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Personal Ration-Or Personal Insult?
The third type of ration was the RAZIONE PERSONALE (RP, “Personal Ration”),
which was issued to troops immediately before action, and which was designed to supply basic food items when group cooking
was impossible, on the move, or in breaks during combat. A standard personal ration would include:
1 can of Tonno (Tuna) 1 can of Prosciutto (Ham) 1 pack of Brodo (Broth Base-2 tablets in a common wrapper) 2 packs Panne Duri (Flatbread) 1 Biscotti Dolci (Sweet Biscuits)
This uninspired ration was not much liked by troops, especially in light of
the fact that even the sparse components designed to be included were often not available, and often substituted. In three
days of action, a soldier may very well receive 6 cans of tuna fish—and little else.
On the march, when other rations were not available, most soldiers would spend
as much time as possible trading with or buying from the local population, in order to provide some variety.
Many soldiers insured to get their fair share and then some of the coffee powder
or grounds, as the RP did not come with a beverage pack.
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