By 1941, the threat of Japanese invasion caused restrictions to daily life. Blackouts became the norm. To prevent identification from enemy planes all lights had to be turned down, including car headlights that had to be covered to minimize light exposure. In Australia more relaxed regulations led to the Australian air raid precautions being dubbed the “brownout”. These shields limited the amount of light emitted by a vehicle. To drive at night without them was an offence; however, the increase in road accidents led to the removal of headlight masks everywhere in Australia south of Rockhampton from 15 February 1943.These shields, though not rare, evoke a period of restrictions, fear, rationing and confinement.Pair of handmade car light blackout shields. Black round metal with scoop at front as well as small glass partition.shields-blackout ww11 transport-motor-vehicles

By 1941, the threat of Japanese invasion caused restrictions to daily life. Blackouts became the norm. To prevent identification from enemy planes all lights had to be turned down, including car headlights that had to be covered to minimize light exposure. In Australia more relaxed regulations led to the Australian air raid precautions being dubbed the “brownout”. These shields limited the amount of light emitted by a vehicle. To drive at night without them was an offence; however, the increase in road accidents led to the removal of headlight masks everywhere in Australia south of Rockhampton from 15 February 1943. These shields, though not rare, evoke a period of restrictions, fear, rationing and confinement.A circular metal disc painted black - car light blackout shield. It has a small glass slot in front and a scooped out front to cover the light.ww11 blackout-shield

Yields information about the painting of the trams for the blackout era of the Second World War time, and how it was done. Only known photograph of a tram so far in Ballarat at the time of introduction. Shows the blackout headlight mask.Digital image from the Wal Jack Ballarat Album of a photograph of No. 13 climbing the Victoria St Hill en route to Victoria St 26-1-1942. Tram has been fitted with white bumper and white steps and possible other areas as well. Note the blackout shade on the headlights. In the background is the Munster Arms Hotel and a Velvet soap ad. Wal's album notes "No. 13 Victoria St 13-1-42 white bumpers and steps, & blackout shades over head lights (War Time) See image i2 for rear of photograph. See image i3 for hi res scan of print. See image i4 for hi res scan of negativeOn rear of photograph in ink "Ballarat Tramways No. 13 climbing Victoria St hill, Ballarat East Jan 1942 / W. Jack"trams, tramways, victoria st, world war i, blackouts, tram 13

Provides advice to Householders" giving instructions/regulations during the Second World War to prepare for an air raid including air raid signals, things to do, lighting restrictions, shelters, risks from air raids, sketches of shelters, including vehicles at night, preventing light leakage from homes, and pedestrian behaviour or precautions at night. Included is a note or advice issued by the District Warden that only regulations in regard to blackout applied in Ballarat (spelled with two a's). Blackout restrictions were applied to Ballarat's tram, including the application of white bumper bars etc.Yields information about the application of blackouts in Ballarat during the Second World War. These applied to the SEC trams.Pamphlet - booklet - 48 pages centre stapled titled - "Air Raid Precautions - world war 2, blackouts, air raids, ballarat, ballarat tramways, trams

Blackout lights were widely used in WWII military vehicles, especially in jeeps, trucks, and armoured transport vehicles, to reduce visibility from enemy aircraft and enhance operational security. Similar designs were used in civil defence vehicles and emergency response units in the mid-20th century. These covers were commonly used as blackout light covers on military vehicles during wartime, particularly in World War II and later conflicts. The slotted design helped direct light downward, making vehicles less visible from the air while still allowing some illumination for convoy driving. The bottom component might serve as a mounting or focusing element, potentially diffusing or redirecting the light output.These are military or blackout-style vehicle light covers, consisting of two separate metal components. The top piece is a round metal cover with three elongated slits, allowing limited light to pass through while concealing the direct source of illumination. The bottom piece appears to be a cylindrical housing with angled metal blades, likely designed to direct or diffuse light output. Both pieces are made of black or dark-coloured metal, showing signs of wear, scratches, and rust, indicating long-term use or exposure to the elements.car, vehicle, headlight, covers, motoring, war

