Object Number: 1995.4.163.2
This tin contains lifeboat and raft ration biscuits for emergencies. It was recovered from a beached lifeboat at Jumbo Cove on the Busen Peninsula, South Georgia alongside an identical ration tin. Both tins have been taped shut to keep the contents inside. The inscription on the front of the tin reads:
LIFEBOAT AND
RAFT RATION
BISCUITS
TO MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT
REQUIREMENTS
48 BISCUITS 1LB.
APPROXIMIATE WEIGHT
PACKED 8/58
CARR & CO LTD.
CARLISLE
The tin is unopened so it is uncertain what the 48 biscuits inside are like. It is likely they are hard tack biscuits made from flour water and salt. This type of biscuit is very dry, dense and shelf stable but not very tasty.
Alongside the two tins of ration biscuits was also boxes with glass jars of barley sugars wrapped in greaseproof paper (pictured below). These would have supplied much-needed energy and sugar to sailors lost at sea.