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Types of Indian-made Mess Tins 1940-1945

Article about: Just thought I would post some pictures here for reference, showing the different types of Indian manufactured 'Tins, Mess, Rectangular' produced during the Second World War. The Government

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    Default Types of Indian-made Mess Tins 1940-1945

    Just thought I would post some pictures here for reference, showing the different types of Indian manufactured 'Tins, Mess, Rectangular' produced during the Second World War. The Government of India seems to have followed the British change from Aluminium to Tinned Steel early in the war as an economy measure (perhaps for aluminum salvage). The Indian switch back to Aluminium in the later war years seems to have been faster than the British adoption of 'tins, mess, rectangular, aluminium' which was introduced as part of the issue kit for use with Pattern 1944 Web Equipment (These late war British aluminium mess tins seem to always be dated 1945).

    Types of Indian-made Mess Tins 1940-1945

    The first set of Indian mess tins was made by B.N.Sehgal & Brothers of New Delhi in 1940. This early style has been observed with artwork from British POWs that were captured during the fall of Singapore, so they were produced and issued early enough to see action in that campaign. Note the Indian Government Acceptance stamp and the style of the wire handle attachment, which is very similar to Canadian-made tins as well as early British-made tins issued to the Union Defence Force of South Africa in the mid 1930s.

    Types of Indian-made Mess Tins 1940-1945

    A shot of the mess tins opened.

    Types of Indian-made Mess Tins 1940-1945

    This economy set of mess tins was made by the Metal Box Company of Calcutta and is made of tinned steel, crudely soldered together.

    Types of Indian-made Mess Tins 1940-1945

    A shot of the economy mess tins opened.

    Types of Indian-made Mess Tins 1940-1945

    The last pattern of Indian mess tins was completely unique to India and likely the product of jungle warfare experience. The aluminium was more resistant to corrosion than the steel tins in humid environments and the smaller size and shape was likely more easily carried in a Pattern 1937 Water Bottle Carrier. This set of mess tins was made by the Metal Box Company in 1944. Since Metal Box had factories in both Calcutta and Bombay, the city of origin is not clear.

    Types of Indian-made Mess Tins 1940-1945

    A shot of the late war mess tins opened. Note the wire handles positioned on the sides of the tins.

    Types of Indian-made Mess Tins 1940-1945

    As always, thanks for reading!

  2. #2

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    Not my bag at all....but beautifully presented - thank you for taking the time and showing us that respect.

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