Luncheon meat, egg powder, all eaten until greasy After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, the real daily food of the descendants of the national army
Everyone in the world knows that after the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, the descendants of the national army were well-equipped, and the American-style weapons were enviable. But who would have thought that the food of these troops was also full of "foreign flavor"? It is said that for a while, the soldiers of the national army ate luncheon meat, egg powder, and chocolate bars every day! These foods, which were disgusting in the eyes of American soldiers, made the Chinese soldiers eat them with relish. However, every day there are delicacies from the mountains and seas, and there is also a day when I am tired of eating. Some people say that later the swill buckets in the company were filled with the smell of luncheon meat. What the hell is going on? Why can the descendants of the national army enjoy such a "luxurious" meal? Do they really eat that well? Let's uncover this little-known history together.
United States Aid: The Lend-Lease Gift
On March 11, 1941, the United States Congress passed the famous Lend-Lease Act. This bill was arguably the most generous aid United States to the Allies during World War II. Who would have thought that this bill would not only change the course of the war, but also quietly change the dining table of Chinese soldiers!
It is said that China at that time was in a difficult period of the War of Resistance Against Japan. Although the Nationalist Government was willing to resist the war, it suffered from insufficient military spending. No, the help of the United States came at the right time! From 1941 to 1946, in just five years, the Nationalist Government received a total of $1.54 billion in material aid. This is not a small amount, you know, at that time, one dollar could be exchanged for 20 yuan in China!
In addition to the dazzling array of light and heavy weapons and equipment, this huge amount of aid also includes a large amount of clothing, medicines, equipment, and fuel. But what made ordinary soldiers happy the most was the massive amount of military food.
When it comes to these foods, there are really many kinds of foods. There are compressed biscuits, canned luncheon meat, powdered eggs, chocolate bars, and more. These things may not be rare in the eyes of United States soldiers. But for the Chinese soldiers who can't eat enough all year round, it's like a pie falling from the sky!
Interestingly, these foods were not popular among the US military. An United States GI is said to have complained, "I'd rather eat mud than see this damn luncheon meat again!" "But in the eyes of the Chinese soldiers, these are rare things!
In 1945, one day after the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, a certain unit had just received a batch of United States aid. Lao Li, the quartermaster in charge of the distribution, opened the box and looked at it, and he couldn't keep his mouth shut. "Brethren, blessed today!" He shouted.
The soldiers gathered around, only to see cans of golden luncheon meat neatly stacked in the boxes. Lao Li picked up a can and said with a smile: "This is the rations of the United States soldiers, let's also taste the taste of devils today!" "
As soon as the words were finished, a young soldier eagerly took the can and pried open the lid with a bayonet. The fragrance immediately overflowed, causing the people around to swallow their saliva.
"It's... This is the meat that foreigners eat? The young soldier was surprised, "It looks like our luncheon meat!" "
Lao Li laughed: "Silly boy, how can this be the same? United States things, that's exquisite. The meat in this can is said to be made with the finest pork and has a variety of spices. Don't believe you! "
The young soldier tasted it carefully, and his eyes suddenly lit up: "Wow, it's so fragrant!" It's much better than the meat we usually eat! "
This scene was constantly played out among the troops of the national army throughout the country. United States the food aid not only enriched the soldiers' tables, but also greatly boosted their morale.
However, the good times were short-lived. With the passage of time, these mouth-watering foreign foods gradually became the daily life of the soldiers. Every morning, noon and evening, luncheon meat and egg powder are always on the table.
In the winter of 1946, in the room of a certain army, the chef Lao Zhang was worrying about dinner. He rummaged through the warehouse and found that there were only some vegetables left except for luncheon meat and egg powder.
"It's luncheon meat again, and I'm afraid the brothers are going to complain." Lao Zhang sighed and began to rack his brains to think about how to make these ingredients in different ways.
Just then, a new soldier walked into the room. He looked around curiously, and suddenly his eyes lit up: "Wow, so much luncheon meat!" Everyone in our village dreams of eating this! "
When Lao Zhang heard this, he couldn't help but wonder: "Young man, if you eat every day, you will definitely get tired of eating." "
The little soldier disagreed: "How could it be? This is foreigners' food! "
Lao Zhang smiled and said nothing, thinking: When you eat for a month, you will know what it means to be greasy.
The food of the national army has changed dramatically
With the arrival of a large amount of U.S. aid materials, the food of the descendants of the national army has undergone earth-shaking changes. Gone are the days of meat, and in their place are a new life of abundant meat and nutrients. This change is reflected not only in the type of food, but also in the mental outlook of the soldiers.
