Open online

During the Second World War, fishermen were, in many senses, on the Front Line of Britain’s war effort. In the Naval Reserve, they took part in minesweeping, patrolling, convoy protection, setting anti-submarine nets and all manner of duties to defend Britain’s coasts against attack, while others joined the Army, Royal Navy or RAF. This online exhibition By Sea, Land and Air: Scottish Fishing Communities and World War II takes a close look at the role played by Scotland’s fishing communities during the War and explores the experiences of fishermen, women and children on active service, at sea, and on the Home Front.

Using a combination of photographs, personal accounts and objects, this exhibition explores six key themes:

• Fishing Boats at War
• The Fishing Industry
• The Home Front
• Rationing
• War in the Air
• Victory and its Aftermath

You will find information, objects on virtual display and links - please have a look around and enjoy this online exhibition.

To learn more about some of the key events during World War II before exploring the virtual displays, please click here: Some Key Events During the War

Fishing Boats at War

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• Photograph of John and William Coull Deas of Cellardyke on war service in the Royal Naval Reserve: SFM 180

• Kit bag issued to Coull Deas while on service with the Royal Naval Reserve: Kit Bag

• Supplementary material: The Fishermen are Saving Lives

The Fishing Industry

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• Supplementary material: List of Scottish Fishing Boats Lost During the Second World War

• Supplementary material: Coastal Artillery – Fidra Coast Battery, Firth of Forth

The Home Front

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• ID cards and more: Documents and Soap

• Supplementary material: Island Life during WW2

• Supplementary material: Enemy Spies Sighted in Nairn

Rationing

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• Clothing coupon sheet: IWM D 9833

• Photograph of a tray containing a civilian’s weekly rations: IWM D 7958

• Wartime recipes designed to make the most of rationed food: Mock Goose and More

War in the Air

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• Poster showing RAF aeroplanes: IWM Art.IWM PST 14630

• Photograph of bomb-damage at 6 Rodger Street, Cellardyke, 25 October 1940: SFM:555a

• Supplementary material: Bomb dropped on Rodger Street, Cellardyke

Victory and its Aftermath