Alcoholic Beverage Choices for British Soldiers During World War II

During World War II, the British soldiers faced a variety of challenges, not the least of which was securing a decent drink. The staples of their diet, particularly their tea rations, were a source of comfort and companionship, but the quest for alcohol was another story entirely.

The Ration and Tea

It is no secret that tea was an integral part of British culture and military life. The wartime rations often prioritized tea, which was consumed in large quantities to improve morale. There was no situation that couldn’t be bettered by a warm brew. Tea was not just a beverage but a symbol of home and stability in a chaotic time.

Alcohol in the UK

In the UK, the availability of alcohol was somewhat more straightforward. British soldiers returning home from campaigns could visit local pubs and find a wide variety of spirits and drinks. The rumour about troops "scrounging" for alcohol is indeed true, with many finding solace and camaraderie in these bottles. My father often reminisced about the abundance of options: vermouths, wines, gins, and even cognac, which, as the war progressed, became harder to come by.

Canadian Forces and Their Spirit Choices

The Canadian forces faced their own challenges, but their approach was similar. Whatever they could get their hands on became the spirit of the moment. Rations of rum, gin, or grappa were common, and the camaraderie built around these beverages was a constant during the war. Necessity often led to creativity, as in the instance when my father, a non-drinking officer, broke a jug of bootleg grappa and had to make an emergency trip into town to secure a replacement.

Availability and Rationing

Despite the wide availability of alcohol in the UK, supplies were not always easy to come by, especially in key areas like Scotland and northern regions like Yorkshire. Scotch whisky, in particular, was a common choice, although its authenticity often varied. Whisky such as Cognac and Port and Sherry continued to be imported and consumed, but in much smaller quantities. The desire for higher-proof spirits was particularly evident, given the variety of options available.

WWII and Alcohol

Beer, while available, was often brewed to lower alcohol content to conserve ingredients for other essential needs, such as rationing for civilians and military operations. Despite the challenges, soldiers still managed to get hold of a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including wine, vodka, and rum, thanks to local manufacture and import. The choice of alcohol was the same as what we enjoy today: gin, whisky, and rum all remained staples.

The true story behind the film "Whisky Galore," a tale of Scotch whisky being noodle during a cargo shipwreck, highlights the scarcity and value of these spirits during wartime rationing.

From the comfort of tea rations in the UK to the variety of choices in the field, alcohol was a constant presence for British soldiers during World War II, providing not only a source of sustenance but also a means of camaraderie and morale-boosting.