During the Second World War, a number of industries in Dundee were of
importance to the war effort. The jute industry, which had previously
dominated the local economy, had suffered badly during the 1930s.
However, the war gave a temporary boost to the industry with as the
material was in high demand for use in sandbags. The shipbuilding
industry was also important, with the Caledon Yards being busy
throughout the war. The yard refitted two Polish submarines at the
beginning of the war and constructed a number of Castle and Loch Class
frigates, as well as a number of merchant vessels.
With its strategic importance it was believed that Dundee would be an
obvious target for the Luftwaffe. Fortunately, however, Dundee escaped
relatively unscathed and the city itself was only bombed on twenty-four
occasions.
Dundee also played a significant role in the war at sea, the city being
home to a major Royal Navy submarine base, HMS Ambrose. Consequently,
sailors came to be an important part of the wartime scene in Dundee and
came not only from Britain and its Empire, but also from France and
Norway.
A great many Dundee men and women served in the armed forces during the
war and the city suffered many casualties, but many also received
decorations as a result of their bravery. Among them was Wing Commander
Gordon Hugh Malcolm, who received the first RAF VC awarded for action in
North Africa.
