IN "Life during wartime" (October 24), I noticed the electrician responsible for "lighting the air raid shelters" photo.

I was nearly ten when the war ended and had lived in Tranby Avenue during it. I was surprised to learn that some York shelters were supplied with lighting.

In Tranby, three above-ground shelters were erected. The one I was often in could not have lighting, as it had no doors - any light would have probably shown outside, and would have led to someone being charged with the offence of "showing a naked light".

The shelter was constructed with a passageway open at both ends, with a doorless chamber on one side.

The shelter inside was totally dark and one had to grope to find a place to sit on the backless wooden forms. One never knew who was in the shelter also, their age groups, or how many - except it was always full. On settling down, the only noise one could hear from the shelter was the sound of people breathing.

What I have never seen mentioned on many reports about home life then is, as I recollect, we did not have to carry gas-masks during the whole war. At some point, fairly early on, I was told we no longer needed them, as there had been an agreement with the Germans not to use gas.

Also, seeing TV pictures of the recent bombing in Iraq, especially preceding invasion, I immediately noticed all the street lighting was left on. I presume this was because missiles are not visually directed at targets and probably ordinary bombing is not now dependent on human vision.

Mr D Dawson,

Clifton, York.

Updated: 09:15 Monday, October 31, 2005