While Scotland’s capital city was lucky to escape the wholesale devastation witnessed in Clydebank, Coventry and other UK cities with heavy industry, the Second World War had a profound effect on the Capital’s citizens.
From photographs showing the early days of school pupils being taught evacuation procedures and how best to respond to the incoming air raids that would destroy homes and take lives, to the jubilant scenes witnessed on 8th May 1945 – VE Day – we can see the city’s WWII story unfold.
. David Kilpatrick School damaged, 1941
Land mine explosion in 1941 leaves Leith's David Kilpatrick school damaged. Photo: TSPL
. Air raid trenches, 1939
Children playing in air raid trenches at Harrison Park, 1939. Photo: TSPL
. Women's Land Army parade, Princes Street, 1943
Women's Land Army parade 1943. Photo: TSPL
. Air raid siren, Tollcross, 1939
Children hear air raid sirens at Tollcross, 1939. Photo: TSPL
. Barrage balloon in Firth of Forth 1939
One of the barrage balloons protecting the Forth Bridge from German aircraft is towed into the Firth of Forth in December 1939. Photo: TSPL
. HMS Cossack arriving at Leith, 1940
HMS Cossack arriving at Leith with British prisoners from Altmark during World War II (February 1940). Photo: TSPL
. Evacuation practice Craigentinny
Evacuation of pupils from Craigentinny School, September 1939. Photo: TSPL
. German airmen
Three Policemen stand guard over the bodies of two German Airmen who were killed during the raid on the Forth Bridge, October 16, 1939. Photo: TSPL
1. David Kilpatrick School damaged, 1941
Land mine explosion in 1941 leaves Leith's David Kilpatrick school damaged. Photo: TSPL
2. Air raid trenches, 1939
Children playing in air raid trenches at Harrison Park, 1939. Photo: TSPL
3. Women's Land Army parade, Princes Street, 1943
Women's Land Army parade 1943. Photo: TSPL
4. Air raid siren, Tollcross, 1939
Children hear air raid sirens at Tollcross, 1939. Photo: TSPL