From:Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum
Name/TitleMess tin (cooking/food container) with a wire handle-Gallopli
About this objectThis type of Mess tin was issued to Australian infantry during World War I. Mess tins were part of a kit of eating utensils and were carried by individuals in the field (likely into the forward lines) to hold and/or cook food.
Cylindrical, open-topped metal mess tin with a rolled rim (rim now irregular and partly lost), and two opposed side lugs/eyes for suspension. The body exhibits uniform, heavy corrosion (stable oxide). A length of separate, multi-bend wire (likely the original or associated handle/suspension loop) accompanies the vessel. No visible maker’s marks in the image. Interior appears equally corroded; rim shows scalloped loss consistent with advanced corrosion and/or battlefield damage.
The detached wire likely functioned as a bail handle or suspension hook for heating over flame. The irregular rim suggests either prolonged corrosion or impact damage—document edge profiles before any treatment.
This tin was found at Gallipoli in 1975. It was half buried up the hill from the ANZAC Cove Beach, Republic of Türkiye.
MakerAustralian Commonwealth Military Forces
Maker RoleManufacturer
Date Made c. 1914–1916
Period20th-century
Place MadeAustralia
Medium and MaterialsFerrous metal (steel/iron), formed/cylindrical body; separate twisted wire handle (corroded)
Inscription and MarksNone
MeasurementsHeight 90 mm x Length: 175mm
Wire:
130mm x 50 mm
165mm x 90mm
Subject and Association KeywordsAustralian Imperial Force (AIF)
Subject and Association KeywordsAustralian Military Forces
Subject and Association KeywordsThe Great War
Object TypePersonal kit-Food
Object number2026.1022.1-3
Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved
