Water in kerosene cans.

[Rockturner]

Do any members have any views or opinions concerning the filling of kerosene cans for the purpose of transporting drinking water to Gallipoli. As a by-product of crude oil, and therefore a hydrocarbon, it is listed as a toxin. It is to be wondered to what degree these empty kerosene cans were cleaned prior to being filled with fresh water; and what if any effects it had on the men's health whilst at Gallipoli or in the long term. Perhaps a good question for any of medical people in the group.

Rockturner

[charlie962]

Have a look at this thread on (almost) same subject: 

"Kerosene cans [not petrol] for carrying water - Other Equipment - The Great War (1914-1918) Forum" https://www.greatwarforum.org/topic/291780-kerosene-cans-not-petrol-for-carrying-water/#comment-3027869 

And a particular comment from @Chasemuseum in this thread.

"Paraffin - Other Equipment - The Great War (1914-1918) Forum" https://www.greatwarforum.org/topic/296190-paraffin/#comment-3096516

Edited 8 August , 2022 by charlie962

[chaz]

many pictures on the interweb of petrol cans being carried with water in as well, no black painted cans like today, water had to be carried to the front line in whatever could be found.

[pete-c]

On 08/08/2022 at 07:08, Rockturner said:

Do any members have any views or opinions concerning the filling of kerosene cans for the purpose of transporting drinking water to Gallipoli. As a by-product of crude oil, and therefore a hydrocarbon, it is listed as a toxin. It is to be wondered to what degree these empty kerosene cans were cleaned prior to being filled with fresh water; and what if any effects it had on the men's health whilst at Gallipoli or in the long term. Perhaps a good question for any of medical people in the group.

Rockturner

HMS Ark Royal, 17 October 1915, Kephalo Bay.  8.15AM: "Hands employed cleaning out petrol tins."  5.00PM: "Watch employed filling 700 petrol tins with fresh water"  18 October 1915: 12AM: (midday) "Loading 1,400 gallons fresh water (in petrol tins) on to lighter"  12.20PM: Lighter left in tow of tug No.19." 

The tins referred to would have been the standard 2 gallon containers of the period used to carry the aviation/motor spirit employed in Ark Royal's aircraft.