Blackout headlight covers were commonly used during World War II and post-war military operations to reduce vehicle visibility at night and minimize detection by enemy aircraft. They were especially used in military convoys, air raid precautions (ARP), and civilian vehicles during blackout regulations in wartime cities. The small opening and louvered slats allowed some light for safe driving while preventing full illumination, which could have exposed vehicles to enemy attack. These covers may have been used on military jeeps, trucks, or civilian vehicles following wartime restrictions.These are four round headlight blackout covers, used to restrict the amount of light emitted from vehicle headlights. Each cover is circular, designed to fit over standard vehicle headlights, with a small open hole for limited light emission. A horizontal slotted section with ridges or louvers allows some light to pass through while preventing full illumination. Three of the covers appear to be painted black, while one shows significant rust and wear, suggesting it is made of metal and has been exposed to the elements over time. The surfaces show signs of chipping, scratches, and general age-related wear.vehicles, headlights, covers, blackout, world war 2, motoring

Round Tin 21cm Blackout disc for headlights, used on cars during the War 1939-1945.transport, motor vehicles, military history, army

Blackout lantern used in WW11. This type of lantern was used during both World War. It is an artillery siege lamp and was originally used by artillery units. The lamps were powered by a single candle, the light being magnified by a lens. A shutter closes over the lens to give an illuminated vertical line. They were used originally in fortified siege artillery positions as a general purpose lamp. They were also used as aiming lamps when they were placed in front of artillery positions and used as a guide in aiming at night. These lamps were often used on the front of bicycles to guide at night. Donated by Clem Heather. Forestry Commision, carved faces on trees with axe., builder of tall. spliced single pole fire towers. This item is considered rare and important. It is historically and technically siginficant at a national level.Small black metal blackout lantern with handle. Front of lantern has round shield with small slit - small door at side for easy lighting of candle. It is hand held or placed on flat area, open base so candle can be inserted and 'screwed' in. Front is a magnifying glass and it has metal lens cover with vertical slit. lantern blackout ww11 military candle-power lamp

Used during WWII, placed over headlights to diminish light showing during blackouts.1 Circular disc with 2cm x 9cm slit. Back has circle cap to place over headlight .2 Larger circular disc with 1cm x 9cm slit. Back has half circle cap to place over headlight. Circular 2.3cm hole below glass, covered with waxed cardboard "Lucas" imprinted below slit at backww2 memorabilia, blackout covers, headlight

This photograph shows workers removing the blackout material from the State Library of Victoria Dome in 1947. The Melbourne skyline is in the background.This is a copy of one of the photographs donated to the SLV by GHS member Rex Smith in 2003.Digital copy of black and white photograph.rex smith

Khaki painted metal casing with space for battery. Carry handle on top with on & off switch also on top. Front has globe & reflector with glass front and blackout cover which can be lowered over light. A belt clip is attached to back of lamp.Stamped on belt clip D↑ most wording unreadable ----No-------Thorne - 44lamp, army equipment

Soldered steel vehicle headlight blackout cover with metal light shield over a central slit. There is an adjustable cover to change the slit size. Below this is a 20 mm diameter hole. The steel has a galvanised finish and has been painted in a drab green colour.

This photograph taken from inside the Reading Room, shows the World War2 blackout material partially removed from the State Library of Victoria Dome in 1947. This is a copy of one of the photographs donated to the SLV by GHS member Rex Smith in 2003.Digital copy of black and white photograph.rex smith, state library of victoria dome

Yields information about headlight masks that were used during the second world war. Not considered to be a tramway item.Headlight cover for a motor vehicle head lamp, 220mm dia with 25mm diameter hole in lower half, 95mm long x 7mm high ripple glass insert covered by a semicircular 120mm wide, 75 mm deep, 40mm wide cover has been painted black. Small hole has a white plastic insert.trams, tramways, headlight mask, world war ii, blackouts

This photograph shows two workers on the Dome of the State library of Victoria in 1947. The workers are removing the World War 2 blackout material from the dome. Les Smith is on right. Melbourne rooftops in background.Digital copy of black and white photograph.rex smith, les smith

