Rinse This rinse is used to the gemicidal effect of hot dishwashing water. Only in
i:i^7
unusual cases where it is ir-ipo.ssiblo tti heat water is the rinse in cold wa-ter. :
*
This iten has not 'been stocked in. the Class IIand IT Depot for the Third Amy and has not been used by,..any of its divisions." \'''
5 Luninous Tape
us.cd
6.
Cancuflaging of Inside Ends of Cans
It is the con
t \u25a0?
<$ tfield Observation .Report Ho,
1+ (cent)
unnecessary census of opinion of supply officers interviewed that it is cans, for they are normally disposed to canouflage the inside ends of of very quickly and do not present a camouflage hazard.
This article had "been issued to sone of divisions "before arrival en the continent. It has Class "been rarely used and many packtocard.s hav-e.toeen returned to the II& IV Amy Depot
the'eontoat
7.
Packtooards, Plywood
The 26th Div. Quart emaster stated that tens 8. Plastic I fragile and "break easily, and. that the slide plastic "bugles are tor warps. This was confirmed in the opinion of the gOth Div. Quarter easily. . master whe also added that plastic whistles cracked
9. PX Supplies
a.
Hazcrs .It was reported that the threads in the enough. plastic razors strip toe easily and thfey do net shave close plastic. type. Metal razors are preferred to the
In the opinion of the supply to. Idghtprs', Cigarette ' officers intervi ewed , the general issue of this iten to trocps isof The SOtfc Div. quart ernaster stated that a lighter questicnatole. easily the "Zippo" type is essential "because if does not toecene wet fuse and produces a snail flar.e. It can be used to light fires and cords. Other supply officers are of the opinion that it should not the en "be an it of issue to the. troops tout should "be made available in they sc desire., . PXs for their purchase if
Supply officers interviewed were
general of a divided opinion as to the need of a pocket, knife as and SO|.s in that
issue to the troops. The 26th Div. Quart ernaster desiratole, .and it division were of the opinion that it would toe pins,
could toe used toy ccntoat troops to open rations, to nake tent away clothing if a
to use as a screw driver en weapons, and to cut The 80th Div. Quartermaster
said that such soldier toecane a casualty.
c. Pocket. Knife
. .
an iten was unnecessary.
2Sfc conplaints have "been re Cigarettes (20* s) -. _ 'Sc ccnpla packages cf cigarettes. ceived indicating ncld m
d.
Troops have used the
fuel tablets which 10. Fuel Tatolets have toeen issued then to heat rations. The tatolets are used to heat
C, X, and'lO-in-1 rations and also to nake coffee. In the opinion of
interviewed, the fuel six S~Us and three division quart ernaster s tatolets will not toe a suitatole substitute for ene tourncr st-ves under contoat conditions, toecaus"e fuel tatolets. give off too nuch sneke and for cook tolacken cooking utensils and do not provide. sufficient heatancng- ins. The nne-tourner gasoline stove is a 'very popular iten The its compactness and ease of '.operation, contoat -troops, .."because varies fron division to division. In preferred type of fuel tatolet the 80th Division, the preferred type is alcohol fuel type with the wax tatolet as a second choice: The 90th Division troops prefer the The difference wax tatolet with the alcchrl fuel type a second choice.
ef opinion was general aneng ether
units interviewed,
:,*,
"
\u25a0IMP"
"
$4 JipXd Observation ftejjort JJo. U U.oaV

IV. CLASS 111
A, Gasoline,
had no c^nnandetsof the two gasoline supply conpanies interviewed Third The products. cnnpiaints to register en the jrb done Amy PQL officer was very enthusiastic about the excellent assigned to the amy, T>y, the Petroleum Laboratory unit
Oil and- Greases
-
The- Third Amy POL
officers and
aforementioned
B.

