"Soyer" army portable catering stove

"Soyer" army portable catering stove, based on design by Alexis Soyer first used during the Crimean War, consisting of metal cylinder with enclosed grate for solid fuel in bottom and tinned cooking boiler above, with hinged lid, chimney and cowl, English, 1953

Named after its inventor, celebrated French chef Alexis Soyer, the Soyer stove revolutionised catering provision in the British Army. The stoves were first used during the Crimean War (1853-1856), and their simple and economical design proved so successful that variants remained in use for more than 120 years. One sealed unit could provide food for 50 men in all weathers, using a fraction of the fuel required by open fires. The stoves also served as space heaters.