In the spring of 1947, at a National Revolutionary Army station in Jiangsu, a group of recruits were queuing up to receive lunch. At the front of the line, the elder of the cooking squad, Wang, was busy adding food to everyone's lunch boxes.
"Come, Xiao Li, today's luncheon meat stew with cabbage, eat more." Lao Wang said with a smile as he scooped an extra spoonful of vegetables into a thin recruit's lunch box.
Xiao Li took the lunch box, looked at the golden luncheon meat inside, and couldn't help swallowing his saliva. He recalled the days in his hometown when he ate the last meal and didn't have the next meal, and couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "Squad Leader Wang, can we eat meat every day?" "
Lao Wang nodded: "Of course!" Now we are a regular army, and the standard of food is much higher than before. Not only luncheon meat, but also egg powder, compressed biscuits, and even chocolate! "
Xiao Li looked surprised: "Chocolate? Isn't that something that only foreigners eat? "
Lao Wang laughed: "Now we are also 'foreigners'!" United States the good things sent by Big Brother, we have to enjoy them." "
In this way, on the dining table of the soldiers of the national army, a variety of dishes full of "foreign flavor" gradually appeared. Luncheon meat has become the most popular protagonist, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways.
Some cooks cut the luncheon meat into thin slices and fried it with potatoes, which is full of aroma; Some mince luncheon meat and make cakes with egg powder, which are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside; Others simply cut the luncheon meat directly into pieces and stew it with vermicelli, the soup is rich and has an endless aftertaste.
One afternoon in the summer of 1947, in the room of a certain unit, several cooks were preparing dinner.
"Lao Zhang, what are you doing tonight?" A young cook asked.
Lao Zhang, an experienced chef, is intently cutting luncheon meat. Without looking up, he replied, "Let's make a new trick tonight, luncheon meat pancakes!" "
The young cook looked puzzled: "Can luncheon meat still be made into pancakes?" "
Lao Zhang smiled mysteriously: "Look at it, I'll teach you." As he spoke, he expertly cut the luncheon meat into small cubes and stirred it with flour and egg powder.
"The pancakes that come out of this way have a crispy crust and a smell of luncheon meat on the inside, and I sure the brothers will like it!" Lao Zhang said proudly.
Sure enough, as soon as the luncheon meat pancakes were launched, they were immediately warmly welcomed by the soldiers.
This huge improvement in food not only allowed the soldiers to be well fed and well-fed, but more importantly, greatly boosted the morale of the troops. Many young people who were originally skeptical about joining the army have seen a marked change in their attitudes after tasting a few of these "foreign flavors."
In the fall of 1947, outside a recruiting station, a group of young people were waiting in line for a medical examination. One of them, a young man named Xiao Liu, had hesitation written all over his face.
Just then, a veteran who had just been discharged from the army walked over. He looked at the group of young people and said with a smile: "Young men, don't hesitate, it's good to be a soldier!" Do you know that there is meat to eat in the army every day? "
Xiao Liu looked incredulous: "Really? I've heard that being a soldier is hard. "
The veteran patted his chest: "Why am I lying to you?" Now there is luncheon meat sent by the United States in the army, and I can't finish eating it every day. There are also egg powder, chocolate, which are better than eating at home! "
Hearing these words, Xiao Liu and the young people around him all showed a look of yearning.
In this way, the U.S. aid materials not only improved the food of the descendants of the national army, but also became a "recruiting weapon". More and more young people are attracted by this kind of "foreign-flavored" food and take the initiative to join the army.
However, the extremes of things must be reversed. As time passed, these "foreign foods", which once made the soldiers salivate, gradually became less fresh. Some soldiers began to feel nostalgic for the taste of their hometown, longing for a bite of simple green vegetable tofu.
This change also laid the groundwork for the next gastronomic innovation in the military camp. The cooks began to rack their brains, trying to find ways to combine these "foreign foods" with traditional Chinese cuisine to create more new dishes that suited the tastes of Chinese soldiers.
The negative effects of American-style canning
With the extensive use of American-style canned food in the descendants of the national army, some unexpected problems have also arisen. These problems not only affect the physical health of the soldiers, but also affect the combat effectiveness of the troops to a certain extent.
In the spring of 1948, in the military hospital of a certain National Revolutionary Army station, a group of soldiers waited in a long line for treatment. In the ranks, a soldier named Xiao Zhang was holding his stomach and his face was pale.
