rationing of clothing during the Second World War

 

We all know of the food rationing coupons that were issued during World War 2, but most of us are unaware of the clothing coupons.

Need a warm coat or hat? 

Think how hard it would have been during World War 2 when you would have to check how many coupons you had left to purchase the items?

Was not always about how much money was left in the wallet!

You were issued 112 coupons per year per adult.

To 'purchase' a mans hat it was 6 coupons, a pair of socks was 4 coupons, a ladies dressing gown was 15 coupons and a coat was 27 coupons.

 

The main reasons for clothing rationing were the serious falling off in imports, increased Service demands, and reduced labour for local production of textiles and making up of garments. 

in a shop window during WW2

Rationing regulations for food and clothing were gazetted on 14 May 1942. Rationing was introduced to manage shortages and control civilian consumption. It aimed to curb inflation, reduce total consumer spending, and limit impending shortages of essential goods. The broad reasoning behind the introduction of rationing was to ensure the equitable distribution of food and clothing. It was also hoped that a cut on consumer spending would lead to an increase in savings, which in turn could be invested in war loans.

Australians were never as short of food nor rationed as heavily as civilians in the United Kingdom. Rationing was enforced by the use of coupons and was limited to clothing, tea, sugar, butter, and meat. From time to time, eggs and milk were also rationed under a system of priority for vulnerable groups during periods of shortage.

Rationing was administered by the Rationing Commission. The basis for policing food rationing was through the surrender of coupons before rationed goods could be supplied. This had to occur between traders as well as consumers. Coupons were passed back from consumers to retailers, from retailers to wholesalers, and in many cases from wholesalers to producers, who were requested to return them to the commission.

Breaches of rationing regulations were punishable under the general provisions of National Security Regulations by fines of to £100 or up to six-months imprisonment. Responding to the complaint that these penalties were inadequate, the government passed the Black Marketing Act at the end of 1942. This Act was for more serious cases and could carry a minimum penalty of £1,000.

Summary:

Ration card for clothing, consisting of a single peach-coloured card with coupons to be cut off. Originally 24 coupons would have been included; three remain. The card is printed '1945-6 issue'. The card was issued to GALBRAITH of Clifton Hill.

Description:

Pink-coloured card, printed in black with coupons to be cut off from the left side. Three coupons remain from the original 24 supplied.


most of the above information came from the AWM (Australian War Memorial) website with grateful thanks.

The Clothing Ration Card was in my mothers possession but I have no knowledge of who Galbraith (of Clifton Hill) is.

*

*