North Queensferry School – WWII

School Occupation

 
During the summer vacation of 1939, a detachment of Cameron Highlanders first occupied the school on 25th August.

Following the declaration of war on September 3rd 1939 came the announcement that the school would remain closed for an indefinite period.

The school remained closed through September.  Concerns were raised in Parliament about the lack of air raid facilities in the village and the plight of the school children.

THE FIFE FREE PRESS, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1939

SHELTERS AT NORTH QUEENSFERRY

Sir J. Anderson’s Reply to Mr Gallacher

Mr Gallacher (West Fife) asked the Home Secretary in the Commons on Thursday, what protest he had received from North Queensferry, following his refusal to supply bomb-proof shelters, and would he circulate to the members of the House the report of his Scottish representative on the area.

Sir J. Anderson said no protests had been received by the Home Office or by his regional officer in Edinburgh against the policy which had been adopted for provided air raid shelters for Queensferry.  The problem of providing shelter in this area was closely investigated on the spot by technical officers of his department. A comprehensive plan was drawn up and was now being put into operation.

It would be contrary to the usual practise to publish a report made by a departmental officer.  The conclusions which he reached after consideration of the report had been fully explained in the letter he addressed to the member.

Mr. Gallacher, in a further question said the school was occupied, and something should be done immediately for the children.

Sir J. Anderson – I will look into that.

School Playground Air Raid Shelter

Meantime work began on the construction of a concrete shelter in the school playground.

The issue of air raid shelters in North Queensferry was raised again in Parliament on 14th September 1939

Mr. Gallacher asked the Home Secretary “what protests he has received from North Queensferry following his refusal to supply bomb-proof shelters; and will he circulate to Members of the House the report of his Scottish representative on this area?”

Sir J. Anderson

No protests have been received, either by the Home Office or by my regional adviser in Edinburgh, against the policy which has been adopted for providing air-raid shelter at North Queensferry. As the hon. Member is aware, the problem of providing shelter in this area was very closely investigated on the spot by the technical advisers of my Department and a comprehensive plan for dealing with it was drawn up and is now being put into operation.

It would be contrary to practice and open to strong objection in principle, to publish a report made by a departmental officer for the information of his official superiors, but the conclusions which I reached after consideration of that report have been fully explained in a letter which I addressed to the hon. Member and, as I have already informed him, I have no objection to his publishing that letter.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister not aware of the deep feeling which exists in North Queensferry on this matter at the moment; is he also aware that only a concrete shelter is in course of construction in the children’s playground, and if he is not prepared to provide better facilities for protection in a place which could easily become a death trap, will he see that the school children, at any rate, are evacuated?

Sir J. Anderson

I was very anxious that the most rapid progress possible in the circumstances should be made in the provision of shelter in the area in accordance with the approved scheme. On the point about evacuation, I shall certainly consult with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that there is no shelter there yet, although they are working at it and that the school is occupied by the military, and that therefore something should be done immediately for the children?

Sir J. Anderson

I will look into that.

On 20th September 1939 the focus in Parliament was on an evacuation scheme for North Queensferry

Mr. Gallacher asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the numerous complaints about defects in the working of the Scottish evacuation scheme; and what steps are being taken to remedy these defects?

Mr. Colville [John Colville MP Secretary of State for Scotland 6 May 1938 to 10 May 1940]

Difficulties were bound to arise in some areas in such a large and unprecedented movement of the population as that which has been undertaken. I have taken careful note of all representations which have been made to me with a view to remedying any well-founded complaints. All difficulties are discussed on the spot with the local authorities concerned by officers of the Department of Health and the arrangements for further transfers which are taking place have been framed in the light of the experience already gained.

Mr. Gallacher

While thanking the Minister for that reply, is he aware of the very deep feeling that exists in North Queensferry, which is very vulnerable, about the lack of anything being done for children; and will he consult with the authorities to secure the evacuation of these schoolchildren?

Mr. Colville

I will bear in mind what the hon. Member has put forward.

The First Air Raid of WWII

Then on 16th October came the first air raid of the war when planes attacked shipping in the Forth near the Forth Bridge.

This caused an immediate demand for the evacuation of children from North Queensferry.