A Tommy cooker was a compact, portable stove, fuelled by something referred to as solidified alcohol which was issued to British troops in World War I. It was notoriously ineffective; one soldier complained that it took two hours to boil half a pint of water. A variety of commercial or improvised alternatives were in use. A refined version remained in use during World War II, using gelled fuel in a tin can; a steel ring fitted to the can supported a mess tin. Until recently the British army still used compact portable solid fuel stoves, until replaced by the BCB Fire Dragonalcohol gel fuel stove. The term also came to be applied by the Germantank crews as a derogatory nickname for the Sherman tank whose earlier models acquired a reputation for bursting up in flames when hit, due to improper ammunition storage.
WWI "Rations Heater - Personal Cooker"
The British cookers were made by Tommy's Cooker Co., Limited, The Little Kitchener Co. and the "Pals" Cooker by Matthias Jackson & Sons.
"ThePALS" Cooker. The name "ThePALS" is our registered trade mark. "ThePALS" Kettle or Pan rests is our registered design. -- Solidified Spirit Pocket Stove for the "Pals" at the Front! -- Far awaythe BEST STOVE Made. -- Hot water and food quickly and easily prepared by using "THE PALS" COOKER! Superior quality. Clean and powerful. A new design. Compact and handy. A welcome gift. -- "The composition of this solid spirit is a new and exclusive preparation."—COMPLETE STOVE RETAILS at 1/- EACH. REFILLS RETAIL AT 1/- and 2/- PER TIN. -- Sole Manufacturers: MATTHIAS JACKSON & SONS, Shepley Street Works, London Road, Manchester.
TOMMY'S COOKER. -- A Marvel of Simplicity & Utility—Is the most welcome gift to soldiers in the trenches... Give him one before he leaves for the front....For preparing food out of doors it is perfection. -- Used by the British, Belgian and French Army in the Field, and the Red Cross Society. -- Price, 1/- Refills, 2/- ADVANTAGES.—1. Wind does not blow it out. 2. Composition unaffected by weather or climate. 3. Stand carries heavy pots or pans. -- Tommy's Cooker Co. Ld. -- Works 31 Carburton St., London, W.
Little Kitchener Trench Cooker—Blackie Brand Always Best—Jelled fuel "Blackie Brand" Patent Tommy Cooker that has seen use from the Sudan of the 1880s. -- Sole Proprietor Robert Blackie of London
WWII "Rations Heater - Personal Cooker"
British cookers used by individuals were generally known as Tommy Cookers and came in a number of different forms. The two most popular designs used were: Cylindrical tin container, an inscription reads; "SOLID FUEL COOKER, INSTRUCTIONS INSIDE". The tin is black and measures 4 1/2" in height and 2 1/2" in diameter. The entire item weighs 309g. The instructions inside are like a newspaper cutting and say the following;
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
1. Remove stand from this container and open out legs equally.
2. Place on level non-inflammable surface.
3. Remove metal disc from this container and fix on stand immediately above hinge so that the three slots cut in the edge of disc lock firmly on legs of stand.
4. Place one fuel tablet on metal disc and ignite with match, lighter etc.
5. To extinguish, tip tablet off stand and cover with lid.
6. If greater heat required, break tablet into two or more pieces and stand these upright on the disc. If less heat required, break off small piece and use instead of whole tablet.
NOTES
It is essential to shield cooker from all draughts, using box, tin etc. or heating may be carried out in a shallow trench.
If used in a covered accommodation, allow adequate ventilation to assist combustion and to remove fumes.
