As Germany continued to plan its spring offensives, Hitler and Mussolini met on 18 March at the Brenner Pass in the Alps; Mussolini agreed to support Hitler’s imminent invasion of Western Europe when the time was right. Édouard Daladier resigned as Prime Minister of France on 19 March, following a vote of no confidence over his failure to support Finland in the Winter War, and was replaced by Paul Reynaud. On 19 March the RAF mounted an attack of 50 bombers on remote seaplane bases in reprisal for the raid on Scapa Flow the previous week, but no damage was done.
The John O’Groat Journal reported that the first Air Raid Precautions exercises to be held on a Sunday had been a success, despite the controversy, and that “the practices were the largest which have so far been held.” Not everyone was pleased, however, and the Rev. William Grant of Halkirk declared that, “The law against Sabbath desecration was just as binding as the commandments against murder or adultery; and such an open assault upon the Holy Day called for judgment from the Most High”.
Schools in Caithness were being encouraged to support the “Dig for Victory” campaign to grow more food this week. Killimster School recorded on 22 March that “Mr McHardy, Director of Education and Mr Longmore of the College of Agriculture visited the School on Thursday with a view to arranging a garden for the pupils in the “Dig for Victory” campaign.”
Staxigoe School noted the receipt of “Notes on gardening compiled by Mr Longmore” on 18 March, and two days later, “Mr McHardy and Mr Longmore, County Organiser visited the school this forenoon, and expressed satisfaction with result of “Grow more food” Campaign.”
There was some sad news this week as the John O’Groat Journal reported that Mr Donald Sutherland of Helmsdale, who had survived the sinking of the oil tanker Gretafield in February (see Week 24: 12-18 February 1940), now died of his injuries in hospital in Golspie.
Caithness Archives holds the records of the police force during the war. On 22 March there is a note from the District Commissioner, Inverness, which gives a single example of the flow of information that must have existed at the time: “With regard to enemy aircraft seen over Shetland yesterday it was suspected that it was on reconnaissance work. Any information of enemy aircraft movement must be reported at the earliest possible moment.”
