Need Help Identifying WWI Canteen Cover Markings

[Joec03]

I have a WWI Canteen and on the cover it says faintly "??? DEPT US". The question marks I can't make out what letters they are. There's 3 or so letters but they're stained/faint. I know the WWI soldier served in the Red Cross Ambulance Company No. 11. Anyone have any idea what the first word could possibly be?

 

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[atb]

My first thought is "MED" for medical. The "U.S." is not part of the unit designation. A "U.S." was marked on all (or was supposed to be) Army field equipment.

[TrenchRat]

I at one time has a WWII dated haversack marked "MED. DEP."

The markings look similar...

 

TR

[atb]

TrenchRat, yours is "MED. DET." for Medical Detachment, not DEPT or DEP for Department.

[TrenchRat]

Oh! Ok...thought the marking was just worn away...

Thanks atb...

[doyler]

The canteen could even been something used post WW1 or between WW1 and WW11

[Joec03]

It's marked RIA 1917 and has RIA vertical welded seam canteen. Also, was purchased from the daughter of the WWI veteran.

 

The canteen could even been something used post WW1 or between WW1 and WW11