WWI and WWII bakers and cookery schools

A World War I recruiting poster. Enlist as a group and serve with your "pals" in a Company of Bakers. For experienced or trainees up to 45 years old.

A World War II school in the desert in Egypt used ovens out of petrol tins and oil drums. Both images from Library of Congress.


"Wanted! 500 bakers for the U.S. Army, (also 100 cooks). If you can bake bread Uncle Sam wants you – if you can’t bake bread Uncle Sam will teach you how in a Government School. A Bakery Company consists of 61 men so that you and your "pals" can join the same unit and bake and break bread together. Enlist for the war - Bakers pay $33 to $45 per month with clothing, food, quarters and medical attention. Ages 18 to 45."

"If you can bake bread Uncle Sam wants you -- if you can't bake bread Uncle Sam will teach you how in a Government School."

A cookery school in the Western Desert. World War II. 1941.

"Western Desert Cookery School where army cooks are taught improvisation and how to make full use of field rations. They are taught how to erect ovens out of petrol tins and oil drums. The students include, South Africans, Australians, and British troops, who have a nine days course."

On this Veteran's Day, or Remembrance Day in the UK, November 11, let us remember those who served.

Rationing taped talks HERE
Bakers past posts HERE
Military past posts HERE
Ovens past posts HERE

UPCOMING TALKS deleted


CALENDAR OF VIRTUAL FOOD HISTORY TALKS HERE

©2023 Patricia Bixler Reber
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