New research has revealed details of two air assaults on East Fortune Airfield that were kept secret during the Second World War. The historic airfield in East Lothian is now home to the National Museum of Flight, which opened 50 years ago in July 1975.
A discreet, handwritten note on an archived document led curators from the Museum to uncover the hidden details. In November 1940, three bombs were dropped on the airfield. Almost a year later in October 1941, enemy gunners attacked the site from the air. No casualties were recorded.
Throughout the Second World War the airfield served as an operational training unit. In Scotland, direct hits were rarely reported publicly to prevent enemy forces identifying significant sites.
The Lothians were targeted by German bombers on several occasions, including attacks on a decoy airfield in nearby Drem, but until now this important part of the airfield’s history was unknown.
Scottish aviation history
East Fortune is one of the UK’s best-preserved Second World War airfields. Air raid and blast shelters, that were likely used during the attacks, have recently been conserved and are now open to visitors to discover more about Scotland’s wartime heritage. Ian Brown, Curator at the National Museum of Flight, said: “Revealing these previously unknown events at East Fortune has taken some real detective work. The airfield has played a significant role in Scottish aviation history for over a century. Even in the museum’s 50th year we’re still discovering stories that can help us better understand the airfield’s past.”
The National Museum of Flight explores the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day through interactive galleries, historic aircraft and hangars. On display is one of Europe’s best collections of aircraft, including Scotland’s only Concorde, which visitors can board.
Main photo: Service personnel at East Fortune, c.1940s. Image National Museums Scotland.
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