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Those in the country did very well while those in the towns somehow managed to live on their rations. The food allowed in war was pitiful when I think back but those who kept the home fires burning and had small children used a lot of imagination.

My older sister did wonders — 6 of us but she always managed to get us one hot meal a day. Even bread was rationed along with clothes and almost everything else.

Children had an extra allowance of milk and orange juice and the famous American Spam appeared for the first time. We all had hard times managing — some did worse than others and we had the infamous Black Market.

Did I ever go to the British Restaurant? No.

You could take your ration book anywhere but I’m assuming most stuck to shops they knew in the hope if there was a little luxury like biscuits you would get a share. Rationing lasted into the 50s.

It was no picnic but when we realise the men we lost in ships bringing U.S. aid I suppose we have to be glad we were still alive and in good spirits on the day peace was declared.

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This story was contributed by Solihull Heritage & Local Studies Service, Solihull Libraries. It was originally contributed to Solihull Heritage & Local Studies Service's collection in 2005 (Ref: NC Solihull Historical: Reminiscences 2005/3).

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