On display is a map of the harbour area which would have been used as part of Aberdeen's Air Raid Precautions (ARP) during World War Two. Essential locations such as telephone boxes, police stations, air raid shelters and first aid posts are all marked on the map in red circles.

In 1937 as part of the preparations for the major conflict that was about to follow the government created an Air Raid Warden's Service which would cover the whole of Britain. The City Warden Service operated in four divisions, each with a commander in charge and separate headquarters. The divisions were further divided into groups and then again divided into sectors with a number of wardens patrolling each sector. The wardens working in the nine sectors in the harbour area were controlled by the harbour commissioners. During the war, air raid wardens were required to enforce the blackout; help people into air raid shelters; issue gas masks; administer first aid; put out small fires and record bomb damage. Air raid wardens were usually local and their knowledge of the neighbourhood was vital.

Aberdeen was the most frequently bombed city in Scotland during World War Two and the harbour with its close physical links to the railways and associated industries of shipbuilding and fishing became a prime target for enemy attacks.

To see some more maps and plans documenting the history of one of Britain's oldest ports, check out our interactive exhibition on the touchscreen!

Document Type

Document Reference

TR15_08

Keyword

Collection

Aberdeen Local Studies

Magnifier?

Yes

Public Access

Yes

For Sale?

Subjects