Prior to the start of the Second World War, on 1 September, 1939, civilian identity cards did not exist in Britain. Following September 39, every man, woman and child had to carry an identity (ID) card, containing their personal details, at all times. Within days 45 million cards had been issued. Given the population dislocation caused by mass evacuation and mobilisation and the likelihood of rationing, there was a wartime need for complete manpower control and planning. After WW 2, ID cards were withdrawn.