Preparing for Air Raids 26 May 1940

Well, after last night, we've decided that as we can't have an Anderson Shelter because we only have a yard, we'll have to use the understairs cupboard as the safest place during raids.  So the children have agreed to sort out all the stuff in there and we'll put a couple of chairs in.  They will also be responsible for making sure they have a torch by their bed, so they can see their way downstairs.

There are fewer apples in the shops and after managing to get some oranges recently, I've seen none since.  Bill says he dreams of bananas.

First Air Raid in the Area 25 May 1940

Middlesbrough was bombed last night - they were aimed at the Iron Works.  It can't be long before they attack here - we have the railway works virtually on our doorstep and the munitions factories aren't that far away either. 

We're getting used to rations now - Maggie is doing lots of baking as there is no shortage of flour and Bill makes a lovely crumble topping, which helps fill everyone up.  The Nameless One is complaining about brown bread and the shortage of butter.  The powdered milk isn't too bad for making porridge and custard - it means we can save our fresh milk for the children and for tea.

Rationing Starts 9 Jan 1940

Well we did the shopping today with our ration books.  It took quite a lot longer than normal and we have used up a lot of our points already.  The Nameless One insisted on wasting 4 points on a packet of biscuits - I can see that Maggie is going to have to bake some regularly or he will waste far too many points on them.

Rationing

          Wot no jam?

Well, having looked at our ration books, we can't buy jam this week as we don't have enough between us to buy a 1lb or even 3/4lb jar.  So we'll just have to do without till next week.  I will indulge in a tin of golden syrup - at a cost of 4 points!

Rationing Announced 29 Nov 1939

Today we received our ration books and have been looking at what we can have.  I don't think anyone will be hungry but we are already missing bananas.  I'm down to my last bag of onions and there aren't many available.  We'll have to go shopping tomorrow and see how it all works.  Even soap and soap powder are rationed and of course I've just run out of soap powder.

National Registration Day 29 Sep 1939

Everyone has to register so they can be issued with an Identity Card.  This is also with a view to rationing food, which will be happening soon.

The government have already issued everyone with gas masks and today we are making the boxes for them.

http://primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/war/gasmasks.htm

Ted, Bill and Maggie wearing gas masks at The 1940s Experience in Swansea.

Britain declares war on Germany 3 Sep 1939

Britain, France, Australia, New Zealand and India declare war on Germany.  Neville Chamberlain's speech is here:

http://primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/Britain.html

So our project now starts in earnest.  From now till the end of the 'war', there will be no technology for Ted, Bill and Maggie, apart from updating the blog and watching "The 1940's House" to see how we compare to them.  Clothing is reduced to 3 outfits plus 'Sunday Best'.  I did consider removing all Lego from the house as it hadn't been invented in 1939, but I would have needed a truck!

Maggie and I are crocheting old-fashioned dishcloths from some cotton from Nana.  The war will probably be over by the time she finishes hers!  The boys will be helping clear the weeds from the allotment.