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Volunteers set up egg collection points to send overseas to hospitals where wounded soldiers and sailors were recuperating.

There were over 2,000 egg collection points in the UK, including Much Wenlock Market Hall.

The eggs were packed in sawdust or special boxes and sent to the front. Any that were broken en route were redistributed to hospitals in the UK.

Half a million eggs were wanted weekly.

This scheme started with the best of intentions but as the war continued and rationing came into force there wasn鈥檛 much extra to pass on. Some people were also finding it difficult to feed their hens.

The War Office suggested garden waste as a source of hen food but that would be no substitute for corn. The War Office brought in competitive schemes to encourage people to donate eggs and even asked local children to go out collecting door to door.

Location: Much Wenlock Market Hall, Shropshire TF13 6HR
Image of Shropshire egg collectors
Image courtesy of Ina Taylor