Ration Book for 1952-1953.
I have kept the Ration Book that was still being used after the war. The book is identical to the ones each individual was given during the war. When any serviceman came home on leave they were given a card, which had the relevant pieces cut out when for instance, cheese, meat and other items were purchased.
Clothing coupons also were given out. As I remember you saved up to buy shoes. As a child can remember my mother purchasing Wooden clogs which I think had been imported. I do remember they were uncomfortable. Also my grandmother bought whale meat and soaked it overnight before cooking it.
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Oh yes – the whale meat! I remember buying that from a butcher on Bond Street. It was horrible but it fed our dog sometimes (no pet foods back in those days). And rabbit meat, which we ate. And the confectioner shop on Duke Street would take sugar ration coupons for sweets which were also rationed.
With reference to whale meat. If my memory serves me right, I think this used to be known as snooks and it was horrible. As for rabbit, it is now regarded as first class meal. I have two wild rabbits in my freezer.
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