--- title: "The Vegetarian Movement in England, 1847-1981: The Great War: Diet in the War - IVU - International Vegetarian Union" description: "The Vegetarian Movement in England, 1847-1981: The Great War: Diet in the War: THE VEGETARIAN MOVEMENT IN ENGLAND, 1847-1981 : A STUDY IN THE STRUCTURE OF ITS IDEOLOGY A thesis presented to the London School of Economics, University of London, for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, by Julia Twigg ©AUTUMN 1981 - Thesis Index The" url: "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/2800-history-thesis-ww1.html" date: "2026-11-06T01:40:39+00:00" language: "en-GB" --- # The Vegetarian Movement in England, 1847-1981: The Great War: Diet in the War ![The Vegetarian Movement in England, 1847-1981: The Great War: Diet in the War](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/banners/history-thesis-ww1.png) | THE VEGETARIAN MOVEMENT IN ENGLAND, 1847-1981 : A STUDY IN THE STRUCTURE OF ITS IDEOLOGY A thesis presented to the London School of Economics, University of London, for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, by Julia Twigg ©AUTUMN 1981 - [Thesis Index](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-thesis-index.html) [The author](http://www.kent.ac.uk/sspssr/staff/academic/twigg.html) is now Professor of Social Policy and Sociology at Kent University, England, and has given permission for this previously unpublished thesis to be published on the IVU website. The ownership and copyright remain hers and no part of this thesis may be used elsewhere without her express permission. CHAPTER SEVEN: THE GREAT WAR AND THE INTERWAR PERIOD \[Numerical links are to the author's footnotes, use your back button to return to the same point in the text. Text links are to relevant items on the IVU website, all open in new windows\] DIET IN THE WAR No special provision was made for vegetarians serving in the forces, and it was thus a question of luck as to whether the diet was adequate. [Gandhi](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/2521-history-gandhi-index.html)'s friend [Josiah Oldfield](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/2464-history-europe19b-oldfield.html), now transformed into a lieutenant-colonel in the 3rd East Anglian Field Ambulance Corps, reported at the beginning of the War no special difficulty, but he pointed out that hardships must be expected, and it is clear that as the war progressed many vegetarians at the front did suffer considerably and only survived through food parcels sent from home. [(1)](#1) On the home front, things were easier, at least until the final years of the war, when shortages began to appear, though how much they were a result of panic and bad distribution, rather than actual shortages, is not clear. [(2)](#2) By 1917 the government, first under Lord Devonport at the new Food Ministry, and then, more competently under Lord Rhondda, began to encourage food economy. Pleas for meatless days led by bishops and leading citizens found natural favour among the vegetarians; [(3)](#3) and government used among others the vegetarians Mrs Leonora Cohen [(4)](#4) and Dugald Semple [(5)](#5) to spread propaganda for food innovations \[?\] barley rissoles and nut foods. Again to the approval of the vegetarians, the home loaf became during the war progressively higher in bran. [(6)](#6) In 1918 meat rationing was finally introduced, at the level of ¾lb per person per week. Promises of extra cheese for vegetarians did not materialise, though they were eventually allowed extra fat and butter. [(7)](#7) August 1918 saw a shortage of fruit, and vegetarian anxieties were raised by the government's policy of giving priority to jam making. [(8)](#8) Bread and jam at this time were still staples of most working-class diets. [(9)](#9) --- 1. VM, March 1915, p73; VM, April 1915, p85; VN, July 1921, p98, Bertrand Allinson (son of T.R.) on what was available to him in the forces; VM, Jan 1917, p3, for refusal to give special rations; and VM, Feb 1917, p35, for the need for supplements. 2. See Arthur Marwick, The Deluge: British Society and the First World War, 1965, p191-200 for the shortages and rationing. 3. VM, Jan 1916, p131, also June, p131. 4. VM, Jan 1916, p24; VN, March, 1917, p54. 5. Semple, Joy in Living, p47-9. Semple was a C.O., freed by the tribunal to do this work. 6. Marwick, p196. Allinson commented on the irony as he saw it of the troops being 'treated' to white bread, VN, July 1921, p99. 7. VM, Jan to July 1918, for running comments. 8. VM, Aug 1918, p145. 9. For the role of jam in working-class diets see A. Torode, 'Trends in Fruit Consumption', T.C. Barker et al, Our Changing Fare, 1966. Editor's Note: not in England, but for interest in this period see also: [The effect of Food Restriction on Mortality in Copenhagen during War](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/5583-news-evu-news961-denmark2.html) - *M. Hindhede, Laboratory for Nutrition Research, Copenhagen, Denmark, Feb. 7, 1920.* *Previous:* [Religion: Main Movements](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/2785-history-thesis-religion2.html) \| [ Thesis Index](https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-thesis-index.html) \| *Next:* Vegetarianism Between the Wars | A note on this archive. The history section of this website is drawn from a body of legacy content originally compiled by John Davis, former manager of the International Vegetarian Union. It represents his curation of historical material, and in places includes passages written by him directly. Over the years, the IVU website has migrated between several different hosting servers. In the course of these migrations, a number of PDF files were unfortunately lost, and **some links to PDF documents may no longer function**. Where this is the case, we have chosen to leave the original link text in place, as it may