Mountaineers found their way around in the dark with storm lanterns and carbide lamps in the early days, or just sat tight until daylight if they were caught out, though this could be a hypothermic affair.

Torches and their batteries had been invented way back in the 1800s though early versions were cumbersome and battery life was short.

Technology had improved by the time World War Two broke out (1939) and the Air Raid Precaution (ARP ) wardens were issued with torches like the one we have here in the collection. After the war large amounts of ex-army gear was sold off as government surplus and mountaineers flocked to the ex-army stores to get their boots, Bergans, ice axes and maybe a torch. The little blackout hood was easily removed and there was a handle and clip for a belt or strap – off they went into the night without the need of paraffin for a lantern or carbide for a lamp.

Similar torches to these were used by Lochaber Mountain Rescue team in the 1950s during their rescue operations.