February 27, 1918
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Had rather a busy half day. Set off with 5 patients at 1p.m. for the 2nd A.C.C.S. taking D.H.’s cross with me as Trois Arbres cemetery is alongside. Fixed it up with the help of one of the grave staff and it looked real well, quite as good as any there. Then went on to Bailleul where I attended a lecture with the W.O. Representatives of all units were there by invitation. The object of the lecture was to explain the food question to troops, so as to dispel any doubts and fears as to whether the people at home were suffering from want or were likely to be.
It appears that British troops have been much perturbed over the subject and the Government has sent out lecturers with the idea of explaining things and so improving their morale. Dr. Cameron of Glasgow was the lecturer and he gave a pretty graphic description of what has been done and is to be done to grapple with the subject. Much of it was familiar but certain figures he gave were new. Causes of deficiency of food caused by (1) France having a shortage of 50% (2) Italy 1/5th & (3) sinkings by U. Boats. Since February 1917 we had 1302 ships sunk. The merchant navy commandeered by Government up to 50%. 1800 ships used for army and navy transport.
In December we lost ships carrying 3,000,000 lbs. Bacon and 4,000,000 lbs. Cheese. Luckily U.S.A. crop had been increased by 4,000,000,000 and Canada 200,000,000. U.S.A. by care had been able to send us at end of January 150,000,000 lbs. of bacon and 25,000,000 lbs. of meat. By extra tilling in England we had raised 2,000,000 lbs. of potatoes and in 6 months pigs had increased by 500,000. Germany suffering heavily proof from authentic sources. Had no coffee, tea, etc., and were often weeks without meat and bread. They had 10,000 substitutes in use, a tribute to their inventive genius.
At commencement of war we captured 6 ¼ years supply of coffee and now hold 2 years supply we having exchanged a lot with Sweden for iron ore. We had established large factories to make margarine and now turn out 4 times previous quantity. Its export practically stopped from Denmark and Holland as they demanded wheat in exchange which we would not give as it finds its way to the enemy. Russia’s position very severe, sweets non-existent and clothing very dear a suit costing £16. Our food control office employ 5,000 people, 20,000,000 food tickets printed weighing 68 tons. Queues now expected to be finished, those we have had being for butter, meat, picture shows and whisky.
Tea has been scarce only expensive brands being available, but Government have taken over all stocks and made a blend which sells at 2/8d. per lb. Manchester has been made the clearing house for tea and tea experts have been sent there. Other lines are treated in a like manner. Potato flour now being used to better effect as experts have demonstrated its use to the bakers. Sugar beet cultivation also commenced. Sinkings of U Boats now said to be faster than the enemy can build them. General Carruthers then spoke saying that every effort was being made by use of cookery schools to improve our cooking in the Army so as to give us better food and to eliminate waste.
The great spirit of the people was touched on, they being satisfied to put up with shortages so long as we, the Army, had plenty and the general feeling amongst the troops that we could spare a little for the civilian population. Altogether an afternoon well spent. Coming back called at the 15th Field to get some particulars of the place re taking over and then back to camp.