Answers to Questions by Yair Davidiy (1 November 2017, 12 Heshbon, 5778)
Why was the chocolate bar very popular for soldier snacking when they went to combat during WW1 and WW2?
https://www.quora.com/Why-was-the-chocolate-bar-very-popular-for-soldier-snacking-when-they-went-to-combat-during-WW1-and-WW2/answer/Yair-Davidiy
When I was younger I spent some time in different military frameworks.
Mostly I WAS NOT a success but towards the end I got better.
By nature I am a shirker. My idea from youth up of relaxation was to lay down with a good history book.
Nevertheless fate would have it otherwise. In hindsight I see I was often to an above average degree under exceptional physical and psychological pressure.
One of our training officers in one framework told me that the most important item in the ration pack was the chocolate bar. I thought it was the coffee. Later in other situations at times of exertion I had intermittent cravings for sweet things especially chocolate bars etc.
There were others like me but we were a minority. Perhaps a genetic factor is involved?
Even now in my more senior years and second (or third?) childhood at times of tension a chocolate bar often helps.
Chocolate is sweet, it nourishes, it allays hunger, it contains caffeine, it gives an energy boost, it does not require preparation, it does not take time to devour, and it is vaguely reminiscent of home comforts.