The RASC had developed the Composite Ration Pack at the start of World War Two as a way of feeding small groups of men in the field. After the Norway Campaign in 1940, it was developed into a ration for 12 men packed into a single wooden crate.
One crate was provided for each Patrol member, giving them 12 days supply of food in the event of invasion, showing that the Patrols were expected to operate only on a short term basis. Surviving correspondence in the National Archives describes how those packs issued to Patrols were withdrawn in the summer of 1943. Those issued to the Signals sections remained in use, being consumed during training.
After this the 14 men Composite Ration was earmarked for use, though it appears only a few were actually issued to the Signals Section. No pictures or crates from the 12 men ration appear to have survived. Please contact us if you know differently.
Contents (These are known solely from a handwritten note by Essex Group Commander Keith Seabrook, though one reference mentions tinned cheese, suggesting at least one alternate menu)
Jam 2lb in tin
Sugar 1lb in tin
Tea 1/2lb in tin
Condensed Milk 1 pint in 4x 1/4 pint tins
Sliced and cooked bacon 2lb in 2x 1lb tins
Canned Beans 2lb in 2x 1lb tins
Corned Beef 9lb in 12x 12oz tins
Sardines 1lb 3 1/2oz 6x 3 1/4 oz tins
Biscuits 9lb in 24x 6oz
Solidified Meths (for cooking) 1lb 2oz 4x 4 1/2oz
Toilet paper 1 packet
These two packets of biscuits were kept by Bill Hook of Rolvedon Patrol from his ration pack.
References
The Story of the RASC
Seabrook papers
National Archives WO 199/938
A Flindall/WW1-WW2 British Rations Facebook Group