During wartime, particularly in the 20th century during World War II (1939-1945), a strategic tactic known as a blackout was implemented. This involved minimizing artificial light to obscure potential targets from enemy aircraft and submarines. Blackout regulations governed the illumination of various sources, including homes, factories, shops, and vehicles. Measures included covering windows, extinguishing streetlights, and modifying vehicle headlights.
The Purpose Behind Blackouts
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
The primary objective of a blackout was to impede enemy air raids. At night, the lights emanating from cities made them easily identifiable targets for enemy pilots. For instance, during the London Blitz of 1940, the German Luftwaffe conducted nighttime bombing raids on British cities. By dimming or eliminating these lights, navigation and targeting became significantly more challenging for the attackers. In coastal regions, blackouts served to protect ships from enemy submarines that relied on the silhouettes of vessels against shore lights for their attacks.
Blackout Regulations in Practice
In Britain, blackout rules were put in place even before the official declaration of war on September 1, 1939. These regulations mandated specific actions for various light sources:
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
Homes and Buildings: All windows and doors were required to be completely covered at night using heavy curtains, cardboard, or black paint to prevent any light from escaping. The government ensured that these materials were accessible to the public.
Street Lights: Public lighting was either entirely switched off or partially painted black to direct the light downwards, minimizing its visibility from above. In London, as early as October 1, 1914, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner had already ordered the dimming or extinguishing of all outdoor lights.
Vehicle Headlights: Vehicles were restricted to using only one headlight, which had to be fitted with a mask featuring three horizontal slits. This design significantly reduced the amount of light emitted, ensuring only a minimal amount illuminated the ground directly in front of the vehicle.
Rear and Side Lights: Rear lamps were limited to a small one-inch diameter opening, making them visible from a distance of 30 yards but not from 300 yards. Side lamps were also dimmed, and the upper portion of the headlight was painted black.
White Paint: To enhance visibility for ground-level movement without increasing aerial detection, a matte white paint was applied to vehicle bumpers and running boards.
Speed Limits and Other Restrictions: Due to the inherent dangers of nighttime driving under blackout conditions, a speed limit of 32 kilometers per hour was enforced. Interior vehicle lights and reversing lamps were prohibited. Additionally, it was compulsory to remove ignition keys and lock vehicle doors when parking.
Enforcement and Monitoring
Civilian Air Raid Precautions (ARP) wardens played a crucial role in ensuring compliance with blackout regulations. These wardens patrolled during the night, actively looking for any buildings or vehicles emitting visible light. Individuals or entities found violating these rules faced substantial fines or court appearances. For example, in Britain, one woman was fined £2 for breaching blackout rules and wasting fuel.
Â