Black and white photograph of women. On the left shop assistants fuss behind a counter, on the right women in overcoats and hats line up against the counter. One woman looks straight into the camera.

From 1942 rationing became a part of life. Shortages in manufacturing and imports lead housewives to manage with less.

With enough ration coupon books printed, the government introduced clothing rationing on 12 June 1942.

Butter was the first casualty of food rationing and one of the last items to have restrictions lifted!