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.
9. Children in gas masks WWII
In preparation for bombing raids, children at South Bridge Primary are fitted with their gas masks on the 28th August 1939. Photo: TSPL
10. Air raid shelters in Easter Road
Air raid shelters in Easter Road, Edinburgh tenement back greens, with sandbags, March 1943. Photo: TSPL
11. VE Day dancing at Ross Bandstand
Hundreds of couples dancing at the Ross bandstand, Edinburgh, part of the Capital's victory celebrations at the end of World War II. Photo: TSPL
12. Bomb damaged building in Craigentinny
35 Loaning Road, Craigentinny, following the raid on 6 August 1942. Rescue party personnel, some of whom are seen here, had made desperate efforts to rescue 13 year old Betty Veitch, who was buried under the wreckage, alive. They were not successful. Photo: TSPL