Queuing for potatoes
This haunting image from 1917 shows a long queue of men, women, and children waiting patiently for a ration of potatoes in wartime Exeter. The effects of World War I had reached deep into civilian life, bringing widespread shortages of basic foodstuffs.
The line, which snakes around the street and into the distance, is watched over by uniformed personnel, suggesting a rationing system under official control. Women clutch baskets, children look curiously toward the camera, and many wear solemn expressions—capturing the endurance and dignity of a population under strain.
Such scenes were common across Britain during the war years, particularly after the German U-boat blockade cut off many imports. This powerful photograph is a silent witness to how deeply war impacted daily life—even something as simple as putting food on the table.
📷 If you have old family photos from this era, help preserve history by uploading them to Oldpik.com.
SEO Tags:
WWI potato queue, Exeter 1917 food rationing, home front wartime England, historical food shortages UK, British civilians World War I, Devon historical photos, old ration line UK, vintage Exeter images
The line, which snakes around the street and into the distance, is watched over by uniformed personnel, suggesting a rationing system under official control. Women clutch baskets, children look curiously toward the camera, and many wear solemn expressions—capturing the endurance and dignity of a population under strain.
Such scenes were common across Britain during the war years, particularly after the German U-boat blockade cut off many imports. This powerful photograph is a silent witness to how deeply war impacted daily life—even something as simple as putting food on the table.
📷 If you have old family photos from this era, help preserve history by uploading them to Oldpik.com.
SEO Tags:
WWI potato queue, Exeter 1917 food rationing, home front wartime England, historical food shortages UK, British civilians World War I, Devon historical photos, old ration line UK, vintage Exeter images
Contributed by JOSE M LOPEZ on March 22, 2025
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