Why do the men recieve double rations?

The men have been fighting at the front in a very exhausting and deadly battle. Nearly half of the men have died during the fighting, but the cook has prepared food for the entire group. Ultimately they get to eat the share that was reserved for the others who did not return.

The men receive double rations because there were 150 men the day the previous day, so the cook made food for 150 men. After the battle there was only 80 men left, and tons of food left over....