Rationing

From Historical Hastings

Whilst petrol was rationed almost from the beginning of WW2 on the 22nd of September 1939 with various amounts being allocated according to the size of the car, it was rapidly expanded to include foodstuffs in order to preserve food supply, many items were rationed and every individual had a 'ration' allocated stating what they were allowed to purchase and how much.

Dates items were rationed

29 Sep 1939 National Register was set up and Identity cards issued
8 Jan 1940 Rationing of the following foods began; Bacon, Butter, Ham & Sugar
Mar 1940 Meat was added to the ration list
July 1940 Cheese, cooking fats, margarine and tea were rationed
Mar 1941 Jam, Marmalade, Syrup and Treacle
Jun 1940 The distribution of eggs was controlled
21 Jun 1941 Clothes Rationing commenced
Aug 1941 An extra cheese ration for manual workers
Nov 1941 Milk distribution was controlled
Dec 1941 A points system for food was started and National dried milk introduced
Jan 1942 Dried fruit and rice added to points system
Feb 1942 Canned peas and tomatos
Apr 1942 Breakfast cereals and condensed milk added to points system
Jun 1942 Dried egg powder from America put on sale
Jul 1942 Sweets became rationed
Aug 1942 Biscuits added onto points system
Dec 1942 Oat flakes added to points system
Dec 1944 An extra tea allowance for people older than 70 years old
Jan 1945 Whalemeat and snœk available for sale
Jul 1946 Bread Rationed

Typical Ration in 1942[1]

Bacon & Ham 4 oz
Other meat value of 1 shilling[2] and 2 pence (equivalent to 2 chops)
Butter 2 oz
Cheese 2 oz
Margarine 4 oz
Cooking fat 4 oz
Milk 3 pints
Sugar 8 oz
Preserves 1 lb every 2 months
Tea 2 oz
Eggs 1 fresh egg (plus allowance of dried egg)
Sweets 12 oz every 4 weeks

References & Notes

  1. Rationing in World War Two, accessdate: 13 February 2020
  2. An explanation of old currency and coinage may be found at the following website Pre-decimal currency, accessdate: 16 June 2022