"Another gastrointestinal problem?" Lao Li, the military doctor on duty, asked, flipping through the medical record book.
Xiao Zhang nodded: "Yes, Dr. Li." These days, my stomach is always uncomfortable, and I vomit what I eat. "
Lao Li sighed: "You're not the first. Recently, there have been more and more brothers who have come to see gastrointestinal diseases. "
At this moment, a young nurse hurriedly ran in: "Doctor Li, it's not good!" There are more than a dozen brothers in the third company who have diarrhea, and now they can't get out of the toilet! "
Lao Li frowned: "What's the matter?" Have there been any recent changes to the meal? "
The nurse shook her head: "No, it's still those canned foods." However, I heard that a new batch of luncheon meat was sent out yesterday, and many people have eaten a lot. "
Lao Li thought thoughtfully: "It seems that the problem may be in these cans." Go, call the cooking squad leader, I'll have to ask. "
After a while, the elder of the cooking squad, Wang, came panting.
"Doctor Li, are you looking for me?" Lao Wang asked.
Lao Li nodded: "Recently, there have been more and more people in the army who have stomach troubles, what do you think?" "
Lao Wang scratched his head: "To be honest, I also feel strange. In the past, everyone was fine eating these canned foods, but why did it have problems recently? "
Lao Li frowned and thought for a while, and suddenly asked, "How do you store those cans?" "
Lao Wang was stunned: "It's piled up in the warehouse, and some have been put away for several months." "
Lao Li slapped his thigh: "Here's the problem!" Although these cans have a long shelf life, they can also spoil if stored in an improper environment for a long time. Especially those that have been opened, they are more likely to harbor bacteria. "
Lao Wang suddenly realized: "I see! Then I'm going to clean out the warehouse and dispose of all the expired and opened cans. "
After this incident, the troops began to pay attention to the problem of food storage, but the problem of gastrointestinal diseases was not completely eliminated.
In addition to hygiene issues, long-term consumption of canned food also brings other troubles. Many soldiers began to experience symptoms of vitamin deficiencies, such as bleeding gums, night blindness, etc.
In the summer of 1948, a group of soldiers were conducting night exercises on the training ground of a certain unit. Suddenly, a soldier fell to the ground and exclaimed: "I can't see clearly!" "
Instructor Xiao Li hurriedly ran over to help him up: "Xiao Wang, what's the matter?" "
Xiao Wang rubbed his eyes and looked confused: "Report instructor, I suddenly couldn't see anything clearly, as if I was blind." "
Xiao Li immediately realized the seriousness of the problem, immediately stopped the exercise, and sent Xiao Wang to the military hospital.
After examination, the military doctor confirmed that Xiao Wang suffered from night blindness, which was due to a long-term lack of vitamin A.
"It's been getting more and more recently." The military doctor told the instructor, "Long-term consumption of canned food and lack of fresh vegetables and fruits can easily lead to vitamin deficiencies." "
Instructor Xiao Li thoughtfully: "Then what should I do?" We can't afford to eat canned food, right? "
"Try adding some fresh vegetables and fruits to your meal," the doctor advised. It may not be much, but it's better than nothing. In addition, we can also consider supplementing the soldiers with some vitamin tablets. "
Since then, the troops have begun to pay attention to adjusting the structure of their meals and increasing the number of fresh ingredients as much as possible. Some troops even began to open vegetable gardens near the camp to grow some easy-to-grow vegetables.
However, the problem does not end there. Long-term consumption of high-salt, high-fat canned food has also led to obesity and high blood pressure in some soldiers.
In the fall of 1948, at the physical fitness test site of a certain unit, a slightly obese soldier was running out of breath.
"Xiao Li, what's the matter with you? You used to be the fastest in our company! The instructor shouted.
Xiao Li ran to the finish line and said breathlessly: "Report to the instructor, I don't know what's going on." Recently, I always feel that my body has become heavier, and it is very difficult to run. "
The instructor frowned: "Go, weigh yourself." "
The results showed that Xiao Li's weight had increased by 15 kilograms compared to half a year ago.
This situation is not unique to the troops. More and more soldiers are affected by changes in size.
Faced with these problems, the military began to re-examine the food policy. Some high-level officials have raised the question of whether they should reduce their dependence on U.S.-aided food and gradually return to traditional Chinese-style food.