Equipnent ;
interview^
\u25a0'
inefficient 1. lO^Sallon Dispenser 7 This iten is considered gasoline supply conpany officers two "by Third^riny'-Class 111 officer conplaiiits registered are that -it-"breaks down after -The fire about two hours of continuous operation, and it leaks and is a hazard.
an<f
' This dispenser is well liked and lQQ^Gallen Dispenser personnel. considered 'very efficient by the gasoline supply conpany
'
"
2.
v. - qa&agsi^sTm
activities
and
A. '\u25a0 Coordination of S&lva&e Evacuation in'Quart eraaster Ordnance Units
1* The -doordination of the salvage evacuation "between the Quart ernaster and Ordnance units of this Aruy has been excellent. Following the prescribed War Department policy, the rdnance evacuation ens such as trucks, tanks, etc. units handle all heavy ordnance it .'2, The Third Amy quart ernaster SOP for salvage evacuation depot when drawis for the units to bring all salvage to the Class I salvage collecting ing rations. A detail cf six enlisted nen from a depot to process the salvage to
conpany is stationed at the Class I the salvage yard* Sere itens are segregated by services and the non-
quartemaster
Jo tke Respective services concerned; iH&edis processed for innediate use, repair
then the quart err.iaslei feklvage or salvage* . .
itens'. \u25a0\u25a0hp1
J
B. Repair apdfb.pii^6îot|
'
Lanterns,. One ahd Two' in Thiyd Am;
.gtJFJ'$?T
farner
Gasoline Inversion Heaters \ Stoves and
Ranges,
H-1937
two burner gasoline stoves in the Third Amy, the field service branch depot in organized a Quarternaster repair installation at the Class I shrp at Toul. This repair installation consists of a static repair :.;en who Toul and' a nobile repair tean of one officer and six enlisted organization travel division. to division. The personnel for this of, one platoon of a q>l service conpany. At the static consist installation at
Toul, units which need repair or conversion service bring the .field ranges, gasoline lanterns, etc. when they cone to
draw rations. , If .a supply of like itens is on -hand they are traded
on a basis, of one foône. If not, the itens are left for repair dui-ip for rations, and picked, up on the next trip to the..Class I
To .peet the innediate need of conversion of hundreds of the field ranges, and gasoline lanterns, and 'the repair of one and
fron'
The hobile repair unit operates with 'the conbat divisions, doing its work within: the division. The division quarternaster arranges a schedule for this' repair tean and then it noves fron reginent tc regitient until the work is conpleted. A nobile repair tean has just conpleted all repair and conversion work in the 35th Infantry Division. The following results were obtained and represent
QK Field Observation Report "Ho..' U (cont)

thirteen da>ys' work:
*
iaired\'or Converted Field Banges One & Two Burner Stoves

', Lanterns Innersion Heaters Hand Punps
\u2666
M-i'937
.
.
.. j.;....\u25a0..,
.. . .. ..
<
\u0084
>
3UO
190
515
10
10
50 50
parts.
The equipment of the noMle repair tean consists of one 2-1/2 ton truck with a one-ton trailer, a tool kit Jer nan of whatever tools are available, an enerv wheel, vise, anvil, two wcrk "benches, two "blow torches, two fire extinguishers and a liiiited supply of spare ' "

Based on the experience of repairirv? and ccnvertinpr field ranges, gasoline "burners, lanterns and loners ion heaters in the 35^h Division, the officer in charge of the repair teaiu reported the najor repairs ' ' to "be as follows:'
\u25a0\u25a0
(I)'' M-193?
Hsl& Ranges-
(a) Replace burners (b) Replace "burner nuts which freeze "because lack. of graphite.. . (c) Replace air pressure , gauges ,
of
(2)' One & Two Burner Gasoline Stoves (a) Replace "burner cups. The "base "burns away fron the cup and nust "be brazed. ' (b) . Replace eccentric block which freezes in the
valvo body.
(-3) Gasoline Lanterns

