Field kitchen

Field kitchen is a mobile kitchen used by military to provide warm food to the troops near the frontline or in temporary encampments.

Form

The first field kitchens were carried by military units on campaign in four-wheeled wagons (in civilian life, they became known as chuckwagons. By the 20th Century, smaller two-wheeled trailers, became common. The Germans came to refer to their field kitchens as "Gulaschkanone" (Goulash Cannons) because the chimney of the stove resembled ordnance pieces when disassembled and limbered for towing.

Larger trailers have evolved as horses were phased out in favour of motorized vehicles more capable of towing heavier loads. The larger mobile kitchens (now commonly called "flying kitchens" because of the greater speed with which they can be deployed) can service entire battalions of troops.

See also

*Canteen bottle and military canteen
*Field ration
*Mess, mess kit