JUST before the start of World War II, in September 1939, the British Government imposed the ‘Blackout’.

Knowing that the war was coming, the Government imposed this idea of ‘blacking out’ all light from houses, villages, towns and cities in order to confuse German pilots and make them think they were over open countryside and so not drop their bombs.

Every householder in Britain had to cover all their windows or door lights before sunset with heavy black curtains, material, cardboard or paint and ensure that no glimmer of light could escape.

The local town and city councils had to both ensure their householders carried out these procedures and that drivers drove without headlights on as well as make sure that all street lights were turned off too.

To try and combat the danger of being outdoors after dark with no lighting around, the local councils painted telegraph poles, street lights columns and many other objects and signs with white lines.

Because of the mining and industry based at Blaenavon, it was an especially important town to ensure the blackout was upkept.

Nostalgia is provided by Torfaen Museum.