(a) Current j-b -is r.iainly conversion.
(b) Replace riantles v/hich are partially destroyed by the initial flow of air and gasoline nixture .fr.on the generator. This initial flow causes a hole in the end of the naatle and reduces its life expectancy. (l+) Inner siOn Heaters which breaks easily.
vi
-
Repair
Suggest
fuel tank bracket the bracket be welded
. miscJh&seous
completely. rather
than spot welded.
A. Packaging and. Crating The 9Us*h Salvage Collecting Co," , a naw Onan Electric plant, Model Y-U5-S-12, Ser, 6k.190862 received to replace a broken no tor., in one of its repair trailers. When the notor was taken fron its original .'prate it was found, to have the following defects:The.' inserts ..cVlincie'r walls ahd%'f)'is tens -were i; scored, and- according, to the co.npany cennander thi^ ;was' aau'sed 'by silica gel -which ha^'g^.t ten -inte- 'the, Victor frox; a broken bag. It was suggested this,shciil*d be brought, tb the' attention of tbe nanufacturrcr who pddked this "iten for overseas shipment.
\u25a0
\u25a0
'
v"v
P"Mm
jn n p^îf11
Qî Field Observation
Report Uo. U.Ccont)
#***
:,f
Two salvage repair companies' report difficulty with the performance of the Onan Electric Plant which provides power for the trailers. They are: First, the- connecting rods have T?4e& freezing to the crank shafts, and according to the comma&djLag olficer of the 9Usth Salvage Repair Co. this has been caused "by a lack of This officer claims that not enough oil flows through , the connecting rods and inserts to the crank shaft. He suggested to remedy this defect that a hole "be drilled on "both the top and "bottom (opposite' sides) of the connecting rods and inserts; then score an "X" on the hole in the insert to permit proper lubrication of the insert and crank shaft.
\u25a0
B. -Onan Electric Plant
-.
j -._ \u25a0^-\u25a0nmm - Salvage Repair Co. .- Equipment
Secondly, the ribration of the motor causes the radiator to snap from its base, breaking the drain pipe and plate which holds the radiator to its base 4 It was suggested that the plate be welded com pletely to the radiator rather than by the present four spot welds and that the cork shock absorber be replaced by a* rubber shock absorber about 211211 thick, and the two connecting bolts be supplemented by two additional bolts.
0. Training, with Dehydrated Foods

Infantry Regiment suggested ing in the use of dehydrated would be better adapted and and would be able tc prepare ditirns without the need of
The S*h of the 318th that the cooks be given more, actual train They foods before coming overseas. type of cooking mere accustomed to this better meals under actual combat ccn experimentation in the field.
* These suggestions Suggested TQ/S Revisions & improvements have been accumulated from company commanders and supply officers operating 0? controlling the units.
b.
1. Quart orjiiastcr. Fumigation & Bath Co , a) Require additional 200 feet of hese per bath unit to meet the operating conditions in the field, b) To prdvi&e one boostcf per bath unit. c) Provide Uiairpî heaVy itekj 17.ft. by U0 ft. to use as a floor" in the cLêisinf: and shov/er rooms. 2. Salvage Repaid C/pmff anyt a) Heed. one additicnal typewriter repair kit tc handle the heavy demand for this kind of work. b) Require additional tools in current typewriter kits
..
for use on noiseless
typewriters.
c) .Provide a wider edge cutter for

J, Graves Registration Co
trimming shoe
soles.
a) To provide a special purpose vehicle to transfer

bodies from collecting points- to cemeteries. Under the present T/0 it is necessary to use the'organi zational transportation to perform" this "impor-iant function. This same transportation must then be used to move the Graves Registration personnel and equipment from location to location. One of these special purpose vehicles should be provided per \u25a0platoon.
..
14...
Salvage
Collect ing Co
a) Provide means to reccat mess equipment

