Specialist Rations:

The Italian armed forces had a staggering array of specialist and special circumstance rations and/or ration supplements. One of the more common specialty ration was the Riserva (Reserve) ration, which was carried by most all soldiers as an emergency ration that was not to be used until authorized. It consisted of a “Brick” of hard biscuits or a pack of Panne Duri, a pack of Coffee, Milk and Sugar (soluble and frequently “lost”), and a box of sweets.

Another frequently seen specialist ration was the Razione del Paracadutista (Parachutists’ Ration). It was issued in a variety of ways, at times supplemented with other ration components or fresh foods suitable for travel, such as hard sausages, dark bread etc. Generally, the Para ration consisted of:

2 Bricks of Razione Emergencia Quotidiana (Daily Ration of Emergency Food). These two bars were sufficient food for 24 hours and only to be eaten under “combat” conditions.

            1 Pack of Destrosio (Dextrose tablets or pellets)

            1 Pack of Caffé Solubile (Sweetened White Instant Coffee) 

            1 Pack of Caramella (Hard Candy, Generally Coffee Based)

2 Bars of Cioccolato Bianco (White “tropical” chocolate in ¾ ounce/20 gram bars)