However, in the face of material shortages, this recommendation is not easy to implement. How to ensure the nutrition of soldiers while avoiding the negative impact of American-style canned food has become a thorny problem for the military leadership.
Inequities in the distribution of U.S. aid
With the influx of U.S. aid materials, there was a clear inequality in the distribution of materials within the national army. This inequality is evident not only between units, but also between officers of different ranks and rank-and-file soldiers in the same unit. This phenomenon has caused many problems and affected the cohesion and combat effectiveness of the army.
In the winter of 1948, a rare snowstorm suddenly occurred at a National Revolutionary Army garrison in Jiangsu. On this cold night, two sentries were patrolling outside the camp.
"Lao Zhang, I'm cold!" The young sentry Xiao Li rubbed his hands and said, "When do you say we will get that kind of United States cotton jacket?" "
Lao Zhang sighed: "Don't think about it, that kind of padded jacket is only qualified to be worn by officers above the company commander." We, the big-headed soldiers, can only wear this kind of torn cotton jacket. "
Just then, a jeep slowly approached. The window rolled down, revealing the ruddy face of the head of the regiment, Zhang Dafu.
"You two, be on your guard!" Head Zhang said sharply, and then added, "The weather is bad tonight, you should pay more attention to keeping warm." "
After speaking, Head Zhang drove away. Xiao Li looked at the jeep in the distance and couldn't help swallowing his saliva: "Lao Zhang, did you see it?" The coat worn by the head of the regiment is really magnificent! "
Lao Zhang nodded: "That's not it, I heard that it's United States goods, and the warmth is good." If we had such a thing, we wouldn't have to suffer this sin. "
This inequality in the distribution of equipment is evident not only in terms of clothing, but also in terms of food.
Early the next morning, in the officers' cafeteria, a group of officers were enjoying a hearty breakfast. The table was filled with a variety of canned American-style goods, including ham, eggs, milk, and even fresh fruit.
"Head Zhang, this batch of newly arrived canned food tastes really good!" A battalion commander said as he ate ham.
Head Zhang nodded with satisfaction: "Of course, this is the latest batch of U.S. aid materials." By the way, you have to eat more and ensure your health before you can lead a good soldier! "
At the same time, in the canteens of ordinary soldiers, the situation is very different. The soldiers lined up in a long line, and each person could only get a small bowl of gruel and a steamed bun.
"Lao Wang, when do you think we will be able to eat the kind of food of the officers?" A young soldier asked.
Lao Wang shook his head: "Don't think about those useless ones. It's good to be able to fill your stomach, how dare you expect those foreign things. "
This unfair distribution is evident not only within the same unit, but also among different units. Descendant troops often have access to large quantities of high-quality U.S. aid supplies, while ordinary troops can barely maintain basic supplies.
In the spring of 1949, during a joint military exercise, this gap was especially noticeable.
On the exercise ground, the soldiers of the subordinate units were all in high spirits, dressed in brand-new American-style military uniforms, and armed with advanced American-style weapons. The soldiers of the ordinary army looked a little tired, wearing shabby uniforms and using old weapons and equipment.
"Look at the equipment of the troops, and then look at ours." A platoon commander of an ordinary unit said to his comrades-in-arms, "How can this battle be fought?" "
This huge gap affects not only morale, but also the actual combat effectiveness of the troops. In the ensuing simulated battle, the well-equipped descendants easily won the victory, while the ordinary troops were restrained everywhere because of their outdated equipment.
After the exercise, the commander-in-chief called a meeting of the commanders of the various units. At the meeting, some commanders of ordinary units raised questions about the unfair distribution of materiel.
"Report to the commander-in-chief," said one of the division commanders, standing up, "that our ordinary troops are seriously underequipped and replenished, which seriously affects our combat effectiveness. It is hoped that adjustments will be made to the distribution of supplies. "
The commander-in-chief was silent for a moment, and finally said, "I understand your difficulties. However, the situation is now that the US aid is limited, and we must prioritize the needs of the main forces. You have to understand. "
The meeting did not solve the problem, but only deepened the discontent of the ordinary troops against the descendants.
Over time, this inequality has grown. Some soldiers of ordinary units began to lose confidence in the Kuomintang army, and some even had the idea of deserting or joining the enemy.
In the summer of 1949, during a campaign, a company of an ordinary unit suddenly surrendered en masse. Subsequent investigations found that these soldiers had been treated unfairly for a long time, with poor equipment and poor food, which eventually led to the discouragement of the army.
