A Light in the Darkness
![]() |
The torch found in the possession of Josef Jakobs. Held at the National Archives. (photograph copyright G.K. Jakobs) |
The farm field in which German spy Josef Jakobs landed on the night of
31 January 1941 was most likely enshrouded in unrelieved darkness. The
waxing crescent moon was hidden behind clouds and British wartime
regulations ensured that farmhouse lights were hidden behind blackout
curtains.
Josef was equipped with two items which would have helped to relieve the
darkness: a cigarette lighter manufactured by Karl Wieden and a small
torch/flashlight.
The electric torch was powered by a battery and could give off an exceptionally bright light.
A silver lighter manufactured by Karl Wieden - similar to the one Josef had. (From My Lighter website). |
While it is unknown if Josef used the torch to look around him, it is clear that he used his cigarette lighter to light a steady supply of cigarettes. By the time he was found the following morning, the lighter was empty and the torch was useless to him.
References
National Archives, Security Service files on Josef Jakobs - KV 2/24, 2/25, 2/26, 2/27.
Comments