Ed: I am certain that they did carry bread in them as it was basically a rations bag. The "bread bag" has been around a long time, existing in virtually the same design through WWI, WWII and used by both the East and West German forces thereafter. Every foot shoulder was issued one. It was a water repellant canvas bag used by the troop to carry his rations and small items; fat container, fork-spoon, tablet-fuel stove, the individual weapons cleaning kit, dust googles,flashlight, trench candle, compass, field cap, extra matches, tabacco, playing cards, or anything else that wasn't put in the tunic pocket. It had loops for attachment to the cartridge belt. An all-purpose shoulder strap was also provided, however, they seemed to be used for a myriad of other purposes.
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