One thing about MM is that you can count on occasionally running across something rather esoteric and I think this book fits right in there. The Jerrycan is probably one of the most lasting items to come out of WWII with as much post-war application as the Jeep or the C-47.

Developed in great secrecy for the German Army and appearing in 1937, the Jerrycan (a name given to it by the British) was manufactured by a number of companies in several countries during WWII. Though not the originator of the design, the United States probably build more of these than all the other countries combined and at a number of different factories. All had basically the same general design and were developed to hold 20 liters or 5 gallons of liquid. The size of the can determined by the fact that a man can relatively easily carry 20 kg in each hand. Most of the time these contained gasoline, but they were also used to transport water and other lubricants. Those holding water were so marked and were not used for other liquids.

Author  Philippe Leger must have a huge collection of these cans or knows people who do as the book is chock full of photographs of a rather incredible number of cans, each one slightly different from the other either in design or in the markings that it carries. I have to tell you that I've never seen such a comprehensive look at the subject and I'm sure it will not be surpassed.

The book looks at cans built in Germany, Britain, Italy, France and the United States. There are also sections on modifications made to the cans and post-war use. In addition to the myriad images of the cans themselves, there is a superb collection of period photos showing these items in use in locations throughout the war zones. Such is the utility of these cans that they are still being made today and used by armies around the world, though the material has, in many cases, changed from steel to PVC.

 It is a book that I found to be quite interesting and I know that once you start reading, you will also find it difficult to put away.

August 2008

Review book courtesy of  Casemate Publishing, where you can order your copy of this and many other superb books.

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