Shetland's geographical location led to the islands playing a crucial strategic role in World War Two and defending the 'Northern Front'. Many of the archaeological sites connected to that history remain visible and are worth exploring. Local history teacher and wartime researcher Jon Sandison believes these sites are special, and here he describes some of the most important.
With the German invasion of Norway, 9th April-10th June 1940, Shetland's strategically important wartime role was sealed. The geographical location of our islands dictated that the islands would support resistance movements, defensive and offensive military operations, and intelligence accumulation.
The story of the Shetland Bus clandestine operation and the arrival of refugees across the North Sea is well known alongside the strengthened links between Shetland and Norway which the war further propelled. Nonetheless, other facets of Shetland's involvement and role in the war are less familiar and should be remembered.
The Northern Front
Shetland’s location on the northern fringe of Britain and Europe meant the islands played a crucial part in defending the British Isles. The islands were on the front line of the Northern Front.
Scottish, Northern and Eastern Commands were ordered to allot infantry to protect ports and the fixed coast defences. Locally, until these forces could begin to arrive, the Shetland Home Defence Battalion had to take care of local defence.
Operation "Julius Caesar" was initiated in October 1939 to repel any combined airborne or seaborne invasion of the United Kingdom. Throughout the war, an estimated 20,000 service personnel rotated to serve in the islands. These men served in some of the famous regiments of the British Army, including the Black Watch, Gordon Highlanders and Royal Scots, and Royal Garrison Artillery. Their role incorporated manning strategically important land locations throughout the islands, including airstrips, defensive, inland and coastal defence, and anti-aircraft batteries.
The army’s defensive land force was positioned the length and breadth of the islands to defend that northern front. This vital part of our local war heritage is reflected by gun emplacements, pill boxes and searchlight positions, some of which can still be seen today.
Coupled with this was the crucial role of the Royal Air Force via radar defence. While the military involvement in the islands was defensive in its role, it also was offensive, via the RAF and Coastal Command bases at both Sumburgh and Sullom respectively, and continuous operations in the waters surrounding our islands, via U-Boat patrols and operations and across to Norway.
Exploring Shetland, you can be reminded of the islands’ wartime role through the stories connected to it and the archaeology that still exists. Such sites are special to see, should be protected, and help us to remember those who served and their role in our islands. These sites should be treasured as part of Shetland’s story.
With the fall of Norway in 1940, refugees started to arrive in Shetland. The subsequent clandestine Shetland Bus operation, running between Shetland and Nazi-occupied Norway was central to supporting the Norwegian resistance, facilitating the movement of weapons, supplies and agents.
Initially, small fishing boats were used but were later replaced by well-armed and quick submarine chasers.
This remarkable and continually captivating story is important in Shetland's history. A visit to Lunna House, Lunnasting, brings to the fore the tale of the early years of this operation. It was requisitioned by the newly formed Special Operations Executive.
Base headquarters were moved from Lunna to Flemington House (now known as Kergord House).
Flemington (Kergord) House in Shetland's Central Mainland.
Simultaneously, in 1942, the operational base moved to Scalloway on the west coast of Shetland. More peaceful than Lerwick, it housed an excellent shipyard, with facilities that were perfect for undertaking boat repairs.
A trip to the Scalloway Museum is a vital stop in order to learn from experts about the role which Scalloway had in relation to the Operation. The Museum houses a very special Shetland Bus display.
Along the road from the Museum on the foreshore of Scalloway, is the Shetland Bus Memorial. Stones were taken from the village or location where each of the 44 crewmen who died on Shetland Bus missions originated.
Their names are shown on four plaques. Operations across the North Sea expanded via Norwegian Motor Torpedo Boats that arrived in Lerwick in 1942, and with adjacent operations and raids in Norway.
The Shetland Bus Memorial in Scalloway. The image below shows the memorial plaque.
Throughout Shetland, in peaceful and picturesque cemeteries, you will find burial sites of servicemen cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The commission's work is far-reaching, with cemeteries in more than 150 countries and territories around the globe.
Often, the sites they have on home shores are overlooked. This has been addressed recently with the organisation's annual War Graves Week, focusing on those buried across the United Kingdom.
Across Britain, there are war graves and memorials at over 12,000 locations. In Shetland, there are 223 CWGC burials in 40 cemeteries.
A stroll around the panoramic coastal view of the Knab in Lerwick takes you through Lerwick C.W.G.C. Cemetery.
