Were condoms included in WWII survival gear?

[Jean-Loup]

Hi. After finding condoms with the bodies of German soldiers on the eastern front, I have been having numerous discussions about what these condoms were actually for in the WWII era. My opinion is that in WWII they were given out for STD prevention, and extremely rarely used for other purposes such as keeping items dry or being put over weapon barrels. I believe it is only after WWII that non sexual use became more widespread, however movies such as the Big Red One have spread a sort of urban legend that condoms were used to protect weapon barrels all the time, and even that this is what condoms were distributed for.

 Here is my question, is it true that condoms were included in WWII survival gear for the purpose of being used to transport water? Or are they only found in post WWII survival gear?

 

Below, the three photos that I have been able to locate showing condoms on US weapons during WWII, thanks to the help of youtube viewers.

 

JL

 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JHeQEh86NLg

[RWW]

Yes, they were. Below is a picture of one of the 2 flasks from the E-17 sustenance kit flask. The flask itself was designed to be the water container, and the prophylactic (condom) was included to put items in to keep them dry. You can see: PROPHYLACTICS - For waterproofing purposes. listed as one of the components.

[JohnK83882]

in Big Red One, they were also talking about mixing saltpeter in with their rations. Interesting since saltpeter really doesn't do anything to reduce desire.

[Jean-Loup]

Thanks a lot for posting that.