black out lights

[RHClarke]

Originally Posted by Ledsel

Here is a silly question, Why did they bother to put head lights on these vehicles and then cover them up? I understand it is to keep your location hidden but you couldn't see anything with them on anyway so why bother?

I always thought the army was a bit different - we drove with lights on during the day and off at night. And when we retired, they took our watch away...

WWII army vehicles had to have minimal lighting so that they could use civilian roads in peacetime for driver training. Headlights were covered up for blackout driving either for driver training purposes or when moving tactically close to or in contact with the enemy.

If there was air superiority, then lights could be used on main supply routes in the Divisional rear area and if the situation permitted at echelons beyond Corps boundaries. Again, if there was an administrative move to an area in contact with the enemy blackout drive was the usual order of the day.

I was surprised at just how much you really can see when "blackout driving". I was equally surprised at how little light actually "escaped" from modern (NATO) blackout drive lighting. The key is "light discipline" i.e. no flashlights without filters and maintaining your night vision.