Letter dated 25th May 1951 from the lighthouse keeper of Start Point Lighthouse to the Ministry of Agriculture after the Second World War when rationing was still in place. The lighthouse was built in 1836 on the south coast of Devon. (Catalogue ref: MAF 74/292/119)
Transcript
May 25th [1951] Start Point Lighthouse
Nr. Kingsbridge
South Devon.
Dear Sirs,
I understand we are entitled to extra rations for the above station but since my transfer here twelve weeks ago we have had one issue of tea & sugar only- 2 lbs. sugar & 13/4 lbs. tea.
There are three helpers here doing four hourly watches during the night-we have no Seaman’s Books [document to certify that the person is a seaman] & the amount we get is not enough.
Can you help us in any way to get more rations? Some stations get goods other than tea and sugar- their men have to have a meal sometime during the night & it certainly is a problem on ordinary rations.
I did call in the Food Office at Kingsbridge- the young lady told me they would have to get in touch with Plymouth. I thought maybe I could explain better if I wrote to you.
We shall appreciate anything you can do to help us,
Yours faithfully,
R.E. Guppy (Principal Keeper)