Headstones in Lerwick's CWCG Cemetery.
The cemetery has 119 CWCG burials, of which 77 are from World War Two, including personnel from all three services who were based in the islands, 'doing their duty' from various Commonwealth countries.
The cemetery itself is situated in a location which guards Lerwick harbour. In turn, there are so many adjoining stories to the war including gun positions and camps that were situated nearby.
Many buried here took part in flying operations around the islands across to Norway via the R.A.F. and R.C.A.F, including the crew of the Halifax which crashed on Fitful on 31st March 1942, those lost in various naval duties, and even commandos who had set off for operations across in Norway.
Also never forgotten are a number of local servicemen buried here in their home islands, who died around the islands due to action or on mainland Britain and were taken home.
The Cross of Sacrifice, Lerwick Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery.
Sadly, you do not have to go far in Shetland to be near a wartime aircraft crash. Across the islands, these sombre reminders provide clues about the wartime activity in Shetland air space.
These include the Heinkel He 111 which crashed in Fair Isle, January 17th 1941; Bristol Blenheim L9261 at Sandness 3rd September, 1941; Halifax R9438 Fitful, 31st March, 1942; and Mosquito DZ642, which crashed at Royl Field, 22nd November 1944. There are many more.
Research continued on all of these crashes by local experts. Some of these crash sites are all remembered today via memorials, such as the impressive one on the cliffs at Fitful Head to the Halifax, and the memorial outside the Cunningsburgh History hut commemorating the Mosquito.
The Halifax crash memorial at Fitful Head.
The remains Catalina Z2148 or "Flying Boat" which came down at "Hill of Arisdale" on the island of Yell, 19th January, 1942 is a spot that resonates.
The aircraft had left its home station of RAF Castle Archdale on Lough Erne, to RAF Invergordon, north of Inverness. She had refuelled and took off to patrol off the coast of Norway.
En route, one of the engines started to develop a fault. Three of the four depth charges that the aircraft was carrying had to be released. The crew was forced to divert to Sullom Voe, to await a flair path to enable them to land.
Poor weather and visibility resulted in a delay, with the pilots circulating three times before heading east to gain height and clear high ground. However, she struck the ground and caught fire.
Three of the crew of 10 survived. One of them, Flight Sergeant Daniel E.C.Lockyer managed to free himself from the burning aircraft with a severe injury to his ankle. At the same time, small arms ammunition was exploding from the aircraft.
Lockyer pulled the co-pilot Flying Officer Helme out to safety and went for help on a cold, wintery evening.
Along the main road from the crash site route in nearby Hamnavoe Kirkyard, there is a headstone and grave marker for the crew buried in Yell.
The cross marks the crew's burial site.
Overlooking the crash site is a stainless steel cross erected in memory of those who were killed.
At the Old Haa Museum in Burravoe, one of the propeller blades is on display.
The individual stories of servicemen and women should never be forgotten. Flight Lieutenant David Ernest Hornel is buried in Lerwick. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the first such award to a Canadian airman in the Second World War.
David was the son of Harry and Emily, and husband of Genevieve, Drayton, Ontario, Canada. His graveside is often visited by visitors, particularly by those from Canada where he is so well known.
Overall, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) commemorates 378 recipients of the Victoria Cross who died in service during the First and Second World Wars. Of these, 264 died during the First World War, 114 during the Second. The CWGC also commemorates 45 servicemen of the First and Second World Wars in the United Kingdom who have been awarded the Victoria Cross.
On 24th of June, 1944, Flight Lieutenant Hornell was captain of a Catalina [Canso] flying boat, with No.162 Squadron, on anti-submarine patrol operations from RAF Wick. A German U-boat was sighted in waters north of Shetland.
Following the D-Day landings earlier that month, keeping shipping lanes free from the U-Boat threat was paramount. The following details were given in the London Gazette of July 25th, 1944:
A fully surfaced U-boat was sighted travelling at high speed on the port beam, and Flt. Lt. Hornell at once attacked. His aircraft had been seen and there could be no surprise. The U-boat altered course and opened up with fire which became increasingly fierce and accurate.
At a range of 1,300 metres the guns of the aircraft replied and hits were obtained, but the aircraft itself was hit and badly damaged, and its starboard gun jammed. Ignoring the fire Flt. Lt. Hornell carefully manoeuvred for attack. Holed in many places, oil pouring from the starboard engine which with the starboard wing was on fire, and with petrol tanks endangered, the aircraft was very difficult to control.
