The first German air raid on British territory during the Second World War occurred over Orkney on 17 October 1939. Junkers Ju88 aircraft attacked ships in Scapa Flow, damaging HMS Iron Duke, which was anchored off the island of Hoy. One of the attacking aircraft was hit and shot down, marking the first German aircraft to be brought down on British soil by anti-aircraft guns.

On 16 March 1940, another German air raid struck Orkney, during which a total of 120 high-explosive (HE) bombs and 500 incendiary bombs were dropped that evening. Tragically, twenty-two high-explosive bombs fell around the small hamlet of Brig O’Waithe, resulting in the death of James Isbister, the first civilian casualty of an air raid in World War II. Orkney was now in the front line, it would seem to the people of the islands.

During the Second World War, it became essential to develop a reliable way to alert people about incoming enemy aircraft. Enter the air raid siren, which effectively notified both military personnel and civilians of potential threats. This crucial tool completed the defence chain, starting with radar detection and vigilant observations. We’re proud to have a working portable air raid siren from that era, and it’s impressively loud! You can hear it echoing across the entire airfield, serving as a powerful reminder of the airfield’s history and the resilience of the personnel working there and the islanders of Orkney.

The siren’s loud, distinctive sound gave people valuable minutes to take cover, adopt defensive positions, or call emergency services. During the war, Scapa Flow was one of Britain’s most important naval anchorages and a major target for German air attacks.

Although HMS Tern played an important role as a Fleet Air Arm training station, the site was never attacked by air during the war.