Although many years have passed since World War II, the unprecedented scale, widespread and deadly global war is still deeply engraved in the memories of many people. This world war triggered by Germany was led by the mad dictator Hitler, which completely broke the post-World War I world order and brought indelible war wounds to mankind.
In the European theater of World War II, especially Germany, it challenged the world almost alone, facing many hostile forces and performing well. It can be said that despite the eventual defeat of Germany, but at a huge price for it, in the minds of many, the combat effectiveness of the German army is still highly praised. Therefore, the topic of the German army during World War II has been hotly debated by war history enthusiasts, covering the weapons, strategic layout, tactics and other aspects used by the German army.
In addition to the glorious record, some people began to think about the food of the German army during World War II. After all, "man is iron and rice is steel", and food is essential for combat troops. So, what was the food of the German army during World War II?
German eating habits usually include three meals a day, of which lunch accounts for 50% of the day's meals, breakfast accounts for 33%, and dinner accounts for only 13%. This means that in Germany, lunch is the focus of the daily meal. This pattern continued on the battlefield as well, where soldiers provided the most calories at lunchtime each day when they ate.
However, the German army also had a strict hierarchy of food for soldiers, and not all soldiers enjoyed the same diet. According to the regulations of the troops, the food supply of the German army was divided into four levels, the higher the level, the richer the food served. Level I meals are provided to front-line soldiers, who are the highest priority in food supply. According to World War II sources, first-class meals usually included rye bread, butter, sausages, jams, honey, as well as coffee, chocolate, cigarettes, etc., which not only provided energy, but also provided items to replenish physical strength and relieve the pressure of soldiers.
However, it should be noted that the contents of daily meals may vary depending on the war environment and logistical availability, and not the same recipes will be served every day.
In addition, with the exception of Level 1 meals, the food supply for soldiers in grades II, III and IV is gradually reduced, but the basic content is roughly the same.
In addition, the German army provided specialized marching food, which did not require cooking and was ideal for soldiers on a quick march and for short breaks. This marching food usually consisted of high-calorie foods such as brown bread, frozen meat, cheese, butter, coffee, etc., which were prepared in advance by cooks, packaged in cans and paper, and served 3 to 4 servings per person at a time.
In addition, the combat food was a special meal introduced by the German army in 1943. Compared to marching food, combat food is characterized by higher calories and more convenient carrying, and is usually only supplied to front-line troops. These foods include candy, cookies, canned chocolate, tobacco, etc.
In general, the food supply of the German army was mainly aimed at providing enough heat to ensure that the soldiers were kept in optimal condition on the battlefield. In the harsh war environment, the taste of food is no longer important, and the needs of soldiers are mainly to fill their stomachs, not to pursue deliciousness.
Of course, this food supply was carried out in the early and middle stages of the war, when supplies were plentiful and logistics were facilitated. However, as the fighting on the Soviet-German battlefield fell into trouble, especially after the Soviet Union gradually recovered, the logistical supply of the German army became increasingly difficult. Thousands of German soldiers faced severe food shortages on the Soviet-German battlefields, and even the most basic cold equipment was undersupplied. Therefore, on the Soviet-German battlefield, the combat effectiveness of the German army was seriously affected by the increase in casualties caused by severe cold and hunger, etc. The German army was eventually defeated, and many believe that this "non-war crime" is not for nothing.