The Orkney Blast

The Orkney Blast is not a commentary on our fine, but admittedly windy weather, but was actually a weekly newspaper published to keep the military personnel of Orkney informed and entertained in their isolated position. Scapa Flow was the main anchorage for the British Fleet during both World Wars. The large naval presence in World War II necessitated a growing number of army and airforce personnel to strengthen the defense of the islands. Many outposts, such as anti-aircraft positions, were remote and these men felt neglected – abandoned! ?

To build links and develop a feeling of community Major Eric Linklater suggested creating a different newspaper to the dry military bulletins which the British Forces generally produced, hence in the Naval HQ, Stromness Hotel The Orkney Blast was born. Launched in January 1941, this publication became a key source of information and morale for the military and civilian population alike. Orcadian Linklater was already a renowned Scottish author and playwright, The Orkney Blast not only chronicled life during a time of conflict but also had a lasting influence on military journalism.?

This short blog hopefully highlights what was an innovative and creative solution to a problem. Orcadians’ adaptability and problem solving continues to thrive in the well-educated and industrious population as exampled in The ICNZ programme. ?

The Birth of The Orkney Blast?

By the onset of World War II, Orkney had transformed into a heavily militarized zone, particularly after the sinking of HMS Royal Oak by a German U-boat in 1939. The loss of over 833 sailors in that disaster underscored the vulnerability of Scapa Flow and led to the construction of the Churchill Barriers, a major wartime engineering project.?

The Orkney Blast emerged at this critical juncture, providing both military personnel and local residents with vital information on the war effort and daily life on the islands. Initially circulated in small numbers, the newspaper became an important resource for the thousands of sailors, soldiers, and civilians who lived and worked in Orkney during the war. It quickly established itself as a morale booster, offering not only reports on naval operations but also stories that highlighted the resilience of the Orcadian community.?

Eric Linklater’s Vision?

At the heart of The Orkney Blast was its editor, Eric Linklater. Already an accomplished novelist and playwright by the time the war broke out, Linklater had a unique perspective, shaped by his literary career and his Orcadian roots. Born in 1899 and raised in Scotland, he had established himself as a sharp observer of human nature, with works such as Juan in America and Magnus Merriman earning him critical acclaim.?

Linklater was also an officer in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, which brought him to Orkney during the war. He was instrumental in developing?The Orkney Blast, and through his editorship, bringing his wit, storytelling abilities, and understanding of military life to the publication. His editorial leadership transformed the paper from a mere bulletin of war news into a vibrant, community-focused journal that captured the spirit of wartime Orkney.?

Under Linklater’s guidance, The Orkney Blast struck a careful balance between official military news and human-interest stories. While the paper reported on major naval operations, troop movements, and war-related incidents, it also featured profiles of local civilians, humorous anecdotes, and social commentary. This combination of hard news and personal stories made the newspaper both informative and relatable, helping to bridge the gap between the military personnel stationed in Orkney and the local community.?

Naval Operations and War News?

Given Orkney’s proximity to major naval operations, The Orkney Blast provided regular updates on the war effort, particularly events related to Scapa Flow and the surrounding waters. One of the most significant reports covered the aftermath of the Battle of Norway in April 1940. As British ships returned to Scapa Flow following intense fighting in Norwegian waters, The Orkney Blast detailed the arrival of damaged vessels, the transfer of wounded sailors to local hospitals, and the high cost of the battle.?

The newspaper also followed the ongoing Battle of the Atlantic, during which Royal Navy vessels escorted convoys from Scapa Flow to protect them from German U-boat attacks. These stories frequently mentioned the losses suffered by the British merchant fleet and the bravery of the sailors who risked their lives in this crucial but perilous battle. The sinking of HMS Royal Oak was one of the most significant early events reported by the paper, and though official censorship prevented too much detail, The Orkney Blast candidly acknowledged the emotional impact of the loss on the Orkney community.?

Another memorable edition reported on the visit of HMS Prince of Wales, a King George V-class battleship that briefly docked in Scapa Flow in 1941. This ship would later face the German battleship Bismarck in one of the most famous naval engagements of the war. The Orkney Blast provided a vivid account of the ship’s time in Orkney, focusing on the interactions between the sailors and the local population before it departed for battle.?

Human Interest and Community Stories?

In addition to its war reporting, The Orkney Blast became known for its human-interest stories, which often featured the day-to-day lives of the people living and working in the islands. These stories served as important morale boosters, providing a sense of normalcy amid the tension of wartime.?

