Iron ration in sealed tin, 1915

As well as his regular ration issue of food, each World War One (1914-1918) soldier was issued with an emergency ration, made up of a tin of beef such as this one, along with some biscuits and a tin of sugar and tea. The 'iron ration' was only supposed to be eaten when normal supplies were cut off and when the commanding officer ordered the men to do so.