Troops relaxing at LOB Camp

Troops enjoying vino (wine) from a jerrycan at the left-out-of-battle (LOB) camp at Piedimonte d'Alife, Italy, 2 Feburary 1944.

The LOB system was a precautionary measure designed to allow infantry battalions to be quickly rebuilt if they suffered heavy casualties in battle. Before a major action, a number of key officers, NCOs and other personnel, as well as those who were unfit, would be designated LOB and held behind. In the event of disaster, these men would provide the nucleus of a new battalion. Often, one of the Māori Battalion's four rifle companies was left out of battle.