Britain's First Air Battle: The Untold Story of the Battle of the River Forth

On October 16, 1939, the skies over Scotland witnessed the first air battle in British history—a defining moment as the Royal Air Force squared off against the Luftwaffe over the Firth of Forth. This event, known as the Battle of the River Forth, marked Britain’s first direct encounter with German forces in the air and highlighted the readiness of the RAF and the strategic importance of Scotland’s east coast defenses.

In this historical recount, we delve into the dramatic events of that autumn day, just weeks after Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain declared war on Germany. As RAF fighter squadrons, particularly 602 City of Glasgow Squadron and 603 City of Edinburgh Squadron, took to the skies, they were tasked with defending critical naval assets like HMS Edinburgh, HMS Southampton, and HMS Repulse from German Heinkel He-111 and Junker Ju-88 bombers on a reconnaissance and assault mission.

Watch as we bring history to life, sharing details of Spitfire pilots intercepting German bombers over the Forth Rail Bridge, the intense skirmishes, and the high-stakes dogfights that unfolded over Edinburgh, Dunbar, and North Berwick. Get a closer look at the heroism displayed by Flight Lieutenant George Pinkerton and his Spitfire squadron as they scrambled to protect Scotland from what was initially believed to be an attack on the iconic HMS Hood.

With insights into the role of RAF Drone Hill’s early radar detection and the strategic importance of Scotland’s coastlines in WWII, this video is a deep dive into a day that set the stage for British air defense and the RAF’s eventual triumph in the Battle of Britain. Witness the suspense and heroics that laid the foundation for RAF’s air strategy and learn about the Luftwaffe’s reconnaissance missions that sought to undermine British resolve from the air.

Highlights of this historic event include:

Detailed analysis of RAF’s defensive strategy and Squadron tactics
Early radar technology at Drone Hill and how it aided RAF's response time
Heinkel He-111 bombers vs. Spitfire Mark I aircraft: A tale of engineering and pilot skill
Eyewitness accounts of RAF and Royal Navy coordination, with Spitfires intercepting near the Forth Rail Bridge
Insights into British morale and resilience in the early days of WWII
The Battle of the River Forth remains a testament to Scotland's vital role in the Allied air defense strategy and marks the first instance of German bombers over Britain in WWII, showcasing the resolve and courage of RAF's auxiliary squadrons. Whether you're a history enthusiast, WWII aficionado, or just discovering this critical moment, this video will provide an immersive view of Britain’s early defenses against the might of the German war machine.

💥 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support more engaging content on WWII air battles, the RAF’s defense tactics, and the courageous stories that shaped history.

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[gavingaming]

One of the Luftwaffe bomber crews was named Friedrich “Sonny Hansen” and he was born in Newstead near Melrose in the Scottish Borders. His father was German and his mother was a hairdresser born in Melrose. After the First World War his family moved to Germany. When he lay dying of his wounds he asked for the Minister that had baptised him, the local police located him and asked him if he knew Sonny, he replied “of course I baptised him”. The aircrew were given a full military funeral through Musselburgh with flag draped coffins and a wreath marked “From Scottish mothers to German mothers. Thanks for sharing. All the best from the Scottish Borders. GD

[stumpy]

My Dad was on HMS Mohawk and told me about this.He stayed with the ship until it was sunk in the Med in 1941, by the Italian fleet, just off the coast of north Africa .He survived(I would'nt be here if not) and went on to be involved in the landings at Anzio and D day coxwaining landing craft.I wish I knew more about it but, like most, he didnt say much about it, only anecdotes about what he and his mates got up to.He did say Comander Jolly was a great C.O.I miss my Dad even now after 25 years after he died.RIP all those that died in that conflict.

[murrayangus]

I didn't realize that Luftwaffe attacks over the UK started so early in the war, especially over the Firth of Forth. An amazing account of the first aerial encounters.

[Frserthegreenengine]

As a resident of Edinburgh, so glad someone finally made a video about this raid.

I heard about this a long time ago, although I was initially told that the bombers were actually trying to target the Forth Bridge, only to then read up later that it was false and that the Bombers always intended to go for the warships. (I mean the passengers on the bridge thought they were the target and so that was pretty understandable for them to think like that). Still a fascinating story and this was certainly the Spitfire's first proper baptism of fire (excluding the "Battle of Barking Creek").

Thanks for the video.

[begbieyabass]

Awesome video and research Bonny lad.. Bravo.
My Grandfather was a Captain In charge of one of the island Gun battery's (Inchmickery I think)
This was my play ground every summer Hols, we used to camp on Cramond Island . It had 2 naval guns on each end of the island facing towards the Forth entrance, it also had many flak machine guns. All the islands had direct communication with each other.
We used to find live bullets and throw them into the camp fire...oh how stupid we were. Cramond island is The real Treasure Island. Robert Louie Stevenson wrote the book whilst staying at the old Cramond inn with a view onto the Forth islands.
My Dad was a lighthouse keeper on the Bass Rock.

[billsinclair]

My family live in Kirkcaldy up the coast from the Bridge, my grandfather George Taylor witnessed parts of this event and told me about when I was a lad, he would have been 24 and was a reservist in the Cameron Highlanders

[derekheeps]

My son, who is currently 14, had a history lesson last year, from an English teacher, who told his class that the first German aircraft shot down during WWII, were over London . I'm pleased to say that Harris ( my son ) pointed out that this was incorrect, and that it had been German bombers attacking ( as I thought, the Forth Bridge, at the time the only bridge so simply called the Forth Bridge ) which were shot down by local squadrons . Fortunately, said teacher checked his facts and admitted at the next lesson that Harris was correct .

[DraftySatyr]

Thank you, I really enjoyed that. Well researched and exceptionally well presented, with just the right pace of delivery to draw the viewer in without resorting to the overly dramatic or even melodramatic delivery of some of your erstwhile colleagues.

[briggsquantum]

Another great video, really well presented. My brother-in-law lives in North Berwick, and when I visited him there I travelled through many of the places mentioned, including stopping at East Fortune airfield and the excellent museum. I studied the engineering of the Forth Bridge years ago, and standing under it on the south side was an amazing experience. I look forward to more of your videos!

[regt]

My Grandad, Henry Edward Smith was serving on Edinburgh and was one of the 44 injured suffering a shrapnel wound to his chest and shoulder. He never ever spoke of this day.

[marvwatkins]

You got one over Mark Felton! Hard to do.

[paullacey]

Fantastic Video👏👏👏Out in the Forth, Incolm Island has former gun placemants too.Take the ferry, well worth seeing!

[rodevans]

Fine research, excellent commentary and visuals. Thank you; I’ve subscribed.

[queensferryhistorygroup]

Great story, glad to see the true story come out! So many still think the Rail Bridge was targetted but that was not the case! Well done.

[iainmalcolm]

Great video. For additional information, RAF Turnhouse is now Edinburgh Airport. First used by the RFC in 1916

[fantasyfleet]

Another great episode, i remember my grandmother recalling this battle she was only 6 at the time and arched from Arthur’s Seat.

[Niinsa]

Never heard of this early attack. I thought it started with attacks on shipping in the Channel, and moved inland from there. Great video! Thanks a lot!

[irnbrukidsm]

Absolutely excellent video. Full of relevant and detailed factual information. Extremely well narrated

[columbaiona]

Well done ! You kept it short sharp & to the point!

[ewancameron]

That was a really enjoyable and informative video and as i live in Edinburgh it was really interesting to see what happened. One story i know of is my late grandad and his friend cycled to a crashed he111 site to have a look.