First Air Raid of WWII – 47

Local Consequences

Despite its close proximity to the action, there was very little damage to the village of North Queensferry.

However, the air raid galvanized the authorities into providing more protection for the immediate area.

Barrage Balloons

On 21st October 1939 a company of RAF auxiliary airmen from Middlesex who had been called up for service that August arrived by train at Inverkeithing. “B” Flight, 948 Squadron comprising a Flight Lieutenant, a Flying Officer and 114 other ranks had been allocated the area from North Queensferry to Belleknowes to set up nine anti-aircraft barrage balloon sites.

These gas-filled balloons were tethered with steel cables to create a defensive fence round potential air-raid targets.

One of the “other ranks” was Bob Cubin. In 1996, he published “No flight of fancy” about his war-time years in North Queensferry, where he came to live after the war. Here is some more infomation about the Barrage Balloon Sites around North Queensferry

Evacuation of Children

Even before the declaration of war on 3rd September 1939, the village school was affected, when a detachment of Cameron Highlanders occupied the school on 25th August, during the summer vacation.  Following the declaration of war came the announcement that the school would remain closed for an indefinite period.

The school remained closed through September.

The air raid on 16th October, resulted in a request for evacuation, and 35 children travelled to Saline and Steelend on 3oth October 1939.

On 31st October a second round of evacuation was organized and 10 more children left for Saline on 6th November.

These were followed by the evacuation of women and pre-school children on 21st November 1939.  The school remained closed until November 1942.

A Link will be added here to more info . . .