Nevertheless the captain decided to press his attack, and bringing his aircraft down low released his depth charges in a perfect straddle. The bows of the U-boat were lifted out of the sea; it sank, and the crew were seen in the water. The plight of the aircraft and crew was now desperate.
With the utmost coolness Flt. Lt. Hornell took his badly damaged, blazing aircraft into the wind and brought it safely on to the heavy swell where it rapidly settled down. After ordeal by fire came ordeal by water. Two of the crew succumbed from exposure, and the survivors were finally rescued after 21 hours in the water. Blinded and completely exhausted, Flt. Lt. Hornell died shortly after being picked up.
By pressing home a skilful and successful attack against fierce opposition, with his aircraft in a precarious condition, and by fortifying and encouraging his comrades in the subsequent ordeal this officer displayed valour and devotion to duty of the highest order.
Flt. Lt. Hornell's headstone reads: "Nothing but well and fair and what may quiet us in a death so noble". Milton.
The headstone of Flight Lieutenant David Ernest Hornell V.C.
At St Magnus Church in Lerwick there is a memorial to fellow Canadian airmen who died in Shetland between 1939 and 1945.
A first or last stop when looking at the wartime past of our islands is a visit to the County War Memorial at the Hillhead in Lerwick.
This is a special structure in the island capital centrally situated next to the Town Hall. The memorial was unveiled on the 6th of January 1924 by Janet Hardy, who lost three sons, Thomas, Charles and William, during the Great War. The Shetland Times, January 12th 1924 noted that "the crowd at the Memorial must have numbered at least 3,000 people when Mr J.W. Robertson led forward Mrs Janet Hardy, Wadbister, Girlsta, to perform the actual unveiling".
It went on: "The pedestal of the Monument had been draped in bunting, lent and arranged by the staff of Fort Charlotte. Mrs Hardy, in the midst of solemn silence, pulled down the flags and Shetland's War Memorial stood unveiled".
Prior to the Memorial being erected and unveiled, there was much debate about the location and design alongside challenges about funding. Discussions about a Memorial for all of Shetland had begun in 1918. Following various designs being submitted and no agreement, Sir Robert Lorimer, distinguished and influential architect who had designed the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh, was selected to move forward with a new design.
The original design from Lorimer did not meet satisfaction due to its portrayal of Viking imagery. It had a cross-shaped base eight feet high, with bronze panels with the names of the war-dead; the column above had a sword on the front, ‘appropriate devices’ (a Lion Rampant, a Norse longship, a St. Andrew’s Cross and a Thistle) on the four faces and a cross on the top. Lorimer recommended grey or white granite.
This design similar to the Royal Naval memorials at Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth, was the final design for anyone familiar with those structures.
In September 1922, 624 names were approved to be listed on its bronze panels of those who died during World War One. These were native Shetlanders, with their names listed alphabetically. In 1995, for the 50th Anniversary of V.E. Day, 359 names were added on the North and South side of the memorial.
The Memorial itself provides a sombre testament to the service and loss of all Shetlanders during World War Two but, in particular, that of the Merchant Navy.
A Royal Artillery, Shetland Defences War Diary Operation Order, 26th March 1941 stated the following:
"The enemy is established in strength in Norway. An air and/or seaborne invasion may be attempted based on Norway or from other occupied territory. The enemy may be expected to use airborne troops [supported by aerial attack] to effect surprise, to disrupt communications and to divide our forces. His plan of attack will be highly organised and ruthless".
With the fall of Norway, the threat of German invasion was a real concern in the islands. Could Shetland be invaded and used as a stepping-stone to Orkney and mainland Britain? The islands saw an increase in troops stationed here, with various military camps constructed around Lerwick and elsewhere to enable potential defence of the islands.
Brigadier James Crossley Cunningham was appointed Commanding Officer of the Shetland defences in 1941. The Cunningham Way walk to the west of Lerwick takes you past pill boxes, tank traps, trenches and machine gun posts, and its elevated position gives stunning views of Lerwick and beyond.
Tank traps alongside Cunningham Way.
