Lights on WWII Aircraft

[chips101]

Looking at the Airfix February 2014 calender page I notice the Hurricane has (landing?) lights on the leading edge of the wing. Was this required and useful to WWII pilots.

Scale Plastic Model Kits by Airfix - Calendar Wallpaper

I understand the use of lights on aircraft but on a WWII fighter at war what purpose did they serve?

Thanks