Ration books

Rationing

In the second World War food ration books were issued to everyone in January 1940. Rations varied throughout the War according to supply and in the post-war period, rations for some goods were cut even further (e.g. Bread was rationed for the first time in July 1946). Meat was the last product to be de-rationed, in July 1954.

ItemFirst RationedDe-Rationed
Tea 19401952
Sugar 19401953
Cream 19401953
Butter 19401954
Meat 19401954
Petrol 19401950
Shell Eggs 19411953
Cheese 19411954
Clothes 19411949
Jam 19411948
Sweets 19421953
Bread 19461948

FOOD RATIONING

Rations varied throughout the War according to supply. The following table quotes the lowest 1940 rations, per person per week.

Bacon and ham 4 oz
Sugar 8 oz
Tea 2 oz
Meat 1/10d
Butter 2 oz
Cheese 1 oz
Margarine 4 oz
Cooking fats 2 oz
SOAP WAS ALSO RATIONED:
Hard soap 4 oz
Toilet soap or flakes 3 oz
Soap powder 6 oz
Soft soap 6 oz
 
POINTS VALUE
Luncheon meat 16
Sardines 16
Canned fruit 8
Baked beans 4
Condensed milk 8
Cereals 4
Rice, Sago, Tapioca 2
Dried peas, lentils 2
Dried fruits 8
Biscuits 4
Dried eggs 1 packet per week
Oranges limited to expectant mothers
Onions 1 lb per person
(People who grew their own were requested not to buy onions).

CLOTHES RATIONING

MEN AND BOYS

Each man, woman and child had 66 clothing coupons to last a year.

 AdultChild
Unlined mackintosh or cape 97
Other mackintoshes, or raincoat, or overcoat1611
Coat, or jacket, or blazer or like garment 138
Waistcoat, pull-over, cardigan or jersey 53
Trousers (other than fustian or corduroy) 86
Fustian or corduroy trousers 55
Shorts 53
Overalls, or dungarees or like garment 64
Dressing-gown or bathing - gown 86
Nightshirt or pair of pyjamas 86
Shirt, or combinations - woollen 86
Shirt, or combinations - other material 54
Pants, or vest, or bathing costume, or child's blouse42
Pair of socks or stockings 31
Collar, or tie, or pair of cuffs 11
Two handkerchiefs 11
Scarf, or pair of gloves or mittens 22
Pair of slippers or goloshes 42
Pair of boots or shoes 73
Pair of leggings, gaiters or spats 32

CLOTH - Coupons needed per yard depended on the width of the material

CLOTHES RATIONING

WOMENS AND GIRLS

 AdultChild
Lined mackintosh or coat (over 28 in long) 1411
Jacket or short coat (under 28 in long) 118
Dress, gown or frock - woollen 118
Dress, gown or frock - other material 75
Gym tunic or girl's skirt with bodice 86
Blouse, sports shirt, cardigan or jumper 53
Skirt or divided skirt 75
Overalls, dungarees or like garment 64
Apron or pinafore 32
Pyjamas 86
Nightdress 65
Petticoat, slip, com-bination or cami-knickers 43
Other undergarments, including corsets 32
Pair of stockings 21
Pair of socks (ankle length) 11
Collar, tie or pair of cuffs 11
Two handkerchiefs 11
Scarf, pair of gloves or mittens or muff 22
Pair of slippers, boots or shoes 53

KNITTING WOOL - 1 coupon for two ounces.

“ MUSRUM is terribly afraid of sponge-cats.”

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