Regimental War diaries of Battalions based in Lerwick show a defensive line on the perimeter of the town with roadblocks, 'stand to' positions, anti-paratroop posts and even minefields, all forming part of the Shetland Garrison Defence Scheme. The defence had a dual purpose of defending Lerwick against an attack from the west and containing an attack within the town in the event of a successful invasion. This formed part of the Staney Hill Line which guarded the outskirts to the west of Lerwick from possible landward attack.
Wartime infrastructure on the Staney Hill overlooking Lerwick.
Continuing around the southern and harbour coastline of Lerwick, you will also find remnants of Coastal Defence including gun positions and torpedo tubes, around the Lerwick coastline, such as the Ness of Sound and the Knab.
The battery on Ness of Sound on the southern outskirts of Lerwick.
All of these were put in place to guard the island capital from possible attack. Given the weather and terrain in Shetland, a paratrooper landing was unlikely, and a seaborne invasion was the more real threat. Even then, German forces would have had to make a long journey from Norway, without being seen by the Royal Air Force or Royal Navy, based in both Shetland and Orkney.
As well as defence roles, building such structures kept some of the men stationed here busy. While much of this archaeology has unfortunately disappeared over the years via continued development in Lerwick, there is still much to see. With time, what is left becomes increasingly precious. Please be careful and respectful of these increasingly unique, precious archaeological structures. They form a vital part of our islands' history and story.
Throughout the islands, there are remains of various radar sites, both large and small, which guarded our air space from enemy bombers from the early months of the war.
The Royal Navy organised its own radar systems for the Northern Isles known as 'Admiralty Experimental Stations'. These stations were built in Shetland, at Sumburgh Head, Fair Isle and at Saxa Vord in Unst. Their main objective was to track submarines and surface vessels. Although they were capable of tracking aircraft, it was not their main role.
RAF Skaw in Unst.
In turn, their tracking system was not geared up for relaying information on airborne attackers quickly enough for airfields and fighter aircraft. To add a further hurdle, in the early years of the war, Shetland lacked sufficient fighter cover.
With the German invasion of Denmark and Norway, significant modifications took place in RAF planning with improved radar cover required for Shetland, especially in the east and north. Following a transportable radar unit arriving in the islands, it was finalised that two Chain Home stations would be constructed in Shetland. One was to be at Lambaness, [Inner Skaw], whilst the other was at Noss Hill, three miles northwest of Sumburgh airfield.
Inevitably, given the remote location of Shetland, constructing such sites provided many challenges. RAF Noss Hill was operational by December 1940, whilst RAF Skaw was functional by January 1941.
RAF Noss Hill was operational by December 1940.
The issue of obtaining better coverage to track low-flying aircraft had to be solved. In 1941, two RAF Chain Home Low stations were constructed, one to the west of Walls, [RAF Watsness] and the other on the island of Whalsay [RAF Clett].
The site of RAF Wastness.
All of these sites provide stunning views. They are regularly accessible, except Skaw, which is now the base for Saxavord UK Spaceport.
Nevertheless, it is wise to speak to local experts and guides before exploring. Each represents a significant reminder of Shetland's strategic importance during the war.
Sumburgh Lighthouse is another key wartime spot, lodged firmly on the wider Shetland tourist trail at the southernmost point of Mainland Shetland. From December 1939, the Admiralty Experimental Station was based within the grounds to track any U-boats that surfaced moving between the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and detect German aircraft.
Understandable concern surfaced about the conflicting more 'civilian maritime' role of a lighthouse now being transformed into a military one.
Sumburgh Lighthouse also had an important civilian maritime role.
The restored World War Two Transmitter hut has a story of its own. The wonderful interpretation inside the hut vividly relays events of 8th April, 1940 when the radar tracked and warned of a large German air raid at Scapa Flow on the eve of the German invasion of Norway and Denmark.
The radar hut a Sumburgh.
Sub-Lieutenant George Clifford Evans was in charge of radar operations. He detected the planes 100 miles southeast of Sumburgh and was able to provide a 25-minute warning to the commanding officer at Lyness on Hoy, on the western side of Scapa Flow. As the planes continued to be tracked.
The information relayed at the site informs you that, "The noise of anti-aircraft fire was heard in Lerwick, 125 miles from Scapa Flow and referred to at the time as the 'loudest continuous sound ever heard in the British Isles".
The unassuming but strategically vital radar hut at Sumburgh Head.
The anti-aircraft batteries in Orkney were ready and repelled the raid.
Details at the radar site further mention, ominously, that a "second similar attack was attempted two days later on 10th April, 1940 and it was similarly defeated due to early detection by the Sumburgh radar station".