This photograph shows the Reading Room of the State Library of Victoria taken from above during the removal of blackout material from the SLV Dome in 1947. GHS member Rex Smith's father worked on this project.Digital copy of black and white photograph.rex smith, state library of victoria dome

Photograph shows four Second World War conductresses with ticket bags standing along MMTB Double Decker bus No. 239 at North Fitzroy Depot. The bus is fitted with headlight masks as a blackout measure. Yields information about Melbourne's Conductresses and double decker buses.Copy photograph - black and white - from the 1942 MMTB Annual Reporttramways, buses, world war 2, conductresses, double deck buses, bus 239, mmtb buses, leyland, td5c class

Black & white photograph of M&MTB T class 178 in Glenhuntly Road Elsternwick Railway station, 23-2-1942. Tram modified as a 1 man tram. Has shops in background. Tram possibly fitted with war time blackout mask. See Inscriptions for further details. Reimaged 17/7/2017 both front and back.On rear in ink, 'T308, M&MTB 'T' class No. 178 rebuilt as one man car. Glenhuntly Road Elsternwick (near Rly stn.) 23-2-42. Ex Melb. Brunswick & Coburg Tramways' car. W.Jack Photo.'trams, tramways, mmtb, t class, mbctt, elsternwick , tram 178

Photocopy of an item (enlarged) that appeared in the 27/12/1941 Ballarat Courier about Wartime (2nd World War) Safety Hints for Pedestrians. Notes actions that should be taken about boarding or alighting from tramcars, walking along roads and also accident statistics from Britain during the first four months of WWII. Used in a 1998 Fares Please! Photocopy supplied by Alan Bradley in March 1998. trams, tramways, ballarat, world war ii, blackouts, safety

[a] Cohn's printed Manilla envelope with hand written caption, March 4th 1942, Neon Signs New Agreement' No 133, with other agreements. Red pencil written Harcourt, Ultima, Bridgewater. [b] Neon Electric Signs letter on company printed letterhead paper re wartime Sunrise to Sunset, 'Blackout' modifications. Pinned together with Harcourt, Ultima, and Bridgewater agreements.bendigo, industry, cohn bros brewery

ARP stands for Air Raid Precautions. Wardens in the United Kingdom during WWII wore these bands & were responsible for enforcing blackouts, directing civilians to air raid shelters & managing air raid sirens. Item re Frederick Gardner DAVEY DFC No 410533 RAAF. Refer Reg No 3536P for his service details..1) White calico arm band secured with white elastic ARP printed in black on band. .2) Navy felt arm band secured with black elastic. ARP printed on black on band.air raids, precautions, accessories

During 1941-43 it was considered imminent that Japan's army may attempt to invade Australia. Anticipating Japanese air and submarine attacks, blackout restrictions were introduced and air raid warning instructions issued. This air-raid siren was installed on the roof of the G.P. Motors (originally Winchester & Rodwell Garage) during World War 2. This item reflect our past. World War II continues to evoke strong memories. Items which were part of this time are reminders of the local community's involvement.An air raid siren on a round base. It has a brass trumpet and a handle attached to pull from the ground.On base - MAX-DIA -422,15mm PLATE 10 HOLES J. WIPFLI GATIC AUSTRALIA MANUFACTURER DIES TOOLS PLASTICS MELBOURNEww11 air-raid-siren communications military

Blackout light (headlamp) covers were compulsory for civilian night driving during WW II. This example appears to closely follow the pattern suggested by the Department of Home Security for civilian motor vehicles, and appears to be for older, pre-war type vehicles, where the headlights were not integral to the front of the vehicle (Ref. Australian War Memorial) A.G. Cookson was the maker.Bogong village SECV employees manned an Observation Hut during WW 2. The SECV vehicles and their employees would have used vehicle blackout light covers on their cars when driving at night.Stitched brown leather disc cover with metal light shield over a central slit. Below this is a 25 mm white semi-translucent light diffuser. Includes leather attachment and leather straps at rear.A.G. Cookson embossed above the shield above the slit.ww 2, vehicle blackout light cover, bogong observation hut

