At the start of the Second World War the British Army was using two and four gallon pressed tin containers for fuel These were colloquially known as flimsies due to their habit of bursting open in use- indeed in the Western Desert up to 25% of fuel was lost due to the poor quality of the petrol tins The Germans were using a much superior pressed steel fuel can, which the British captured and put into use for themselves; hence the name ‘Jerrycan’ which has stuck ever since. Here we see soldiers in the Western Desert inspecting captured German cans:
Obviously the British Army could not fill its supply lines with just captured jerry cans so production of a close copy was started, the jerry cans being made of two pressed pieces of metal welded together:
This example dates from 1944 and has seen use by the British Army in the post war period:
The date ‘1944’ and the /|\ mark are impressed on the side:
Along with a manufacturers initial of ‘VM’:
I believe this refers to Vauxhall Motors, but I would welcome any confirmation. The sides of the can also have cross like indentations:
These not only strengthen the jerry can, but allow it to expand and contract as needed, preventing the seams form splitting. The top of the can has three handles, these allow it to be easily balanced when carried by either one person (using the centre handle) or when carried between two (using the two outer handles:
A short spout with a spring clipped lid is provided to allow easy pouring without the need for funnels or other equipment:
This can continued in use after the war, as indicated by a filling date of December 1952 painted on the lower portion of one side:
The can was used to carry OC600 Oil, and this is clearly marked on the can, with it in black lettering on a blue patch next to the spout:
And down the sides of the can:
OC600 is a thick oil used inside a gearbox or differential to keep it lubricated.
The sheer number of these jerry cans used and manufactured in World War Two is staggering, as witnessed by the huge fuel storage dumps set up in Normandy after the invasion:
Tales from the Supply Depot 
‘VM’ indeed means Vauxhall Motors. Most British cans seem to have been made by BMB (Briggs Motor Bodies, they also made helmets and other metal objects for the military) but there are a few other makers as well.
Most troops regarded Jerrycans as disposable items and the result was so many perfectly serviceable Jerrycans were discarded that the High Command had to issue an order to prevent troops dumping them as soon as they were empty.
I have a 1952 bmb Jerry can in excellent condition. Want to know what it’s worth
Thanks Randy let me know
Hi Randy. They are not that valuable, basically whatever someone is willing to pay for them as a serviceable jerry can! I wouldn’t expect to pay more than £10-£20 for a post war dated example.