RAF Sumburgh offers much wartime heritage to explore. Some are still visible, but for others you need to dig a bit deeper.
From the outset of World War Two, with aircraft becoming larger, a hard and level surface which could carry heavy loads of bombs was essential. Sumburgh, being in such a strategic location both in Shetland and in terms of air operations around the North Sea became a very important RAF airfield, used by Coastal, then later Bomber Command.
Defences near Sumburgh Airport.
Throughout the war, RAF Fighter Command Squadrons were based at the airport. Aircraft which flew in and out of the Sumburgh included Beauforts, Blenheims, De Havilland Mosquitos, Hurricanes, and Spitfires. The crucial location of Sumburgh was further utilised before missions in Norway.
At the same time, with enemy aircraft appearing over Shetland skies at the end of 1939 and into the early years of the war, fighter squadrons were crucial for daily patrols.
Looking towards the airport from one of the remaining structures.
RAF Sumburgh was in a pivotal location to respond to enemy aircraft appearing over the islands, with daily patrols against raiders, as well as protecting shipping and convoys.
The strategic location and wartime significance of RAF Sumburgh inevitably led to sombre occurrences. The airfield was at the forefront of action on the Northern Front and attracted German air interest. It would unfortunately witness various crashes, and also German aircraft activity, including bombing raids.
Black Watch guarding RAF Sumburgh (IWM image)
Protection of RAF Sumburgh was crucial, not least had any invasion taken place of the islands. Near the airport today you will find evidence of a former camp which housed the Black Watch, and other regiments, who defended the airport, as well as key structures and buildings in the surrounding area which provide evidence of airport protection.
Throughout the islands, anti-aircraft batteries steadfastly guarded airfields, coastal positions and zones of strategic importance.
Just one of these was at Cruester in Bressay. The island of Bressay has its own unique wartime history, being the natural 'guard' spot, sheltering the island capital of Lerwick.
Cruester Battery is easily accessible from the road and is one of a few, mostly intact anti-aircraft batteries which can still be found on the islands.
Anti-aircraft battery
It includes ammunition holds, command post positions, with plotting room and instrument positions. The plotting room was linked to the gun control room in the Boys Hostel in Lerwick, via Radar. Warning of approaching hostile aircraft would be via telephone to the bunker. The information was then plotted on a map and passed on to the gun crews. The Instrument position structure would monitor the height and range of approaching aircraft.
The Boys Hostel in Lerwick hosted a gun control room.
The Royal Artillery Shetland Defences War Diary recorded:
"All Heavy and Light A.A. guns will engage enemy aircraft in accordance with Anti Aircraft Operation Instructions as their primary task. As their secondary role, however, they will engage enemy troops on the ground, in ships, enemy parachutists and especially tanks where they are within range".
Cruester Battery saw action on the 2nd of March, 1941.
The War Diary added that:
"Light Anti Aircraft guns opened fire at a Junkers 88 flying up Bressay Sound at 100 feet. 40 rounds were fired but no hits were registered. Civil Air raid alarm.....Heavy Anti Aircraft opened fire as aircraft was flying too low but several bursts of Anti-Aircraft. Light Machine guns were observed to hit the plane. Fire was returned from the plane, bullets spattering close to the Command Post. Aircraft dropped 3 bombs in Bressay Sound aimed at G.P.O Cable Ship 'Ariel', but fell 150 yards ahead of the ship. Plane also machine-gunned 'Ariel' causing three casualties, not fatal..... Aircraft then turned South over Bressay..."
This is a spot to observe and reflect on what took place here, and a sombre reminder of how war came to Shetland.
As ever treat all of these precious local wartime archaeological structures with the respect that they merit.
For a further, detailed fascinating account of this Air Raid on Shetland, and many more, it is worth consulting the excellent book "Air Raid Islands" written by Samuel Sjoberg.
What is now the Garrison Theatre in Lerwick was designed in 1903 and completed in 1904 by architect, William Arthur Baird Laing as a Headquarters, Drill Hall and Gymnasium for the 7th Volunteer Battalion Gordon Highlanders.
Following mobilisation of the Territorial Army (TA) in 1939 the hall was requisitioned as headquarters for the Shetland Defence Battalion and later for the 7th Battalion Black Watch. With the influx of servicemen, initially the building was used as an army meat store and canteen.
