World War II – Building the Barriers

World War II – Building the Barriers

Panel from temporary exhibition at the Scapa Flow Museum. The text, with extra images, are featured in this blog.
Panel from temporary exhibition at the Scapa Flow Museum. The text, with extra images, are featured in this blog.

Permanently blocking the entrances to Scapa Flow had been suggested in 1912, but it was the loss of HMS Royal Oak in 1939 that prompted action. Winston Churchill, then First Lord of the Admiralty, ordered the building of four causeways (now known as the Churchill Barriers) linking the islands of Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm, Burray and South Ronaldsay to the Orkney Mainland. Balfour Beatty & Co. Ltd. began construction in May 1940 and they were officially opened as public roads on 12 May 1945.

The newly completed Churchill Barriers. This photograph clearly shows the blockships sunk to close the channels to U-boats.
The newly completed Churchill Barriers. This photograph clearly shows the blockships sunk to close the channels to U-boats.

Italian Prisoners of War

Italian POWs in the square at Camp 60, Lamb Holm. Note the target disc on the
Italian POWs in the square at Camp 60, Lamb Holm. Note the target disc on the

By the end of 1940 Balfour Beatty were facing labour shortages. The solution was to bring in Italian Prisoners of War (POWs) and in early January 1942 the first group of Italians arrived, accommodated in camps on Lamb Holm and Burray.

A photograph taken during the construction of the Churchill Barriers showing workers accommodation huts at Camp 60, Lamb Holm.
A photograph taken during the construction of the Churchill Barriers showing workers accommodation huts at Camp 60, Lamb Holm.

Problems arose when they refused to work because the barriers contributed to the war effort and contravened the treatment of POWs as set out in the Geneva Convention. The strike was called off after the authorities successfully argued that they were not building barriers, but improving communications to the South Isles.

Building the Churchill Barriers, 10 November 1942. Kirk Sound before closure. The flood tide is still running east with full force. Tips at both ends are advancing into the stream.
Building the Churchill Barriers, 10 November 1942. Kirk Sound before closure. The flood tide is still running east with full force. Tips at both ends are advancing into the stream.
Rubble is being dumped to form the base of the causeway between Burray and Glimps Holm.
Rubble is being dumped to form the base of the causeway between Burray and Glimps Holm.

When Italy capitulated in September 1943, the men were no longer prisoners. Those who stayed were now paid to work and not restricted to their camp By September 1944, work had almost finished, and the Italians were moved south.

Bolsters (wire bags filled with rock) breaking the surface at Skerry Sound, between Lamb Holm and Glimps Holm.
Bolsters (wire bags filled with rock) breaking the surface at Skerry Sound, between Lamb Holm and Glimps Holm.
Blockyard, South Burray. Moulds into which the concrete has been poured can be seen in the foreground.
Blockyard, South Burray. Moulds into which the concrete has been poured can be seen in the foreground.
No. 2 Barrier, 21 July 1944.
No. 2 Barrier, 21 July 1944.

The Italian Chapel

The Italian Chapel after demolition of the rest of the camp in 1944.
The Italian Chapel after demolition of the rest of the camp in 1944.

The Italian Chapel is a beautiful, highly ornate, Catholic chapel on Lamb Holm. It was built by the Italian POWs, who were housed on the island while they constructed the Churchill Barriers. One of the Italian prisoners, Domenico Chiocchetti, was the driving force behind the project. He was a skilled artist, responsible for the painting and decorative work, including the altarpiece of the Madonna and Child.

He based this on a Barabino painting, The Madonna of the Olives, which was on a prayer card given to him by his mother. After the POWs left in 1944, Chiocchetti remained behind for a short time to complete his masterpiece.

Chiocchetti and his painting of the Madonna and Child.
Chiocchetti and his painting of the Madonna and Child.

The chapel was saved from destruction when the POW camps were torn down after the end of the war. In 1960, Domenico Chiocchetti, then living in Moena, Italy, returned to assist with the restoration project.

Domenico Chiocchetti restoring his masterpiece on his return in 1960. He would return in 1964 with his wife, Maria, and in 1970 with his daughter Letizia and son Fabio.
Domenico Chiocchetti restoring his masterpiece on his return in 1960. He would return in 1964 with his wife, Maria, and in 1970 with his daughter Letizia and son Fabio.

To learn more about the building of the Churchill Barriers visit the Fossil and Heritage Centre, Burray, and pay a visit to the Italian Chapel which is close by.

Scapa Flow Museum is currently closed for a major refurbishment project, funded by Orkney Islands Council, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Museums Galleries Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Orkney LEADER fund. The project includes carrying out essential repairs to Pumphouse No. 1 and building an extension to house a new gallery, visitor facilities and café.

Visitors can virtually explore the buildings and former exhibitions at www.hoydrone.com/museum, a 3600 photo record of the main site museum site.

The Island of Hoy Development Trust website www.hoyorkney.com has a large Wartime Heritage section focusing on the WW2 history of Hoy.

Stay connected to Orkney Museum for the latest news, stories, exhibitions, events and visitor information.

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