itself carry information of historical value. - Hits: 1084 ### Vegan Recipes - [![Cream of Peanut Butter Soup](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/cream-of-peanut-butter-soup-1776461835_eeb5f05c4e3d7dfc14fcbd351f324b45.jpg "Cream of Peanut Butter Soup")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/cream-of-peanut-butter-soup.html "Cream of Peanut Butter Soup") #### [Cream of Peanut Butter Soup](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/cream-of-peanut-butter-soup.html "Cream of Peanut Butter Soup") [Main course](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/main-course-for-lunch-and-dinner.html) [Soups](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/soup.html) [African](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/african.html) [South Africa](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/south-africa.html) - [![Jamaican Tomato Soup](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/jamaican-tomato-soup-1779559620_575ff7711a511a246ae6d112df9b8fc2.jpg "Jamaican Tomato Soup")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/jamaican-tomato-soup.html "Jamaican Tomato Soup") #### [Jamaican Tomato Soup](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/jamaican-tomato-soup.html "Jamaican Tomato Soup") [Jamaica](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/jamaica.html) [Soups](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/soup.html) - [![Moroccan Eggplant Salad](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/moroccan-eggplant-salad-1775335355_b7da198157839ba3302f2368dbd016b1.jpg "Moroccan Eggplant Salad")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/moroccan-eggplant-salad.html "Moroccan Eggplant Salad") #### [Moroccan Eggplant Salad](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/moroccan-eggplant-salad.html "Moroccan Eggplant Salad") [salads](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/salads.html) [Starters & side dishes](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/snack-side-dishes.html) [Morocco](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/morocco.html) [African](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/african.html) ### VFA Blog - [![The Many Uses of Fruit in Vegan Cooking](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/grilled_peachesbig_3931a83d44a390340dfa70e896806535.jpg "The Many Uses of Fruit in Vegan Cooking")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/the-many-uses-of-fruit-in-vegan-cooking.html "The Many Uses of Fruit in Vegan Cooking") #### [The Many Uses of Fruit in Vegan Cooking](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/the-many-uses-of-fruit-in-vegan-cooking.html "The Many Uses of Fruit in Vegan Cooking") - [Read more](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/the-many-uses-of-fruit-in-vegan-cooking.html) ### Science - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html) [ Rapid global phaseout of animal agriculture has the potential to stabilize greenhouse gas levels for 30 years](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html) [ Animal Agriculture and Climate change a Qualitative holistic note](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html) [ Environmental Impact of Two Plant Based Isocaloric and Isoproteic Diets The Vegan Diet vs the Mediterranean Diet](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html) Popular ### History [ ![Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/0f49c89d1e7298bb9930789c8ed59d48.jpg) Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/283-taiwans-climate-legislation-embraces-plant-based-eating.html "Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating") [ ![Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/6a9aeddfc689c1d0e3b9ccc3ab651bc5.jpg) Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/282-chinese-dietary-guidelines-2022-guideline-4-eat-fish-poultry-eggs-and-lean-meat-in-moderation.html "Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation") [ ![Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/e3796ae838835da0b6f6ea37bcf8bcb7.jpg) Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/281-reply-to-proposal-no-4748-agriculture-and-water-conservancy-category-no-297-of-the-third-session-of-the-13th-national-committee-of-the-chinese-peoples-political-consultative-conference.html "Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference") ### Download the Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet for Kids and Adolescents - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) [ vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) Popular 7676 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html) [ Booklet IVU portugues web](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html) Popular 7320 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html) [ Nutrition Guide for Students (with Khmer Translation)](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html) Popular 6052 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html) [ ベジタリアン・ヴィーガン栄養ガイド](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html) Popular 5524 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html) [ BROȘURA DE NUTRIȚIE VEGETARIANĂ - Romanian](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html) Popular 5040 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html) [ CARTEL DE NUTRICIÓN VEGETARIANA](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html) Popular 4558 downloads ### Nutrition - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html) [ What are the best sources of protein Introducing the BPI Score](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html) Popular 603 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html) [ 2024 The OMNIVEG STUDY Health outcomes of shifting from a traditional to a vegan Mediterranean diet in healthy men A controlled crossover