2nd Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment

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TRAVEL

......In the U.K. during this period Trains were suffering overcrowding, railways would not allow commuters to board with baggage exceeding 112Ibs. Petrol was also scarce and rationed, so essential services could be maintained, petrol coupons could be drawn for to cover 300 miles, for 28 days and a further 75 miles coverage for another 7 days to a maximum of 700 miles.

FOOD

......The war torn country still relying heavily on rationing to meet the needs of many, milk and butter were smaller than ever and most people missed these the most, fish remained un-rationed and was a staple diet for many, for it is rich in protein and minerals, and oily fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, followed closely by potatoes which were also not rationed and contain most of the vitamins needed for sustenance

Rationing per person per week was as follows:-

Meat ½d worth = three medium chops or one small tin of bully.
Fats Lard 2 Ozs. - 8 Ozs.
Margerine 3 Ozs. - 8 Ozs.
Butter 3 Ozs. - 8 Ozs.
Sugar 8 Ozs.
Bacon 3 Ozs.
Cheese 3 Ozs.
Tea ½Lb. per month.
Preserves 1Lb. per month.
Sweets 12 Ozs. per month.

......Each person was also allowed 20 points per month to purchase canned goods, etc, a small tin of spam would require the use of twelve points, so as you can see from the above, the average housewife was a little miracle worker to keep a large family feed. I should also mention the rogue traders, “The Black Market”, which if you could afford their prices always lurked in the shadows, profiting or making do in hard times, who’s to say when we have not walked a mile in their shoes, what lengths would you go to, to look after your family?

CLOTHING

......All clothing, except women's hats, needed coupons and release personnel were no exception as they had only the clothes they stood up in and therefore received a book of coupons.
......In addition, they got 90 coupons which went part way in setting them up in Civiy Street. Below is an example of the worth of these coupons:-

1 Suit. = 26 Coupons.
1 Overcoat. = 18 Coupons.
1 Pr. Shoes. = 9 Coupons.
1 Shirt. = 5 Coupons.
1 Collar. = 1 Coupon.

......If a man ordered a suit to be made at a tailor's, he would get delivery in about one year. Good shoes and boots were hard to buy and were very expensive.

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