On This Day, 4 September 1918

Birmingham Daily Post

Wednesday 4 September 1918

Winter Underwear Shortage.

The public will be well advised not to dispense with their last winter’s underwear, for there will be considerable difficulty in replacing it. The enormous military demands, occasioned partly by the arrival of so many American soldiers on this side, have compelled the authorities to take control over all the machinery than is in any way suitable for producing medium and heavy weight underwear and hosiery. The manufacture of men’s vests, pants, and socks for civilian wear, except in very summery lines, has consequence practically ceased. The bulk of the woollen gloves that can be made are required for the troops, while even the supply of women’s woollen underclothing will be restricted because some of the machinery can be utilised for making men’s vests. Although standard hosiery for women and children is promised soon, the supply will be quite insufficient to meet the demand, and there seems no possible likelihood of men’s standard underwear, socks, or woollen gloves being obtainable this year.