The History of the U.S. Military Canteen
Years 1775–1910
From the American Revolution to the brink of World War I, US military canteens typically came in two versions. One was round and barrel-shaped and made of wood. The other was a tin flask with detachable straps designed to be slung over a soldier’s shoulder.
Years 1910–1942
The kidney-shaped M-1910 was fashioned from a single piece of aluminum. Each M-1910 could carry approximately 1 quart of water. American doughboys first carried the M-1910 in France during World War I, mounted next to their first-aid kits on their ammunition belts, and production for the M-1910 continued into the 1960s.
Years 1942–1961
The M-1942 was similar to the M-1910 but built with different materials.
In the early years of WWII, aluminum was needed to build aircraft, which meant the military had to choose a new material for its canteen. The steel M-1942 had an olive drab canvas cover and a cup that fit over the bottom. Canteen cups were often used for boiling water and making coffee.
Aluminum was phased back in for the canteens as the war progressed, and the service life of both models continued into the 21st century.
Years 1961 — Present
The M-1961 Canteen made of olive drab polyethylene became the U.S. Military standard canteen in September of 1962, replacing the aluminum and stainless steel canteens. Which these continued in use as secondary standard until the early 1970s.
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