One regular feature was the paper’s coverage of social events, such as dances and concerts organized for both military personnel and locals. In one memorable issue, the paper recounted a dance held in Kirkwall, where young sailors and local girls enjoyed a rare night of relaxation. These events were an essential part of maintaining morale, offering service members a break from their duties and fostering camaraderie between the military and civilian populations.?

The newspaper also chronicled the interactions between Orcadian residents and the Italian prisoners of war (POWs) who were employed in building the Churchill Barriers. The POWs, though far from home, became an integral part of the community, and The Orkney Blast regularly reported on their contributions to the island’s war effort. In one issue, the newspaper described the construction of the famous Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm, a POW-built chapel that remains one of Orkney’s most iconic landmarks.?

Challenges of Censorship and Propaganda?

Like all wartime publications, The Orkney Blast operated under strict censorship. The Ministry of Information closely monitored the flow of news to ensure that sensitive military details were not leaked. However, Eric Linklater managed to walk a fine line, pushing the boundaries of what could be reported while maintaining the trust of both the authorities and the readership. It even allowed a little steam to be let off?by the stationed personnel, a critical safety valve to discontented sailors and troops. ?

Despite the censorship, Linklater ensured that the newspaper addressed local concerns and fears, particularly regarding the threat of German attacks. For example, the paper covered air raids on Orkney, including a March 1940 Luftwaffe attack on the island of Hoy, where bombs fell on military installations. The Orkney Blast praised the bravery of the anti-aircraft gunners who protected the islands, even as it acknowledged the constant danger faced by the local population.?

This candid approach set The Orkney Blast apart from other military publications, which often took a more sanitized, official tone. Linklater’s willingness to engage with difficult topics, such as the loss of HMS Royal Oak, added a layer of trustworthiness to the paper, helping to bolster the morale of the island’s inhabitants and the military personnel stationed there until its final edition in December 1944. The War had moved to continental Europe and the main threats from Germany were decreasing. ?

The Impact on Other Military Publications?

The editorial style and content of The Orkney Blast had a significant influence on other military publications during the war. Before The Orkney Blast, many military newspapers focused exclusively on official reports and operational updates, often neglecting the human element of war. Under Linklater’s guidance, The Orkney Blast demonstrated that military publications could successfully blend hard news with personal stories, humor, and social commentary.?

This approach began to spread to other military periodicals, such as the Army’s The Soldier and the Royal Navy’s Navy News, which started to incorporate more human-interest pieces and lighter content to keep morale high. The mix of serious news and human stories helped create a sense of community and solidarity among service members, a model that many military publications adopted as the war progressed.?

The Orkney Blast’s success also highlighted the importance of maintaining a connection between military personnel and the local populations they lived among. By covering local events, social gatherings, and interactions between civilians and service members, the newspaper fostered a sense of unity that extended beyond the battlefield.?

Legacy of Eric Linklater and The Orkney Blast?

While The Orkney Blast ceased publication shortly after the war, its influence continued to resonate in the post-war period. The blending of serious wartime reporting with personal, human stories became standard practice in military and civilian journalism alike, as newspapers recognized the power of storytelling to foster community and boost morale.?

Linklater’s experience as editor of The Orkney Blast informed much of his later work, particularly his novels and plays that explored themes of war, community, and resilience. His post-war novels, such as The Dark of Summer (1956), reflect his deep understanding of wartime life in Orkney and the broader impact of conflict on individuals and communities.?His work for the military continued with autobigraphical books including A Year of Space (1954) which tells a nice story of his rescuing RN flying boat personnel from Loch Harray.

The Orkney Blast remains an important historical document, offering valuable insights into the unique wartime experiences of the Orkney Islands. It provides a vivid snapshot of life on the home front and demonstrates how local communities, military personnel, and creative minds like Linklater contributed to the war effort in ways that went beyond traditional combat roles.?

Conclusion?

The Orkney Blast stands as a testament to the power of local journalism in times of war. Under the leadership of Eric Linklater, it became more than just a military newspaper - it was a vital lifeline for both the military personnel stationed in Orkney and the local community. By blending operational reporting with personal stories, Linklater shaped The Orkney Blast into a publication that not only informed but also connected people during a time of immense hardship.?

Its influence on other military publications, its approach to censorship, and its role in fostering community make The Orkney Blast an enduring example of the importance of journalism in maintaining morale and documenting the human side of war.?

https://www.orkneymuseums.co.uk/world-war-ii-local-life/ ?

Other newsprint on Orkney https://rousayremembered.com/newsprint-1941/ ?

Stromness Museum https://stromnessmuseum.org.uk/

Eric Linklater https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Linklater