When Hitler Bombed Lossie
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AMONG the graves at Lossiemouth’s New Cemetery are those of four men and women, killed 70 years ago this month when a German aircraft bombed the Moray town.
On the night of July 11, 1941, a JU 88 fighter dropped four bombs, destroying three homes, shaking others in the area and shattering the windows in countless more.
Four people were killed and several more were injured.
It is thought that the bomber was aiming for the airfield, but failed to find its target and instead found homes near the Coastguard tower.
Local community councillor Jim Dartnall was researching the history of the East Beach bridge when he came across details of the wartime tragedy.
Miraculously, no-one in the first house hit at Kinneddar Street sustained serious injuries.
Both Billy and Doug Souter were sleeping and were unhurt, while their parents sustained injuries from flying glass. Even the family pet, a canary, miraculously survived.
A report from ‘The Northern Scot’ on July 18, 1941 states: “A clock which had been out of order for four years is keeping regular time now, while a glass cabinet, with everything about it shattered and even the articles inside damaged, was not even scratched.
“Mrs Souter’s canary, which she thought had been killed, was discovered under a pile of debris three days later, none the worse of its experience.”
Tragically, a second bomb which fell on 6 Dunbar Street killed its four occupants – owners Mr and Mrs John Wilson and their guests, Mr and Mrs Joseph Leighton, who had left Portsmouth after their house in the city was also bombed. Their daughter was married to an RAF officer who was stationed in the area.
Local historian and author Donnie Stewart was just a child when the incident shook the town.
“I remember it happening,” he said. “We all went up there to have a look, of course, and to see the impact. I remember going and picking up shrapnel.
“I was in Union Street and the bombs dropped on Dunbar Street; had it been two seconds earlier, it would have been our house.”
The neighbouring property was also hit, but its owners – George ‘Doddie’ Farquhar and his wife – escaped with minor injuries.
The ‘Scot’ of the time reports: “Pinned to their bed by part of the roof, which had collapsed on them, they had to remain there for twenty minutes before being rescued. Their house was damaged, and they are now living with Mrs Farquhar’s sister.
“When I heard the German plane just overhead,” Mrs Farquhar said, “I remarked, ‘Now we are going to get it,’ and I pulled the blankets over our heads. I did not hear the bomb falling, but I think the blankets saved us from being seriously injured. I heard my niece, Mrs Riddell, her husband and four children moving about in the next house, and I shouted I was glad to know they were safe. ARP and other rescue workers were soon on the scene, and I can tell you I was glad to see them.”
The family moved to James Street shortly after the bombing.
“Both houses were rebuilt to the original plans, and are distinguishable to this day by the different colour of the roof slates,” said Mr Dartnall.
A third bomb landed on the pavement along King Street, on the corner with Prospect Terrace, causing damage to the windows and ceilings of the surrounding houses, but no serious injuries were sustained. The fourth bomb fell on the quarry a little further on.
Eyewitnesses reported untold mess around the homes, with barricades erected and police and wardens swarming around.
Mr Stewart cannot remember hearing the bombs hit on the night of July 11, but recalled the aftermath. “I suppose I was young, so we thought that was what war was about – people getting bombed.”
The “great spirit of the people” was praised by the Provost of Lossiemouth at a meeting of the town council in the immediate aftermath.
And all Air Raid Precaution personnel were given his highest recommendation for their calm and capable response.
The names of the four people killed at Lossiemouth appear on a roll of honour of Civilians killed in World War II kept in a memorial case at Westminster Abbey.