trial](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html) Popular 2782 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html) [ Plant Based Nutrition Exploring Health Benefits for Atherosclerosis, Chronic Diseases, and Metabolic Syndrome—A Comprehensive Review](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html) Popular 3835 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html) [ 2024 Plant and Animal Fat Intake and Overall and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Main Folder All Cause Mortality](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html) Popular 4052 downloads ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/02/adult-guide-029d8cad.png)### The International Vegetarian Union’s Vegan Nutrition Guide for Adults In 2 versions: - [For healthcare professionals](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/the-international-vegetarian-union-s-vegan-nutrition-guide-for-adults-healthcare-professionals.html) - [General Public Edition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/guide-for-non-healthcare-professionals.html) [Get it now](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide.html) ![](https://ivu.org/images/banners/booklet2.jpg)### Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet A Dietary Approach to Vegetarianism for Kids and Adolescents The intention of this booklet is present to kids and adolescents a healthy vegan diet [Read more](https://ivu.org/nutrition/vegetarian-nutrition-book-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) Vegan Nutrition ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/a6/logo_IVU_01_SLOGAN-a678b962.png) ### Presidents, Chair and Council - [IVU President and Chair of the International Council](https://ivu.org/ivu-chair.html) - [IVU Honorary President](https://ivu.org/ivu-honorary-president.html) - [International Council](https://ivu.org/international-council.html) ### Departments - [Fund-raising](https://ivu.org/fund-raising.html) - [Global Health](https://ivu.org/global-health-department.html) - [Medicine and Nutrition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/medicine-and-nutrition.html) - [Policy Initiatives](https://ivu.org/policies-initiatives.html) - [Articles](https://ivu.org/policies-initiatives/policies-iniciatives-articles.html) ### Regions - [Europe](https://ivu.org/europe-union.html) - [Latin America](https://ivu.org/latin-america.html) - [North America](https://ivu.org/north-america.html) - [Africa](https://ivu.org/africa-continent.html) - [Asia-Pacific](https://ivu.org/asia-pacific-region.html) - [Asia-South & India](https://ivu.org/asia-south-west.html) - [Asia-West & Middle East](https://ivu.org/asia-west-middle-east.html) - [Contacts](https://ivu.org/contact-ivu.html) ### Blogs - [Cynthia Schuck](https://ivu.org/cynthia-schuck.html) - [John Davis](https://ivu.org/john-davis.html) - [Marly Winckler](https://ivu.org/marly-winckler.html) - [Vegan Food Academy](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page.html) - [Login](https://ivu.org/login-2.html) ## Schema ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-thesis-index.html?view=article&id=2800:history-thesis-ww1&catid=75","url":"https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-thesis-index.html?view=article&id=2800:history-thesis-ww1&catid=75","name":"The Vegetarian Movement in England, 1847-1981 (Julia Twigg, PhD thesis) — part 57 of 58","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":[{"@id":"https://ivu.org/history-of-ivu.html#archive"},{"@id":"https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-thesis-index.html"}],"publisher":{"@id":"https://ivu.org/#organization"},"description":"THE VEGETARIAN MOVEMENT IN ENGLAND, 1847-1981 : A STUDY IN THE STRUCTURE OF ITS IDEOLOGY A thesis presented to the London School of Economics, University of London, for the degree of Doctor of…","about":{"@id":"https://ivu.org/hv-libraries-research-history-thesis-index.html#thesis"}}]} ``` ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://ivu.org" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "IVU", "item": "https://ivu.org/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Resources", "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources.html" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Interviews", "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "name": "History of the Vegetarian Societies", "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 6, "name": "history", "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 7, "name": "thesis", "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews.html" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 8, "name": "The Vegetarian Movement in England, 1847-1981: The Great War: Diet in the War", "item": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/2800-history-thesis-ww1.html" } ] } ``` ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/2800-history-thesis-ww1.html" }, "headline": "The Vegetarian Movement in England, 1847-1981: The Great War: Diet in the War", "description": "The Vegetarian Movement in England, 1847-1981: The Great War: Diet in the War: THE VEGETARIAN MOVEMENT IN ENGLAND, 1847-1981 : A STUDY IN THE STRUCTURE OF ITS IDEOLOGY A thesis presented to the London School of Economics, University of London, for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, by Julia Twigg ©AUTUMN 1981 - Thesis Index The", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "International Vegetarian Union", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://ivu.org/images/logos/logo-ivu-tranparent-background.png" } }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Alex Fernandes", "url": "https://ivu.org/international-council.html" }, "datePublished": "2026-10-15T23:59:29+00:00", "dateCreated": "2026-05-29T02:00:12+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-10-08T00:53:57+00:00" } ```