World War II - Blackout

1. The Blackout began in September 1939.

2. The Blackout was intended to make it harder for bombers to target cities.

3. Air raids usually took place at night so all outside lights were switched off during the raid.

4. The Blackout caused accidents - people fell into rivers, were hit by cars or killed in traffic accidents.

5. It was suggested that due to the Blackout regulations six hundred British citizens a month were killed.

6. Blackout regulations were revised in November 1939, due to many accidents and deaths.

7. Low level ‘glimmer’ street lighting was introduced.

8. The speed limit reduced to 20 mph during the Blackout.

9. Crime increased because of the Blackout.

10. Air-raid wardens patrolled checking for any chinks of light.

11. People were fined if any light showed during the Blackout.

12. During the Blackout it was an offence even to strike match in street.

13. Windows covered with either thick cloth, paper, black paint or shutters.

14. Precautions were taken to prevent light shining through when opening doors to shops, restaurants and cinemas.

15. People carried small torches, protected with tissue paper covers, in the Blackout, but it was hard to get batteries.

16. White lines were painted in the road to try to prevent accidents.

17. Kerbs were painted white.

18. Street lamps with covered tops designed to stop light shining upwards.

19. Headlamp covers for cars, buses and trams prevented light being seen above four feet from ground.

20. Car bumpers were painted white so cars could be seen more easily in the Blackout.

21. Railway stations and trains were unlit, making it hard to see which station you were in.

22. Railway engine cabs covered with canvas to prevent glow from fire being seen.

23. The Blackout ended on 30th April 1945 after five years and one hundred and twenty-three days.