[the scotsman]

1954.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Thank you for that date. I recalled reading that it was early 50s from a Max Hasting history book on WW II in the Pacific.
One of the sacrifices Britain made was to immediately pay its war debt to the US and support the post-war food and rehabilitation program for Germany and the rest of war devastated Europe. Americans felt little of the strain, as there was always plenty to eat and gasoline and cars to get somewhere. No so in the UK.
If rationing were lifted in '54, this means the war lasted more than 14 years.