Line up of four different types of trams at the dept: Duncan & Fraser car 2, Pengelly cars 18 and 21, Meadowbank car 25 and Birney car 27. The photograph shows the wartime blackout precautions that were applied: white bumpers and hoods over the upper portion of the front headlights. Car 21 has the new lineout, 1942Black and white print on paper.13-6 and GSR710/13/1/6 written in pencil on the reverse. No. 1 inside a circle printed in pen on the reverse.geelong tramway depot, duncan and fraser, geelong car 2, pengelly tram car 18, pengelly tram car 21, meadowbank tram 25, birney car 27, tram wartime blackout precautions

Rose Series postcard No. P 3350, titled "Town Hall Corner Melbourne", with a W2 southbound in Swanston Street and westbound W2 class No. 543 (City Route 47) in Collins Street with another W2 climbing the Collins Street hill eastbound. All trams have a white stripe and part white bumper bars as part of the WW2 blackout measures. The Melbourne Town Hall is in the background.Yields information the Melbourne Town Hall, early 1940sPostcard - printed real photograph with Rose Stereograph Co. name on the rear. Two copies held.On rear of 2nd copy in ink "To Kiwi No. 2975 from Kiwi No. 4755"tramways, trams, swanston st, collins st, w2 class, tram 543, world war ii, melbourne town hall, route 47

Flashlights where a vital tool for night time map reading, signaling with coloured lenses and many other uses. The blackout during the war also meant for a extended popularity of flashlights. Many carried them onto the streets to see as the streetlights where very rare and to top that of mostly blacked out. Most flashlights where fitted with blinds or coloured lenses to hide the bright light they produced. These coloured lenses where also used to signal between individual soldiers. Mostly used in the 1940s by the military and civilians alike. A small metal light signal box or flashlight.Petrix No. 678signal box, flashlight, petrix 678

Newspaper clipping from The Courier, early 1940's about the Melbourne Electric Lighting Co. notifying the Councils that it is prepared to extend the tram to North Geelong and run trams to Belmont and Highton when the new bridge is erected across the Barwon after the war. Item opposite a an advertisement "Don't be caught in a Blackout" - no date on the cutting. Item was contained within the back cover of Reg Item 5485 - Service Exercise Book, black covers, with label, red binding titled "No. 2 - Ballarat Tramways & S.E.C. Systems" - see list. On the rear of the cutting are numerous public notices for Ballarat. geelong

This item type was used during the First World War throughout Europe. This item is an artillery siege lamp. It was used by artillery units. The lamps were powered by a single candle, the light being magnified by a lens. A shutter closes over the lens to give an illuminated vertical line. They were used originally in fortified siege artillery posititions as a general purpose lamp. They were also used as aiming lamps when they were placed in front of artillery posititions and used as a guide in aiming at night. Further research has suggested that this item may have been attached to bicycles for illuminating the way in the blackout.This item is considered rare and important. It is historically and technically siginficant at a national level. Painted black metal(tin) candle power, hand held or placed on flat area, open base so candle can be inserted and 'screwed' in, side door for lighting, fron magnifying glass, metal lens cover with vertical slit. There is considerable damage to the black paint in the external regions of the lamp.world war one, military, candle, artillery, europe, lamp, black, artillery siege lamp, artillery units, candle power, aiming lamp, wwi, 1900, australian war memorial, bike light, bike, bicycle, bicycle lamp, blackout

Found on a wood heap near the tractor shed. Only the top portion remains. The former fixture is the tapered top section of the wooden flagpole that formerly stood at the front of the head keepers quarters. There is a hole with attached metal pulley near the top which allowed for hoisting the flags to signal passing ships. Signal flags were hoisted on the flagpole and were used to communicate with passing shipping. Messages were then relayed by the overland telegraph line to Eden. Remains of black paint provide evidence of the blackout measures implemented during World War 11. The pole is currently fixed to a stand to allow for its display.The pole remnant has second level significance for its historic value and provenance.Top sction of a flagpole. At the top it is tapered and fashioned into a square section. Near the top of the pole is a hole with a metal pulley inside. There is black and white paint flaking off leaving bare wood.