WW2 Canadian Trench Lighter

The WW2 Canadian Trench Lighter is a utilitarian piece of military equipment issued to Canadian forces during the Second World War. Often referred to as a “storm lighter,” it was designed to operate reliably in harsh battlefield conditions. Constructed primarily from metal, the lighter typically consists of a cylindrical body with a hinged cap and windproof shield. Its simple flint and wheel ignition mechanism allowed for dependable lighting, even in adverse weather. Many originals feature manufacturer markings or military acceptance stamps, indicating their official use. Trench lighters like this played an essential role for soldiers, serving practical needs such as lighting cigarettes or kindling and signaling during operations. The trench lighter’s robust design and functionality reflect the priorities of wartime equipment. Today, these artifacts are valued by collectors and historians for their association with Canadian military history and their representation of World War II field gear.