In 1940 ENSA, (Entertainments National Service Association), commandeered the hall as a theatre to entertain service personnel, and it became known as the "Garrison Theatre".
Following conversion to a proper theatre by the Royal Engineers and Pioneers it was reopened on 7 December 1941. It was converted with a sloping stage, full stage lighting, cinema projectors and screen remaining in use until the end of the war.
The theatre was constantly full, with army personnel from the various local camps, as well as locals who were entertained by servicemen, touring concert parties, film shows and famous celebrities.
George Formby entertained at the Garrison Theatre.
In February 1943 the well-known stage and film comedian George Formby and his wife paid a flying visit. In August the same year, the equally well-known and popular Gracie Fields entertained the troops.
And Gracie Fields also visited the islands to entertain the troops.
Celebrity visitors to Shetland who, unlike today, perhaps went somewhat under the "radar" during wartime.
A visit to the North Mainland takes you near to an important location which witnessed much wartime activity, and gives a pertinent reminder of Shetland's place on the front line of the northern war.
The water at Sullom Voe had good take off and landing space as well as a large number of moorings. From 1939, the support ship SS Manela arrived in the area to accommodate personnel to build a camp and slipway at Sella Ness supporting the Northern Patrol flying boats which stationed at the sheltered inlet around nearby Garths Voe.
The first flying boats, Saro Londons of No. 201 Squadron, arrived in August, 1939. Subsequent Squadrons, including detachments of 228 and 240 flew in later. The importance of this location was recognised by the Germans who dropped their first bombs on the islands at Sullom in November, 1939.
Base duties here further reflected the role of Shetland in the war, including regular anti-submarine patrols, air-sea rescue and convoy escort with various aircraft coming in and out. These included Walrus and Catalina's. From 1941, Catalinas began a routine of convoy escorts and anti-submarine patrols over the North Atlantic via 413, 210 Squadrons, extending duties to Russian convoys, attacking and sinking U-boats. The Norwegian 220 Squadron also operated from here.
Sullom saw action throughout the war, including 204 Squadron flying patrols over the Norwegian coast engagement with German aircraft and German attacks on the base itself.
The site of the former Graven camp in North Mainland.
There is various precious archaeological evidence surrounding this site which should be carefully viewed. On the east side of Sella Ness, a concrete slipway survives, which served the flying boat base. Nearby today of course, this location is still busy with activity housing the Sullom Voe oil Terminal. The various squadrons and adjacent personnel serving here throughout the war which fuelled a bustling, lively camp life at Graven. Many structures remain today.
Flying Officer John Cruickshank
So many stories are linked to this special wartime Shetland location. One of the most famous is that of Flying Officer John Alexander Cruickshank. While attacking a U-Boat, his Catalina was hit by heavy anti-aircraft fire, Cruickshank was severely wounded, and his navigator was killed. Despite this, he kept control of his aircraft for a five-and-a-half-hour flight back to Sullom, sometimes lapsing into unconsciousness. For this, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
The nearby RAF Scatsta airstrip provided fighter protection for the Coastal Command base. Spitfires and the occasional Hurricane were based at Scatsta. Construction began in early 1940. The airfield was lined with mines by Royal Engineers during construction so that it could be blown up should any invasion of the islands take place.
As the war went on the aircraft activity at Scatsta increased with various larger British bombers landing at the airfield. During the last three months of 1944 the airfield became involved in a series of operational missions as the RAF increased efforts to sink the German battleship Tirpitz moored in Norwegian Fjord.
Sources, Links and Acknowledgements:
Archaeology Shetland.
After The Battle. The Shetlands. Number 67. 1990.
Air Raid Islands. Samuel Sjoberg.
A History of Scatsta. Airfield. Terry Mayes.
Canadian Virtual War Memorial.
C.W.G.C.
Historic Environment Scotland.
Lost to the Isles. Vol.2. David W. Earl.
The Military History of Shetland, 1650, 1960. D50/1. Chapter VIII. Dennis Rollo,
R.A.F. Museum.
Royal Artillery. Shetland Defences. TNA. WO 166/2051.
Royal Artillery. Shetland Defences. TNA. WO 166/2052.
Sumburgh and Tingwall. An Airfield Focus. Peter Clegg.
Shetland At War. Shetland Amenity Trust. 2014.
A History or RAF Saxavord.blogspot.com. Gordon Carle.
