The Green County Historical Museum has in its military section several military mess kits. The one shown here is from World War I and was used by the late Albert Geigel (1890-1978) of Monroe. He was a private with the 109th Field Signal Battalion. He served with the American Expeditionary Forces in France from October 1918 to April 1919.
Following his discharge, he ran a hardware and implement business for many years.
Individual mess kits consist of the basics for a soldier to feed himself in the field. This mess kit, issued by the U.S. Army in 1918, was made of aluminum.
The kit includes a pan with detachable hinged handle, a lid for the pan which was used as a plate, and three utensils (fork, spoon and knife) all stamped with "US" on the top of their handles.
A ring attached to the edge of the lid can be slipped over the pan handle so the two can be dipped into boiling water together for cleaning. The unit when folded is about 9 inches long and 7 inches wide.
The entire mess kit was carried in a canvas rucksack. The utensils were put in separate slots sewn into the rucksack or wrapped in a fabric, such as a sock, to keep utensils from making too much noise.
The canteen used with this kit was also made of aluminum and had a removable cup at its base which was used for drinking beverages. The canteen had a canvas cover with dual button clasps on the front.
- Submitted by John Glynn of the Green County Historical Society
Following his discharge, he ran a hardware and implement business for many years.
Individual mess kits consist of the basics for a soldier to feed himself in the field. This mess kit, issued by the U.S. Army in 1918, was made of aluminum.
The kit includes a pan with detachable hinged handle, a lid for the pan which was used as a plate, and three utensils (fork, spoon and knife) all stamped with "US" on the top of their handles.
A ring attached to the edge of the lid can be slipped over the pan handle so the two can be dipped into boiling water together for cleaning. The unit when folded is about 9 inches long and 7 inches wide.
The entire mess kit was carried in a canvas rucksack. The utensils were put in separate slots sewn into the rucksack or wrapped in a fabric, such as a sock, to keep utensils from making too much noise.
The canteen used with this kit was also made of aluminum and had a removable cup at its base which was used for drinking beverages. The canteen had a canvas cover with dual button clasps on the front.
- Submitted by John Glynn of the Green County Historical Society