Rationing during WWII [Britain] By Marly Gillespie Sep 1, 1939 Britain declares war on Germany. Sep 1, 1939 Rationing of petrol begins. Jan 8, 1940 Rationing of bacon, butter, and sugar. Mar 11, 1940 Rationing of all meat begins. Jun 1, 1940 Rationing of tea and margarine begins. Mar 1, 1941 Rationing of jam begins. May 1, 1941 Rationing of cheese begins. Jun 1, 1941 Rationing of clothing begins. Jun 1, 1941 Rationing of eggs begins. Jul 1, 1941 Rationing of coal begins due to miners serving in the military. Jan 1, 1942 Rationing of rice and dried fruit begins. Feb 1, 1942 Rationing of soap begins so the fats and oils could be saved for foods. Feb 1, 1942 Rationing of tinned tomatoes and peas. Mar 17, 1942 Rationing of gas and electricity begins. Jul 26, 1942 Rationing of sweets and chocolate begins. Each person was allowed about 2oz a week. Aug 1, 1942 Rationing of biscuits begins. Jan 1, 1943 Rationing of sausage begins. Sep 2, 1945 World War II ends. Jan 1, 1948 End of rationing begins. Jul 25, 1948 Rationing of flour ends. Mar 15, 1949 Rationing of clothing ends. May 1, 1950 Rationing of petrol ends. May 19, 1950 Rationing of canned and dried fruit, chocolate biscuits, treacle, syrup, jellies and mincemeat ends. Sep 1, 1950 Rationing of soap ends. Oct 3, 1952 Rationing of tea ends. Feb 1, 1953 Rationing of sweets and sugar ends. Jul 4, 1954 All rationing comes to an end.
