Figure 1.--Here wee see Britains first bananas8in 1946 after 6 years of war. Fresh fruts and vegetabkes were not ratiined during Wirld War II. Bananas and other fruits like orangdes and lenons not griown in ritain virtually disappeared. Yonger British children began thinking ghat the bananas that their parents mentioned were a myth. Here we see a scene in Bethnal Green (east London) showing smiling consumers (including some very interested children) queueing for the first shipment of bananas since the War. Desides the banasda we also see beetroot and indication of Britain's sirry state after the War.

Every Britain, man, woman and child (including babies), were issued with a ration card/booklet and a National Registration card (an identity card). The Government very early in the War took this action based on their World War I experience and knowing that Germany lost the war because they gave inadequate attention to food production and distribution. The concern was that as food and other items became difficult to obtain, prices would increase and working-class Britons might not be able to afford necessities, especially food. There was also the concern that some were hoard what was available, leaving others without what was needed. The Rationing was implemented to make sure ensure that every Brit got a fair fair of what was needed. This began with National Registration Day (September 19, 1939). Every British householder had to fill out a form with details as to who lived in the house. The system was implemented (January 8, 1940). Based on the National Registration Day, the Government issued every individual (man, woman, and child) with an identity card and ration book. Families or individual registered with local shops (there were no supermarkets yet). The shops were stamped in the book and you could only claim your rations from those suppliers. The Rationing Books had coupons that were cut out or signed by the shopkeeper when redeemed. Individuals and families thus could only buy the allotted amount. Thus only allowed the item to be purchased, if it as available. There was no guarantee that it would be available. The shopper had to pay for the item as in pre-War times. There were different colored ration books. This was designed to make sure that different groups (especially children) got the right amount and types of food needed for basic health needs. Buff/light brown colored ration books were for most adults. Green ration books were for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 5 years old. Green book holders had the first choice of fruit, a daily pint of milk and a double supply of eggs. Blue ration books were for children and youths between 5 and 16 years of age. It was deemed important for growing children to have fruit, a full meat ration and half a pint of milk a day. Special attention was given to milk. Milk was supplied at 3 imperial pints (1.7 liters) each week with priority for expectant mothers and children under 5 years of age. There were 3.5 imp pt (2.0 L) for children and youth under 18. This was in addition to the milk they received at school. Children not attending school got 5 imp pt (2.8 L). Adults received one can of powdered milk (equivalent to 8 imperial pints or 4.5 liters) every 8 weeks. 【Ministry of Information】 The coupons in the ration books varied over time and were based on Ministry of Food assessments. The coupons were increased or decreased based on the supply of the commodity involved. Potatoes were strictly rationed. Onions were rarely available. Oranges and bananas which were not grown in Britain were a rare treat. At the end of the war, few younger children knew what a banana was. Some thought them a myth. A popular music-hall song written after World War I reappeared--"Yes! We Have No Bananas". Rationed food included included meat (including bacon), and cooking fat, milk and powdered milk, cheese, eggs, sugar, and tea, and coffee. The tea ration was especially important as it was son commonly drunk. Other rationed items included jam, biscuits (cookies), breakfast cereals, canned and dried fruit. Not all of these items were rationed at once, but by August 1942, most foods in high demand were rationed. Not all food was rationed. Pasta (macaroni) was never rationed. Fish was not rationed, but the perils of going to sea in war time meant that the supply was limited. Fresh fruit and most veggies were not rationed, but supplies were limited. Bread was not rationed during the War, but there was downside. White bread disappeared and what was produced was the 'national loaf'. This was wholemeal bread. People found it to be mushy, grey,, There were reports of indigestion problems. 【Calder, pp. 276–77.】 Customers were allowed to purchase fur loaves. Slicing and wrapping was not permitted. 【Otter. p. 159.】 Food was not the only rationed items. Other rationed items was clothing and footwear. Gas/petrol and oil was very strictly rationed, being a critical war material, but car ownership while the highest in Europe, was less common than in America.

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Sources

Calder, Angus. The People's War: Britain 1939–45 (New ed.). (Pimlico: 1992).

Ministry of Information. Home Front Handbook (1945).

Otter, Chris. Diet for a Large Planet ( University of Chicago Press:2020).

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Last updated: 8:18 PM 1/28/2023