Thursday 6 September 2012

Food, Glorious Food

Not only did the men of Hull give their time to their own city, they also gave it to London.  In 1944 the wardens in London had been under such duress and all annual leave had been cancelled.  A call was made for assistance from other cities and Hull, having great experience, stepped forward.  Some went for just a few weeks, other went until their services were no longer needed.

In the records of the Warden Service, I have found copies of letters written by some of the men who went to London sent to members of the Warden Service back in Hull, letting them know how things were.  One of the biggest causes of excitement seems to be the food allowances!

J Longford, 19 August
“We arrived at our Depot about 5-10pm and after a clean up we were directed to the recreation hall where a long table was set out with plenty of plates full of tomatoes, cold potatoes, Russian Salad, and a liberal supply of ham, with a pudding to follow.  The Chief Warden was there, but like a sensible fellow he said tuck in and I will formally welcome you after the meal.”

On 20 August, he goes on to write,
“We were told that we obtain our tea at the Post, and supper at approx 8-30pm. at the Depot.  Mark those words well my noble William, those four words TEA AT THE POST.  I was mystified about this, but boy did I get a shock.  My co-full timer said ‘What would you like for tea?’ Well, being a polite sort of cove I gave a conventional reply, of I’ll have what you say.  Well, he got the tea ready.  A tin of salmon between the two of us, (it could have been tinned meat, sardines, herrings, corned beef) plenty of bread and margarine, jam and a slab of fruit cake which would not have gone in my haversack.  Of course I had been told during the morning that all posts were supplied with rations, but boy what rations.”

F. E. Baskerville, 20 August
“I have a permit for 1½ lbs. of tea, 3 lbs. of sugar and 20 pints of milk per week.  The Police Inspector, who is also the Chief Warden, gets this for me and I settle with him every Saturday.  We have an electric boiler in our billet and so we can make a cup of tea any time we like.  We have been issued with three teapots.”