npw being washed and cleaned
Companies,.
Some of the mess
which is by salvage collecting equipment must be
q}t Field Observation Heport No,
U (cont)
recoated before
V.
it .can, be' reused.
5*
laundry, Poy
a) A
cover' is s\iggest.ed
r
prevent
for tlie extractor not or to dripping water fron shorting the net or.
i
or ,: Ma j
Distribution;
EOB^JRiT'
M. IiITTLEJOHN G- en eral , U" S A>
\u25a0Chief Quartermaster
..
osm
....., M
;. Q^l Pirst ITS Army .;\u25a0. i X 1 Qsl Third US Amy. Cî Seventh TJS Air5y. .,...-. 1 1 Cî Ninth ITS Amy. , Sixth tfS Amy Group, 1 <^4 <^'I Twelfth US Amy Group 1 Adv Sec Con Zone.,..' 1 , EEIS Tear.: Captains
OCQJi, Con Zone
<î
....10 .. / . . . .... .. ,. 3
2 V

Supplement No. 1 To Quartermaster Service Reference Data, Volume II, Dated 15 December 1943p6

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Supplement No. 1 To Quartermaster Service Reference Data, Volume II, Dated 15 December 1943p6

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

T

Office of the Chief Quart eroaster AK> BS7

Field Observation Report He U. S. EQUTOM

Period of Tine Covered by Ifois Report

10th Infantry B.eg% |sth DivJ

Total Kunber of Individuals Interviewed

sth Infantry Division

Other Officers Enlisted Men 31.31

No, J fcont; Ie 7 (cent;

. Div. 28 Nov.. UU) 50th F.A. Bn.V sth

enough, they will keep out nost

- 80th Div. - 30 ITov. UU)

3. Jacket, ?ield t K-19U3

with this jacket;

H-19U3. (Asst. Div. $1

The sth Div. is equipped .100$

- sth Div.,,- 28 Nov. -

Bag, Sleeping, Wool, OD

c.' The SOth Biv. has^had sleeping

bags for the past

etc. - 80th Div. - 30

tens carried into conbat) 3. Packs (I

Orcaaj. zatinnal Equipment

1. Opener, Can, 10-in-l

2. Inner Sion Heater

Q^- Jield Observation Report l?o.

(Mess Sgt..,- Serv. Co.

~ lOtnlnf.Regt ., sth Div/- 29 Hoy. UU)

U. Mantles, Gasoline Lantern

(Asst. Div. <tfi

- sth Div. - 28 Nov. UU) -

6. Tent,. Shelter Half

D. Q-eneral Supplies and Equipment

2. Fuel Tablets" , Ration Heating;

b. The soldiers' preference for fuel tablets is in this

with snail stove

The troops are

IV. OPMETSBHASTER ACTIVITIES A. Graves Registration Service Procedure

15 overcoats 25 raincoats 15 pr. leggings 5 pr. overshoes 6 canteens

5 belts 5 helnet s 5 shirts

blankets case laundry soap, GI packs rolls twine gas nasks

ROBERT M. LITTLEJOHH 1-iajor General, U.S. A. Chief Quart eroaster

Field Observation Eeport He. 6

Cryered "by This Report

3. Sector Froa Which Report Emanated

D. ITature cf Military Operations

Amy nade a slow advance.

3. Units Observed and Individuals Interviewed

3d Arncred Division lOUth Division

Gillian R. Kugler, tyiC

Ist Sgt. Jeroae

' ttifS9 '*'

(#4 Field Obse

'on Report jffo

&IV 111. CUSS II

5. G-lcvcs, Wcol, CD, Vf/Loather

QjK Field Observation Bepcrt Ho.

C. Organi zatie nail Equipment

i-iany units questioned expressed

KOBEtLT M. LITTLEJOM Major General, U.S.A. Chief Quartermaster

OCCtf-i, Con Zone

...... ........ ... ..... 3

8- 14 Inc. 15 21 ".-. ".-. 22 -. 28 , '.' 29 \u25a0--.NVi 4 11'"5

'v ;,\u25a0', "\ '.-1

Stove, tent, cotap. Fly,- tent wall,

".oTo* ' 1 220