Great Britain was dependant upon imported foodstuffs to feed its population. Much of this imported food came from the countries of the Empire and the USA, mostly by sea. It had been demonstrated during the First World War that a blockade of of the nation's shipping routes by the enemy (principally by submarines) soon led to serious food shortages. The fear that the population would starve was very real, the Government took steps to increase food production. By 1938, war in Europe seemed inevitable and drawing on the experiences of the First World War, the Government began planning a food control policy – known as rationing it was designed to ensure that everybody had a fair share of basic foodstuffs.

Ration books were printed and a registration system devised. In Clacton, the Urban District Council was instructed by the Ministry of Food to raise a Local Food Control Committee and to open an Area Food Office (which was located in the Town Hall) in order to oversee the supply of food in the town. The Committee comprised 10 members, representing all classes of consumer, with at least 2 women. In addition, the following shopkeepers were co-opted: Mr F Leaver - grocer, Mr F G Roberts - butcher, Mr H H Gladwell - Manager Co-op, Mr F E Moore - baker, and

Mr F Baxfield - fishmonger.

At the end of September 1939, ration books were issued, and the imminent introduction of food rationing was announced at the beginning of November - the public was told to register with their chosen suppliers before 23rd November. Rationing of bacon, butter and sugar began on 8th January 1940, meat rationing was introduced on 11th March and other commodities followed soon after. Food rationing lasted throughout the war, and the last item to be taken off ration was sweets in 1954!

Tim Underwood