World’s Feeding Record
The system holds the world’s record for feeding the largest number of men in the shortest period of time, ashore or afloat. Nine thousand men in an average time of ninety minutes were fed. The best time, however, for the same number of men was sixty-seven minutes; this means that during the messing one soldier was served a ration every thirty-six seconds.
It must be remembered that these huge commissary problems has been solved with deep thought and precision, overcoming the enormous difficulties presented on shipboard by the confined space and the mass of floating population equal that of a large town or small city.
On the afternoon of December 14th, the day previous to the starting on that historical first trip, the first meal was served. Previous to serving this meal, the carefully planned organization had to be put into operation. This required numerous army details for messing, kitchen work and working parties. These reported to the commissary office and after being properly stationed were given instructions to carry on the messing.
This was done about two hours after the troops were embarked and the mess movement was started in the troop mess hall. There were many hitches in the mess movement to the serving stations, but all the troops were fed in about two and one half hours and after the second day the messing organization “shook down” so well, that the Commissary Department was able to report that the messing system was a success. In fact, the first meal had not been going ten minutes when it was realized, much to the relief and joy of those who had worked so hard on the fitting out the messing organization, that the system planned was very effective. One strict rule had to be made in connection with the embarkation, which was that no meals would be served until all messing details were stationed, and although it seemed harsh, an amusing incident proved its value. Soldiers are akin to sailors, inasmuch as they are blessed with healthy appetites, so that invariably when troops arrive aboard they are hungry, and if not restrained naturally gravitate to the kitchen. The first troops aboard followed their natural instincts and wormed their way into the galley. Their tales of hunger told to the sailor-cooks in the galley so worked on their sympathies that a relief party began issuing sandwiches. In a few minutes by some mysterious way the good news was passed that the good-natured sailors were handing out “chow” and in about ten minutes a thousand hungry troopers were crowded into the galley clamoring for “eats.” The resulting confusion almost upset the embarkation and a hurried S. O. S. to the army headquarters was made to get the soldiers to clear the galley. It is needless to say that the galley cooks never allowed their good nature to get the best of them again during other embarkations.
Although the start was splendid it must not be thought that it was plain sailing on following days for the Commissary Department. In fact, it was much to the contrary and the men who had the responsibility of the undertaking speak of that trip as a nightmare.
The winter days were short and war conditions required that nearly all lights, inside the ship and out, must be extinguished one hour before sunset. This condition meant that most of the work had to be done in almost total darkness. No refuse could be disposed of until one hour after sunset and all wood had to be burned. The men detailed for this purpose were compelled to grope their way about a strange ship in the dark.
The galley and bake shop were conducted under much the same conditions, but the troops were fed. The Leviathan’s standard bill-of-fare was carried out in every detail.