Originating in Germany in the 1930s, a jerrycan or jerrican is a fuel container crafted from pressed steel. Initially developed for military purposes, it was created to store 20 liters of fuel and became extensively utilized by both Germany and the Allies throughout the Second World War.
In Germany, the jerrycan, originally called “Wehrmacht-Einheitskanister”, was initially conceived in 1937 by the Müller engineering company in Schwelm under the guidance of their chief engineer Vinzenz Grünvogel. In order to meet the necessary filling and draining requirements, the jerrycan was equipped with a sizable spout and a flip-top closure. A hole in the closure retainer allowed for the attachment of a securing pin or wire along with a lead seal. Its rectangular design facilitated stacking, while the recessed welded seam provided reinforcement and safeguarded the container from impact. Additionally, indentations were incorporated to prevent significant damage if a full can fell from a vehicle, and a protective dip coat of paint on the interior shielded it from corrosion.
The term “jerrycan” derives from its German roots, with “Jerry” being a colloquial term for Germans. The container’s superior design didn’t go unnoticed. American engineer Paul Pleiss instrumental in bringing the design to the US military’s attention. Despite initial neglect, the US Army and Marine Corps eventually redesigned and used it, which became vital to their operations. President Franklin Roosevelt acknowledged its importance, reportedly saying, “Without these cans it would have been impossible for our armies to cut their way across France at a lightning pace which exceeded the German Blitzkrieg of 1940.”
The British Army, upon encountering the jerrycan during the Norwegian Campaign in 1940, also recognized its superiority over their own containers, which often leaked. They too began using captured jerrycans. The triple handles allowed for easier transport by one or two individuals. Instead of a traditional screw cap, the jerrycans featured a cam lever release mechanism along with a short spout that was fastened with a snap closure. Additionally, an air-pipe connected to the air pocket facilitated seamless pouring, although this feature was absent in certain replicas. The interior was coated with a waterproof plastic material, initially designed for steel beer barrels, allowing the container to be utilized for storing water or petrol. The can was welded and included a gasket to ensure a leak-proof seal.
The Soviets likewise recognized the jerrycan’s strength. The jerrycan’s design was eventually replicated, and the Soviet Army adopted it as the official standard liquid container. Even today, this container continues to be manufactured and employed in contemporary Russia. In civilian settings, it is predominantly utilized for storing automotive fuel and lubricants.
While the jerrycan has evolved over the years, The iconic German-designed jerrycan remains the standard container for fuel and various liquids in the armed forces of NATO countries. In 1970, Finnish designer Eero Rislakki introduced a plastic jerrycan featuring a compact screwable stopper positioned on the top side behind the handle to facilitate air intake for a seamless fuel outflow. This innovative design, lighter than the original version but nearly as robust, was promptly embraced by the Finnish military and is now accessible for commercial purchase.