The Unique Invention: Cigarette Cans Made by Heinz During WWII
During World War II, the Heinz Company stepped up to the challenge by producing a unique product known as cigarette cans. These cans served as more than just packaging; they played a crucial role in supporting the morale of troops by providing a practical and convenient meal solution in the field.
Boosting Morale Among Troops
The U.S. Government recognized the significant impact that tobacco products had on the morale of soldiers. As a result, they collaborated with companies like Heinz to develop packaging that would not only serve its primary purpose but also aid in the soldiers' well-being. These special cans often featured patriotic designs and messages, enhancing their appeal to servicemen. Some even found their way into care packages sent to troops, acting as a tangible token of support from home.
Heinz's Adaptation to Meet Military Needs
In addition to its well-known food products, the Heinz Company took the initiative to diversify its production during the war. This move was driven by the needs of the military and the desire to support the war effort. The innovation of packaging tobacco in cans was just one part of this broader strategy. By developing these cans, Heinz demonstrated its commitment to meeting the unique challenges faced by soldiers on the frontlines.
The Development and Use of Self-heating Cans
In the 1940s, near the end of the Second World War, self-heating cans of soup emerged as a revolutionary solution for troopers on the ground. The Heinz and ICI ration was designed to provide soldiers with a hot meal without the need for fire, as lighting fires in the field was not always feasible. The first US Army order amounted to one million cans of this innovative product in March 1944.
How the Self-heating Cans Worked
Each can featured a heating element running through the center, lit by a fuse. The instructions for the soldiers were clear: they needed to use a lit cigarette to ignite the fuse. The fuse would then smoke until it reached the level of the heating element, causing the soup to heat up in just four minutes. However, before the fuse was lit, the lid of the can had to be pierced to release its contents.
Incidents and Stories
While the purpose of these self-heating cans was to provide hot meals, they also became a source of humor and tension relief for the troops. One particularly memorable incident occurred on June 5, 1944, when troops were waiting off the coast of Southern England. A man who pierced the holes in the side of his can, rather than the top, resulted in a catastrophic premature release of the hot soup, leading to his badly scalded ear and a hilarious scene that spread quickly among the ship's crew.
Another soldier, Raymond Eaglen, recalled similar incidents, noting that the cans often exploded, showering hot soup on anyone within range. Despite these potentially dangerous situations, the cans were often very welcome comforts for weary soldiers. For example, Ted Dann, a soldier engaged in combat outside Bremen, remembered a lull in activity when he and his squad discovered the canned soup. Reluctantly, they were allowed to use the product, which they found to be delicious and a much-needed break from the harsh conditions.
Conclusion
The self-heating cans of soup developed by Heinz during World War II exemplify the innovative and practical solutions developed by companies to support the war effort. These cans played a significant role in boosting the morale of soldiers and providing them with a convenient and hot meal. Today, they serve as a fascinating reminder of the ingenuity and adaptability shown by manufacturers during one of the most challenging periods in history.