Life During WWII: Understanding the Prices of Daily Items in the UK

World War II significantly affected the everyday lives of the British people, from inflation and price controls to rationing. This article takes a closer look at how much items cost during the war and explores the economic conditions that shaped these prices.

Context and Rationing

While the main focus of this article is on the actual prices of goods, it is essential to mention the rationing system that was in place. Many essential items like sugar, meat, and butter were rationed to ensure fair distribution and to manage supply shortages.

The UK monetary system during this time was pre-decimal, where 1 pound (￡) was equal to 20 shillings (s) and 1 shilling was equal to 12 pence (d). This system influenced the prices and purchasing power of everyday items.

Approximate Prices in the UK 1939-1945

Here are some approximate prices for various goods in the UK during the war:

Loaf of Bread: 8 pence around 1940 Pint of Milk: 4 pence around 1940 Dozen Eggs: 2 shillings 24 pence Pound of Butter: 1 shilling 6 pence (18 pence) Pound of Sugar: 1 shilling 12 pence Cigarettes (20-pack): 1 shilling 6 pence (18 pence) Cinema Ticket: About 1 shilling 12 pence

What It Cost - 1940

Below are some example prices from 1940:

Rowntrees Cocoa: 6d (2p) per lb Chappie Dog Food: 7d (3p) per tin Black Cat Cigarettes: 10 for 6d (2p) Reckitts Bath Cubes: 2d (1p) each Small Bungalow: ￡250 10 hp Vauxhall Saloon Car: ￡169 Drene Shampoo: 6d (2p) 1/- (5p) and 2/6 (12p) per bottle Maltesers: 2d (1p) per packet, 6d (2p) per box Oxydol: 3d (1p) 6d (2p) and 1/- (5p) pkts Wrigleys PK Chewing Gum: 1d p (1p) per packet Halls Wine: 3/9 (19p) and 6/6 (32p) per bottle Celanese Ties: 1/6 (7p) each

Transport costs also varied with the fare from Glasgow to London advised to be 1/10 (1.50p) per person one way and 2/10 (2.50p) for the return journey.

What It Cost - 1944

By 1944, prices had changed significantly:

Oatmeal: 3d (1p) per lb Meat: average price 1/2 (6p) per lb Potatoes: 7d (3p) per stone (7lb) Sugar: 4d (1p) per lb Milk: 9d (3p) per quart Cheese: 1/1 (5p) per lb Bacon: 1/10 (9p) per lb Eggs (large): 2/- (10p) per dozen, small: 1/9 (8p) per dozen Bread: 9d (3p) per 4lb loaf

What It Cost - 1945

As the war drew to a close, prices further adjusted:

Fairy Soap: 6d (2p) per tablet Persil: 4d (1p) per small packet Churchman Cigarettes: 20 for 2/6 (12p) DuBarry Face Powder: 4/- (20p) per box Gibbs Dentifrice: 7d (3p) per block Cadburys Dairy Box: 9d (3p) per lb box Betox (like Bovril): 1/4 (6p) per lb jar Johnnie Walker Red Label Whiskey: ￡1/5/9 (1.28) per bottle; 13/6 (67p) per bottle Johnnie Walker Black Label Whiskey: ￡1/7/9 (1.38) per bottle

Conclusion

The prices of goods in the UK during World War II reflect the significant economic changes and challenges faced by the country. Despite the rationing system and post-war economic adjustments, the variation in prices provides a glimpse of the financial realities of daily life for many British people during this pivotal period.

Understanding these historical prices can help us appreciate the context in which millions of people lived and made sacrifices during one of the most transformative events in modern history.