Forgotten Friday – Chocolate in WW2
#WorldChocolateDay
Chocolate played a small but important part in the Allied Victory in WWII, this including the D-Day Landings. Britain became a carrier for almost 3 million American troops who passed through our country on their way to war. These GIs had a profound cultural influence on Britain and brought chocolate and Coca-Cola in an amazing abundance. For the British population, who suffered heavy rationing on even basic foods like cream, eggs, and even potatoes – this plentiful new supply of chocolate must have felt surreal! Majority of people never even tasted chocolate in the war!
Photo Credit –
U.S. Army Center Of Military History – http://www.history.com/news/hungry-history/d-day-rations-how-chocolate-helped-win-the-war
Sugar, sweets and chocolate rationing in Britain started in 1942, and finishing in 1953. Fundamentally all chocolate was directed towards military use and the war effort. Civilians in many cases never tasted chocolate throughout the entire war. For those lucky enough to get chocolate or sugar in their rations, it would only amount to the maximum 16oz to as little 8oz a month. A simple chocolate bar would have been an unbelievable highlight for those lucky few, most likely acquired on the black market.
British and US troops had chocolate bars as standard issue in their 24 hrs D-ration packs, including on D-Day itself. Eyewitness accounts of British and American troops eating chocolate on the front-line, state how much comfort they had from the simple taste of chocolate. The chocolate which was given to the troops was no accident. It was provided on D-Day for a very specific reason – it was a high energy food, and the caffeine provided a powerful stimulant – keeping the soldiers alert and engaged. Chocolate provided an important morale boost at critical moments during the invasion.
Photo Credit: George Rinhart/ Getty Images
Chocolate played an important role in winning the War. Between 1940 and 1945 over 3 billion Field Rations D, including the famous chocolate bar were distributed by the American’s to Allied troops throughout the world. If an army marches on its stomach, these rations kept the military powered enough to win the battle at Normandy and claim ultimate victory against the Axis forces. Amazingly these vintage bars can still be eaten today due to the preservatives inside the chocolate.
Reference –
https://meltchocolates.com/chocolate-invasion-did-chocolate-help-win-the-wwii/#:~:text=Chocolate%20played%20an%20important%20role,Allied%20troops%20throughout%20the%20world. Visit here for more information! ©MeltChocolates
