Emergency rations. A cylindrical tin with a ring pull band opener round the centre. On an associated postcard: ' Emergency ration, issued to the Natal Naval Volunteers in Ladysmith, South Africa during the siege in 1900, brought back by A. McDonnel who had served in the City Imperial Volunteers. Later became CPO, London RNVR.' The can has a label on either end: 'COCOA PASTE 5oz, the paste can be eated dry with or without biscuit' and 'CONCENTRATED BEEF' (the rest of the labels are illegible).