Hard Times

Pembrokeshire was the gloomiest of places in January 1918. It was the fourth year of the war and there was no sign of the conflict drawing to a close. Bad weather, torrential rain and then heavy snow, added to the acute weariness and discomfort of people.

In some parts of the county families were starving, and the local press noted with alarm that no food at all was procurable in Dale during the third week of the month.

The crisis was blamed on a big fall in the supply of beef for civilian consumption. On Monday 7th January, only one beast was available at Pembroke Mart, which the auctioneer shared between a dozen butchers.

The Haverfordwest meat market was invaded early on by a large number of women from Milford, Neyland and Pembroke Dock, and butchers stalls were completely cleared by 10am. By the time many would-be purchasers arrived from the rural districts and Haverfordwest itself, they were confronted with empty stalls.