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Wwi / Ration Books
RATIONING National ration books from the Ministry of Food
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Media ID 614806
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10095207
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the spirit of wartime Britain during World War I, as citizens eagerly await the arrival of their National Ration Books issued by the Ministry of Food. The rationing system was implemented in January 1918 as a response to the food shortages caused by the ongoing conflict. With the country at war, imports of food were disrupted, and domestic production could not keep up with the demand. The Ministry of Food, established in 1917, was responsible for managing the distribution of food supplies and implementing the rationing system. Each family was issued a ration book, which contained coupons that could be exchanged for essential food items such as bread, meat, sugar, and milk. The number of coupons allocated depended on the size of the family and the number of dependents. The photo shows a long line of people, mostly women, waiting patiently outside a local post office or other distribution center to collect their ration books. The anticipation and sense of community are palpable as they gather together, some chatting with neighbors while others read or knit to pass the time. The scene is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the British people during the war, as they adapted to the challenges of rationing and made do with limited resources to support the war effort. This historical photograph offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in British history, as the country came together to face the hardships of wartime and ensure the survival of its people. The National Ration Books were a symbol of unity and resilience, and their distribution marked an important step towards victory in World War I.
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