Zeppelins

'Local arrangements have now been made with reference to darkening the village in the event of an air raid by Zeppelins. If the enemy aircraft should visit, the east of Scotland information will be telephoned to the Police Office. The electric lights on the streets will be at once switched off, and the gas supply will be shut off at the gas works. In the event of the gas supply being shut off, householders should at once see that their jets are turned off. The measures which are being taken are purely of a precautionary nature, and need not cause any alarm. At the same time it is important that the instructions be carefully carried out, and all prominent lights should be shaded at night.'


'On Tuesday evening several precautionary measures were taken against raids by aircraft. The gas pressure was reduced at the works as an indication to householders that Zeppelins were again visiting the Scottish coast. The special constables were assembled and ready for duty, but fortunately their services were not required, as the Zeppelins were never near the district. A large number of people were in the streets, evidently keen to get a sight of the raiders had they come this way. A passenger train was stopped at the station, and the passengers did not reach their destination until early next morning.'
         
(Albert, on the Somme, where many West Calder men served)

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