World War Two - Home Front

The importation of foodstuffs from around the world was severely disrupted by the war even for those living in the environs of a major port like Swansea. This resulted in food shortages that in turn led to rationing. Families were issued with ration books that recorded the limited amounts of basic foodstuffs they were allocated each week. It was necessary to register with a grocer, butcher and baker, Percy Watts, the butcher in Portland Street and T. & G. Davies; family bakers of Mumbles are still in business today having survived the war years. The Government promoted a ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign whereby people were encouraged to use their gardens and allotments to grow crops that would supplement the rationed food. Posters were displayed to remind people of the value of their contribution to the war effort e.g. “Your bread costs ships. Eat home-grown potatoes instead ! ” Petrol too was rationed as were sweets. Clothing coupons had to be collected in order to buy new clothes so people became adept at improvising, altering clothes to fit smaller children or unravelling knitwear to knit up again as a new garment.