First World War Rationing Papers

Official documents relating to rationing of food and petrol during the First World War, 1914-1918, (three folders and one bundle). Comprises order books, orders, leaflets, memoranda, envelopes, forms, ration books, cards and coupons, certificates, shopping cards and tickets, etc. Most of the documents are blanks but among the forms are applications for food cards from the University College of North Wales, the Normal College, the North Wales Training College and the Bangor County School for Girls. One ration book and two licences for motor spirit bear the name of Lady Hughes-Hunter, Plas Coch, Llanedwen.

During the First World War food shortages were not a major problem on the home front until December 1916 when, in response to submarine warfare and growing shortages, a food controller was appointed. The resulting rise in food prices and queues caused industrial unrest in 1917 and 1918. After June 1917 government took control of home production and imports and rationing of sugar, fats and meat was introduced in 1918 and continued until 1920. The system was based on individual flat-rate rations, and each person had to register with a particular retailer who received supplies in proportion to registrations.

Material is arranged in chronological order and incorporated into the General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts .

Open to all users

Description compiled by Anne Lenaghan, April 2002.

Item level word-processed list is available at the Archives Department of the University of Wales, Bangor. Reference numbers: General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts: 29167-29170

Usual copyright conditions apply. Reprographics are made at the discretion of the Archivist.

Zweiniger-Bargielowska, Ina Austerity in Britain Oxford University Press, (2000) was used in compilation of material on food rationing for the administrative history section.