rationing

Ration book with the serial number BK 761085 issued by the Ministry of Food, 1949–50. A system of rationing was set up by the British government during World War II to guard against shortages and as a means of distributing supplies more efficiently. The population was issued with ration books, which guaranteed food and other necessities on surrender of the appropriate coupon. The system persisted long after the war as the government struggled to repay its debts.

Clothing book with the serial number L 7961100 issued to a citizen by the British government, 1945–6. To regulate the retail trade during World War II, the British Board of Trade initiated clothes rationing to make sure that reduced supplies were fairly distributed. It operated on a flexible points system and continued for several years after the end of the hostilities.

National Registration Identity Card, first issued in Britain by the government during World War II as a basis for compulsory military service and then for rationing. The cards were used until 1960 in the call-up of men between the ages of 18 and 41 for peacetime national service.

Restricted allowance of provisions or other supplies in time of war or shortage. Food rationing was introduced in Germany and Britain during World War I. During World War II food rationing, organized by the government, began in Britain in 1940. Each person was issued with a ration book of coupons. Bacon, butter, and sugar were restricted, followed by other goods, including sweets, petrol, clothing, soap, and furniture. Many similar items were rationed in the USA, including sugar in both wars. The War Ration Book issued to Americans during World War II included meat, alcohol, and petrol. Some people in both countries tried to buy extra on the black market. In 1946, the world wheat shortage led to bread rationing. All food rationing finally ended in Britain in 1954. During the Suez Crisis of 1956, petrol rationing was reintroduced in Britain.