This incident attracted the attention of the top echelons of the Kuomintang. Some people of insight began to call for reforming the material distribution system and advocated a more fair and reasonable distribution of US aid materials. However, in the complex political and military environment of the time, such reforms were not easy to implement.
The impact of U.S. aid on the strategy of the Nationalist Government
The large amount of aid United States not only changed the daily life of the Nationalist Government's troops, but also profoundly influenced the Nationalist Government's strategic decision-making. This effect has both positive and unintended negative effects.
Early 1948, Nanjing, Conference Room of the Military Commission of the Nationalist Government. Chiang Kai-shek was presiding over a high-level military meeting.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Chiang Kai-shek began, "the United States aid has arrived. We must make good use of these resources to reverse the current negative situation. "
A general stood up and reported: "Chairman of the Committee, according to the latest statistics, we have received a large amount of military supplies, including weapons and ammunition, vehicles, communication equipment, etc. These equipment have greatly increased our combat capability. "
Another general added: "Not only that, but the United States also provides a lot of food and daily necessities. This solves our urgent need for logistical supplies. "
Chiang Kai-shek nodded: "Very good." With this material support, we can adopt a more proactive strategy. "
At this moment, a young staff officer put forward a different view: "Report to the chairman, although the US aid material has indeed solved the urgent need, have we considered the possible risks of over-reliance on US aid? "
There was silence in the conference room, and all eyes were on the young staff officer.
Chiang Kai-shek pondered for a moment and asked, "What kind of risk are you talking about?" "
The young staff officer replied: "First of all, over-reliance on US aid could weaken our own production capacity. Second, if United States changes its policy, our strategy will be at great risk. "
Chiang Kai-shek nodded thoughtfully, but did not respond explicitly to this view.
After the meeting, the National Government began to develop a new strategic plan. With the support of U.S. aid, they decided to launch a series of large-scale military operations in North China in an attempt to turn the tide of the war.
In the summer of 1948, on the eve of the Battle of Xu Beng. In one of the Kuomintang army's front-line headquarters, several generals were studying a map.
"Look, with the advanced communications equipment provided by the United States, we can now better coordinate the actions of the various forces." A general said, pointing to a marker on the map.
Another general added: "Not only that, but United States trucks and jeeps have greatly improved our mobility." We can move our forces more quickly and take the enemy by surprise. "
At this moment, a staff officer hurriedly ran in: "Report to the chief, we have just received information, and the communist army seems to have noticed our transfer plan!" "
The commander frowned: "How is that possible?" Aren't our communications very secure? "
The staff officer replied: "Report to the chief, according to the analysis, probably because of our over-dependence on American-style equipment. The communist forces have mastered the means of cracking these devices. "
The news silenced the command. U.S. aid equipment, which was originally regarded as an advantage, has now become a potential hidden danger.
As the war progressed, the impact of U.S. aid on the strategy of the Nationalist Government became more and more obvious. On the one hand, advanced equipment and sufficient material support did enhance the combat effectiveness of the Kuomintang army. But on the other hand, over-reliance on U.S. aid has also brought about a series of problems.
At the beginning of 1949, Chongqing, the temporary command center of the Nationalist Government. Chiang Kai-shek was listening to the latest report on the state of the war.
"Chairman, the situation is not optimistic." One general said heavily, "Although we have United States support, the guerrilla tactics of the communist army make it difficult for us to play to our advantage. "
Another general added: "Moreover, our troops are accustomed to American-style equipment and supply. Once the supply lines are cut off, many troops are thrown into disarray. "
Chiang Kai-shek was silent for a long time, and finally said: "It seems that we need to reconsider our strategy. "
After this meeting, the Nationalist government began to adjust its strategy in an attempt to reduce its dependence on American aid and strengthen its own production and supply capacity. However, this adjustment came too late.
At the end of 1949, when the Nationalist government retreated to Taiwan, the influence of American aid supplies on its strategy reached its peak. On the one hand, without the support of the United States, the Nationalist Government may not be able to retreat and rebuild smoothly; On the other hand, this dependence also called into question the independence of the Nationalist Government in the international political arena.
In Taiwan, Chiang Kai-shek convened a high-level meeting to discuss future development strategies.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Chiang Kai-shek began, "we must learn our lesson. U.S. aid is important, but we must develop our own strength. Only then can we truly take control of our own destiny. "
The meeting marked an important turning point in the strategic thinking of the National Government. While U.S. aid remained an important support, the Nationalist government began to pay more attention to building and developing its own capabilities.