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.
13. Fighting planes fund, 1940
An ME109 German plane in Princes Street, brought to Edinburgh by the W.V.S. to launch their fighting planes fund in 1940. Photo: TSPL
14. Leith Town Hall bomb damage
Interior views of Leith Town Hall showing bomb damage from 1941. Photo: TSPL
15. Winston Churchill in Edinburgh
Prime Minister Winston Churchill in Edinburgh 1943 Photo: TSPL
16. Merriment at the Mound
Led by a vigorous conductor, Edinburgh VE Day celebrators join in singing 'The End of the Road', May 1945. Photo: TSPL