REME MUSEUM of TECHNOLOGY

EDUCATION SERVICE

KS2 History 'WW2' Workshop
Soldier and Civilian Rations

Mini Workshop - 25 minutes

NC:
QCA:

KS 2 History: 1a; 2a - d; 4a - b; 11b
Unit 9

Aim

To encourage an understanding of the quantity of rations and the impact they made on people's lives. To compare soldier and civilian rations and understand what information this gives about wartime Britain. To identify which equipment would be available in a 1943 kitchen from a list.

Method

Task 1

Using the scales provided and the charts of soldier's rations per day and civilian rations per week, weigh the items and sort them into soldier or civilian rations.
What did you notice about the size of the ration issue?
Why do soldiers get more rations?
The soldier's rations include vegetables and potatoes. Why are these not included in the civilian rations?
Did soldier's rations include anything that surprises you?
Why do think that was?

Items used in the activity

Old balance scales with metal weights in lbs and ozs
Meat
Bacon
Margarine
Cheese
Tea
Sugar
Activity Sheet

Task 2

Using the recipes provided, create a meal of starter, main course and pudding, not using anything rationed.
If this is not possible, design a meal using the least rationed items.

Items used in the activity

Laminated wartime recipe cards
Activity Sheet

Task 3

From the list of items supplied, ring all those which could be found in a kitchen in 1943.
What thoughts about the role of the housewife in 1943 do your answers suggest to you?