diff --git a/src/g_shared/a_lightning.cpp b/src/g_shared/a_lightning.cpp
index bf748492e..8193b71b0 100644
--- a/src/g_shared/a_lightning.cpp
+++ b/src/g_shared/a_lightning.cpp
@@ -43,7 +43,22 @@ void DLightningThinker::Serialize (FArchive &arc)
 	arc << Stopped << NextLightningFlash << LightningFlashCount;
 
 	if (SaveVersion < 3243)
-	{ // Do nothing with old savegames and just keep whatever the constructor made.
+	{ 
+		// Do nothing with old savegames and just keep whatever the constructor made
+		// but read the obsolete data from the savegame 
+		for (i = (numsectors + (numsectors+7)/8); i > 0; --i)
+		{
+			if (SaveVersion < 3223)
+			{
+				BYTE bytelight;
+				arc << bytelight;
+			}
+			else
+			{
+				short shortlight;
+				arc << shortlight;
+			}
+		}
 		return;
 	}