Actually, in some cases, use of the mini- biscuit gun was indicated. Possible no radio at the field or maybe inop. Or, as Hugh mentions, security. I hhadone of these when I was a CAP cadet in the mid 50s. I may still have, someplace, an "Airfield Signal Lamp". It looks to be a 1940's style headlight with a pistol grip and trigger installed.
Jeep K3HVG
Here is something that kind of puzzles me. Every long flight in any aircraft was provided with a list of frequencies of navigation aids
and airfield frequencies. But here is a C-47 coming in to Panama Canal Zone field, and the pilot uses a light gun to signal. Was this
from some misguided fear of enemies listening?
-Hue Miller