A close-up look at what World War II was like for this Scottish city—the second most raided in Britain. Includes photos.
Scotland was of grave strategic importance during WWII due to its geographical position, while its capital hosted many military and civil organizations. Further north, Aberdeen possessed significant shipbuilding facilities, including Hall, Russell & Co., which built such vessels as corvettes and frigates—resulting in the yard being targeted by the Luftwaffe on multiple occasions. The fishing fleet was also crucial in supplying food for a war-starved Britain, and many Aberdeenshire men risked their lives putting out to sea. Many were killed by enemy aircraft or mines.
No member of the population escaped the war, whether it was the many men and women who served in the military or in roles such as the Home Guard, ARP services, nursing, working in vital war industries, or struggling to keep a household under strict rationing and wartime stress. Aberdeen was originally classed as a "neutral area" and no plans were made for evacuation. By 1940, however, anger and frustration drove many to petition for changing this classification.
The petitioners were likely proved correct as Aberdeen went on to become the most frequently raided city (after London) in Britain—earning it the nickname the 'Siren City.' It was also the site of the final Luftwaffe attack on Scottish soil when a concerted attack was made on April 21,1943, resulting in 125 deaths and about 12,000 houses destroyed or damaged.
Aberdeenshire also played a large role in the war effort in the air. It was ideally placed to enable the RAF to patrol not only northeast Scotland, but also the North Sea and vital approaches to the naval base at Orkney, while the RAF also launched raids on occupied Norway and enemy shipping. Aberdeen at War 1939–1945 poignantly commemorates the efforts and achievements of Aberdeen: workers, fighters, families divided, all surviving astounding tests.