Agreed. The biggest dilemma is that we don't have a clear idea of the consistency of the protein intake by servicemen. In the RN, when blockading duties were in force, sailors and marines were fed fairly regularly. When a good way from supply vessels at sea, food, if still in good condition, could run low. Likewise in the army, when in cantonment or in controlled manoeuvres, the commissariat could supply the force, but when in retreat or dispersal, this was was difficult. Beer was too bulky to transport on land, but stored for the navy. for land forces, biscuit was the staple food, with variable quality meat from driven cattle (which could become rather lean!) or salted beef, so carbs and limited protein and significant exercise ensured, as you point out, that there was little obesity in the army. Scurvy was apparently rare in campaigns in the Caribbean or in Iberia, given availability of fresher fruit and vegetables. Grain supply relied on adequate harvests and often supply from far afield, eg North Africa and Scandinavia. Given the enormous challenges for the force commanders, government and supply agents, it is impressive how often the armed services were adequately fed. Michael.