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History of Army Catering Corps

The Army Catering Corps (ACC) was a specialist corps of the British Army formed in 1941 during the Second World War, tasked with providing catering services and ensuring the nutrition and wellbeing of soldiers in the field. Initially, army catering was managed by regimental cooks, but the increasing complexity and scale of modern warfare highlighted the need for a dedicated corps. The ACC rapidly professionalized army catering, introducing structured training, standardized menus, and improved food hygiene standards. The corps served in numerous conflicts, supporting troops worldwide until 1993, when it was amalgamated into the Royal Logistic Corps as part of a wider reorganization of army support services.

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ABOUT Army Catering Corps

  • Formation Date: The Army Catering Corps (ACC) was officially formed as a distinct corps of the British Army on 22 March 1941 to professionalize and improve food services for soldiers during World War II.
  • Predecessor: Before its formation, army catering was handled by regimental cooks and civilian contractors, often leading to poor quality and inconsistent meals.
  • World War II Impact: The ACC played a crucial role during WWII, ensuring troops were well-fed under challenging conditions, from the deserts of North Africa to the jungles of Burma.
  • Celebrity Chef Connection: Famous British celebrity chef Keith Floyd served in the Army Catering Corps, which he credited as having taught him valuable cooking skills.
  • Corps Motto: The ACC’s motto was We Sustain, reflecting their vital role in supporting the fighting strength and morale of the army.
  • Training School: The corps established the Army School of Catering in Aldershot, which became the center for culinary excellence and innovation within the British Army.
  • Royal Patronage: In 1963, the ACC was granted the honor of the title 'Royal' by Queen Elizabeth II, becoming the Royal Army Catering Corps (RACC).
  • Innovative Field Kitchens: The ACC developed mobile field kitchens and rations, such as the “Compo Ration,” to enable hot meals close to the front line.
  • Integration into RLC: In 1993, as part of army reorganization, the ACC was amalgamated into the Royal Logistic Corps, ending its existence as a separate corps.
  • Legacy: The skills and traditions of the ACC live on in today's army, with many former members now running successful restaurants and catering businesses, and the corps' history celebrated at the Royal Logistic Corps Museum.

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