Scottish Airfields in the Second World War

When it was realized that the Germans, who had occupied Denmark and Norway in April 1940, might launch an attack on Britain from them, the airfields of the Grampian region of North East Scotland took on a new importance. Originally designated for flight training only, three of the thirteen airfields - Banff, Lossiemouth and Kinloss - soon began to receive squadrons of Bomber Command given the job of seeking out enemy shipping, particularly U - boats and sinking them. Military stations on the Norwegian mainland were also targeted. The biggest operation was mounted against the 42 ton battleship The Tirpitz. From early in 1942, first in Trondheim harbor and then at Tromso the ship was bombarded until in November 1944 she was sunk. Besides the airfields mentioned there was also Dallachy, Elgin, Fordoun, Forres, Fraserburgh, Milltown, Peterhead and Rattray. This book tells the story of all thirteen local airfields and the contribution they and people serving on them made towards the total war effort.