British Officer’s Flashlight

The British Officer’s Flashlight is a handheld portable light source issued to military personnel, typically commissioned officers, during the mid-20th century. Manufactured to meet military specifications, this flashlight features a robust metal or Bakelite casing designed for durability under field conditions. It is generally equipped with a lens cover, a side-mounted switch for one-handed operation, and provisions for colored filters used in signaling or night operations. The flashlight usually operates using standard dry cell batteries accessible via a screw or latch-secured base. Commonly clipped to uniforms or belts, it enabled officers to navigate, read maps, or convey signals in low-light environments. Variants exist in both straight and right-angle body configurations. The British Officer’s Flashlight reflects the evolving needs of military equipment during wartime, notably in World War II and subsequent conflicts, and demonstrates the adaptation of electrical lighting technology for military use. This item is sought after by collectors of twentieth-century military memorabilia.