Feed Rations in the Field

[BigD]

Re: Feed Rations in the Field

Thanks Gerald and to everyone for great information! It seems the 6" x 24" ish bag with a center tie is the way to go and I will proceed accordingly. I certainly appreciate everyone's input.

[Andrew German]

Re: Feed Rations in the Field

Greetings:

In the Army of the Potomac, at the beginning of the Overland Campaign, specific orders were issued concerning grain sacks, at least in the 2nd Cavalry Division. The order, dated May 2, 1864, stated: "each man will prepare himself with a grain sack three feet in length and from eight to ten inches in width when completed. These sacks can be made from the extra shelter tents as each man is not allowed to carry more than one piece and one poncho." A similar order was issued in March 1865, specifying a thirty-inch length and an opening in the middle. It appears that these grain sacks were made like the traditional "market wallet," with an opening along the seam and a "pocket" at each end, rather than a long tube open at one end. The order to make them from shelter halves is remarkable, except that men had drawn extra ones but were not permitted to carry them. More often the sacks were likely made from used grain bags or other surplus cloth. Several of us in the 1st Maine have made and carry them.

Hope this helps.
Andrew German

[BigD]

Re: Feed Rations in the Field

Andrew, Interesting information, especially about the extra shelter halves. This helps very much and gives the sizes per regulations. Much appreciated.

Dennis

[Lance Stifle]

Re: Feed Rations in the Field

Hello again Dennis
we're located at a place called Hirstglen which is a valley just six kilometres west of the edge of the great divide in south eastern Queensland, roughly half way between Toowoomba and Warwick.
Steam flaked Barley is about the best horse grain there is, a cool feed, light and easy to digest, just have to keep the moisture out of it.

There weren't too many wagons used by the Australian Light horse for logistic support in the desert, it was mainly camel trains, mules and donkeys which did a great job.

Kim Stewart-Gray

[BigD]

Re: Feed Rations in the Field

Kim,

Believe it or not I know where Toowoomba is. Brisbane is about as far as I made it in Queensland. Last year I flew into Ballina and motored to Byron just off Tallow Beach but that was still in NSW. Mules were used here during the war as well to pull supply wagons. They were considered to have too strong of a survival instinct to be used in the front lines although there are stories of daring dashes of mule driven wagons through enemy fire to resupply troops in the field. No camels though,lol. Barley sounds like the feed of choice. My gelding is a fairly laid-back fellow, but he will get a little hot with oats.

Dennis