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

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

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