THERE was water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink. Fear of water contamination was very real and fresh supplies were brought in by 18th Water Transport Royal Army Service Corps, stationed at Sheerness.

Each household was rationed to one gallon whether from the carriers, standpipes in the road or from the pumping station in Trinity Road.

There was also fear of disease from the vermin washed out of ditches and the canal bank. West Minster, Sheerness, suffered a plague of rats.

Woods Baker's in Sheerness found they had enough yeast for just three days' baking. Another problem was the water needed for mixing the usual supply could not be risked because of contamination and so bakery staff joined the fresh water queue in Trinity Road and carried water back to the shop in dustbins.