What Is a Jerry Can?

A jerry can is a type of container originally designed for military application. Commonly the jerry can is used for fuel, but it is also used to carry water and other essential liquids.

Features

Jerry cans were originally flat, made of steel and capable of holding about 5 gallons (20 liters). The container was fit with three handles, an air enclosure to ensure floating and a strong interior plastic lining.

Invention

Jerry cans were invented in Germany under Adolf Hitler's orders. The dictator saw a need for convenient gasoline containers for his panzer divisions that would reduce fuel loss during combat.

Name

The British named the containers "jerry cans" after "jerry," a British army slang term for "German" that was popularly used during the two World Wars.

Expansion

Paul Pleiss, an American engineer, received several jerry cans and manufacturing instructions from a German engineer. While the U.S. military ignored his contribution, the British Army accepted it and began manufacturing containers of their own.

Post-World War II

In the years following World War II the jerry can became a ubiquitous item commonly available for purchase. In the 1980s plastic jerry cans were being manufactured.

References

• AmericanHeritage.com
• Olive-Drab
• Online Etymology Dictionary

Resources

• History of World War II