The March 15 “History Matters” column in The Current was a complete and accurate review of what it was like in World War 11 – with one error.

The reason for the shades in the windows, no outside lights, painting the top of car headlights and the extinguishing of lighthouses, etc., was not to prevent being spotted by aircraft. Aircraft could be heard and seen by the “spotters” stationed in the concrete outlooks”along the coast. They also watched for submarines which had surfaced.

The reason for the blackout rules was to avoid the “skyshine” along the coast. German submarines hovering off shore could see the outline of the numerous ships leaving port with troops, supplies, etc., against the “skyshine.” Since it was dark, the navy vessels and aircraft could not see the submarines as they rose closer to the surface in order to launch their torpedoes.

Martyn E. Richardson, D.O.

Scarborough