The Germans knew the army travelled on its stomach and there were rules about feeding the troops. German field kitchens were marvels and could put out 300 loaves of bread a day as well as hot stew. Stew was a served at least once a day as German soldiers were expected to get one hot meal a day. The stew was anything that could be put in a pot and boiled until it was paste, and usually contained meat. It was carried to front line soldiers in a metal tin carried on one soldiers back and squirted into the mess tin from something that resembled a fire hose. Entire herds of cattle followed the German army. The kitchens expected to get 1000 rations from one head of cattle, and learned they could get 700 from a horse. Cattle had to be fed as well and miles of horse-drawn wagons carrying oats for horses and meal for cattle followed along behind.
But in addition to this German soldiers were issued something called their “iron rations”. This was food that was to be eaten only in an emergency. It consisted of various tinned meats and things of that nature. In addition the German Army invented something called “Shoka-Kola”, which was a large, round hard brick of chocolate infused with caffeine and sugar and was included in the iron rations. It was also served out as a special addition or as a reward. It was very tasty and filled soldiers with calories and energy. You can still purchase it today. Shoka-cola was well liked by the troops and often used as a bribe or bargaining instrument when things got tough.
