Fish escaped wartime rations

IRONICALLY, fish was one of the few staple foods that was not rationed during the Second World War. Ministers felt fish and chips, then the country’s only fast food outlet, was so much part of the national character, shops should remain open.

While many Grimsby and Hull trawlers were converted to mine sweeping duties, some fishing vessels remained in service and did venture out, but it was at a heavy cost.

Several hundred fishermen lost their lives to U-boats and mines in their quest to put fish on tables at home.