Grand Forks daily herald. (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1914-1916, 1914-09-08
IN THE, WAKE OF WAR.
Tremendous Task t Feed German
ARMY

(By a German Army Oficer.)
Among the unnamed hcfoes in the
European war whose marvellous
deeds receive little or no attention
are the men who take care of the
hungry soldiers and horses during
and after battle. In al up-to-date
army these. men form a little army
by themselves and from the very
commencement of war a great strain
falls upon their shoulders. The re-
sponsibilities of the department for
food supply are simply stupendous.
and to fulfill successfully it's task the
provision department must be
equipped and organized to perfection.
The feeding of a modern army is a
problem OF utmost significance, as
upon the efficiency of regular and
quick supply of nourishing food de-
ponds its success to a very large eX-
tent. =
a German army of 1000. 900 men
consumes daily not less than 500 tons
OF food. while the feeding Of the
horses requires daily quantities of
over twice that weight. The German
military supply department is divided
into two divisions, the first of which is
responsible for the quick and timely
distribution of food, forage. and extra
clothing, while the second division
Is called the medical department., and
attends to medical supplies only.
h main difficulties which confront
the food supply department in war
are the obstacles which may block the
from bad roads wagons will break
down. horses will be lost. and II
these things are avoided the roads
will be blocked by ambulances, march
ing troops, etc. Alison. as soon as the
army begins to operate out of its own
territory. there are the possibilities
of the destruction of food magazines
and the owners of obtainable food will
often hide or destroy available vic
tuals rather than let the enemy have
them.
me war equipment Of each German
soldier includes the so-called Iron
ratlons.' consisting of the erbswurst,
preserved meat and vegetables, bis
cults, coffee, and salt sufficient to
furnish satisfactory meals for three
days. A very simple but exception
ally practical part of these rations is
the erhsWurst. or pea. bologna. which
is made out of mashed peas. to which
minced bacon. salt and spices. are
added, and which, through extraction
OF the moisture. is preserved in con-
tanners of parchment of about ten
inches long n two inches wide. The
simple addition OF hot water to this
pIepdIdtloH creates a wholesome,
n%ourishing, and decidedly tasty meal.
In case of dire necessity the prepare
ton can also be used cold.
But the Iron ration of the soldier
Is not to be used under any circum-
stances unless he is cut off entirely
from food supply Of any kind.
Each army corps. 10000 men, is ac-
companied by twelve to thirteen sup
ply columns, or wagon to about
900 men. carrying a full ration for
two days for each man. The or.
gsnization provides for food maya.
zines on a large scale. which sends tc
the different army corps at regular
intervals supply columns witt. rations
per man for four days. and which is
supplemented in proportion. Thus
We see that the German soldier in the
field is practically continuously ir
reach of provisions for nine full DAYS
and the possibility Of starving soldiers
provided sufficient time is found TO,
meals. Is very remote.
What is done for the man Is also
done for the beast. with the exception
that the cavalrymah carries only one
days provisions and one days sup.
ply of oats. in order not to hinder
quick and efficient movement. and IL
consideration Of the fact hat the rid.
ing troops can be more easily brough,
back to the supply columns. Thu