Rationing
Before the start of the Second World War approximately 70% of the food eaten in Britain was imported from the British Empire, The United States, South America and Europe.
Once the war began and German U-boats targeted supply convoys, food imports were drastically reduced. This led to rationing, increased domestic food production through initiatives like "Dig for Victory", and changes in the British diet.
For many families, wartime rations actually improved nutritional health.
In January 1940 war-time rationing began and did not end until February 1953 long after the war itself had ended.
For the next thirteen years various commodities were added and subtracted from the ration quota. While most high protein and high fats were strictly rationed, some foods were not, such as fish, vegetables and fruit. They were in short supply, however, and long queues were inevitable.
With every back yard in Britain under cultivation, and chicken coops taking the place of gazebos, meat was essentially unavailable
The last item to come off rationing was sweets (candy) and that was not until February 1953
For the next thirteen years various commodities were added and subtracted from the ration quota. While most high protein and high fats were strictly rationed, some foods were not, such as fish, vegetables and fruit. They were in short supply, however, and long queues were inevitable.
With every back yard in Britain under cultivation, and chicken coops taking the place of gazebos, meat was essentially unavailable
The last item to come off rationing was sweets (candy) and that was not until February 1953
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Did you know that when Princess Elizabeth (to become Queen Elizabeth II) married Prince Phillip in 1947, rationing was still in full force.
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Lord Woolton Pie
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Named after: Frederick Marquis, 1st Earl of Woolton, who was the Minister of Food in the UK from 1940 to 1943. Created at: The Savoy Hotel in London, by its famous chef Francis Latry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Food. First served in: 1941, during the height of rationing and U-boat attacks on supply ships. Purpose: To promote a nutritious, affordable, meat-free meal using homegrown vegetables and ingredients that were not heavily rationed. |
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Ingredients:
1lb cauliflower 1lb parsnips 1lb carrots 1lb potatoes Bunch of spring onions chopped 2 teaspoons of Marmite (yeast extract – or you can use a stock cube) Tablespoon of rolled oats Salt and pepper to taste once cooked. Parsley (fresh or dried) For the pastry: 8oz wholemeal/wholewheat flour 4oz mashed potato 3oz margarine or lard 2 tsp of baking powder couple large pinches of salt Dash of water if needed. |
Method:
1. Chop up the vegetables into chunks with those that take longest to cook into smaller pieces. 2. Place in pot and bring to simmer with just enough water to reach 3/4 of the way up the veg in the pot. 3. Add in Marmite and rolled oats, salt and pepper and cook until tender and most of the water has been absorbed. 4. Place mixture in deep pie dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley (or add dry parsley to mixture and mix in). 5. Make the pastry by mixing the flour with the baking powder and salt and then rubbing in the margarine. 6. Mix the mashed potato in to form a dough and knead (add a little water to the mixture if too dry). 7. Roll out to form pie crust and place on top and decorate then brush with milk. 8. Place in oven at 200C for 30 minutes or so until top is firm and browned. |
Make do and Mend
Clothes rationing was introduced in Britain in 1941 and affected almost every item of clothing.
Many items were banned including divided skirts, evening dresses, dinner gowns, cloaks, wraps, riding britches, and men’s waistcoats. The government introduced the men’s victory suit in one style only.
Clothes rationing was introduced in Britain in 1941 and affected almost every item of clothing.
Many items were banned including divided skirts, evening dresses, dinner gowns, cloaks, wraps, riding britches, and men’s waistcoats. The government introduced the men’s victory suit in one style only.
A new garment was created out of necessity and that was the siren suit. This one piece garment (with back flap) would fit over night clothes and could be thrown on as the sound of the air raid siren sent people running for the air raid shelter. Winston Churchill was an early adapter of the suit and wore it frequently.
Women’s clothing changed drastically to reflect the shortage of fabric. Skirts became shorter, flowing scarves and draped fabrics were out of the question and the result was a distinctive fashion with a military vibe.
And what could be better than a designer handbag for your gas mask?
With coupons limited and children growing out of their clothes, women turned to the government for help and received advice on how to “Make Do and Mend”. You will note that they had to pay threepence for the information.
Do you want to try out some of the advice? Here is what you can do with an old wooly jumper (sweater). Be prepared for a colorful result that will set your friends talking.
Do you want to try out some of the advice? Here is what you can do with an old wooly jumper (sweater). Be prepared for a colorful result that will set your friends talking.
