I think Rob has the correct answer...German factories were also employed on maintenance work for the occupying forces...It was definitely the case that the allies were worried about Communism replacing Fascism and restoring the German economy was seen as a way of avoiding that...Think the Marshall plan....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Here are 2x jerry cans, both made by Brose & Co, Coburg, Germany, left one dated 1942 and made for the Wehrmacht, the right one postwar dated and made for the British War Department.