Cleftref's Fotothing

Jersey, Channel Islands.

Maritime Museum, St Helier.

The Occupation Tapestry. (5) Best viewed in high res.

Panel produced by ladies of the Parish of St Saviour.

No matter who is in charge, life goes on and the basic necessities of life have to be found.

Whenever and wherever there are shortages, a black market exists to meet the demand. Despite official condemnation the black market thrives. In 1940 1 lb of tea costs 2s 8d (13p), in 1944 the same item costs £25 on the black market. Fuel for heating is rationed as early as October 1941. The wood ration of a hundredweight per month is supplemented by gathering wood from the surrounding countryside. Despite shortages, the staff at the General Hospital struggle to carry on looking after the health of the Islanders. The German authorites carefully control what farmers are growing and spot checks are frequent. Any extras are only available as a result of deception and so this gives rise to a number of stories such as hiding the pig in the bed to fool the German inspectors. In the Autumn of 1940 an inventory of all clothing stocks is made and rationing is introduced. Shortages mean that Islanders have to become experts at make do mend. Clothes are patched and darned so much that the patches and darns are also repaired. The family, like many Islanders living in town, is able to get something hot to eat at the Communal Kitchen set up by Deputy Ed Le Quesne and the Department of Labour.