War and defence

World War II brought overwhelming change to the Peninsula with the building up of a substantial local defence presence, though a modest level of defence activity had been evident in the region for many years. During World War II, thousands of American servicemen were stationed at the Naval Base at Rosneath. There was also the naval hospital at Portkil and a number of other defence-related establishments. Today, the Ministry of Defence maintains two major defence establishments at Faslane and Coulport but little remains at Rosneath to show just how big the operation there was. The story of the Rosneath Naval Base is recounted here by Dennis Royal, but for a really detailed picture, you will need to read his book United States Navy Base Two: Americans at Rosneath 1941-45.

In the years following World War II, the Navy used the Gareloch as a mooring area for redundant battleships. Brian Salmon tells this story.

Do you have a story to tell about local life during the War, the aftermath of War, or any issues related to the history of the defence industry in the area? If so, please contact us.

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	War and defence World War II brought overwhelming change to the Peninsula with the building up of a substantial local defence presence, though a modest level of defence activity had been evident in the region for many years. During World War II, thousands of American servicemen were stationed at the Naval Base at Rosneath. There was also the naval hospital at Portkil and a number of other defence-related establishments. Today, the Ministry of Defence maintains two major defence establishments at Faslane and Coulport but little remains at Rosneath to show just how big the operation there was. The story of the Rosneath Naval Base is recounted here by Dennis Royal, but for a really detailed picture, you will need to read his book United States Navy Base Two: Americans at Rosneath 1941-45. In the years following World War II, the Navy used the Gareloch as a mooring area for redundant battleships. Brian Salmon tells this story. Do you have a story to tell about local life during the War, the aftermath of War, or any issues related to the history of the defence industry in the area? If so, please contact us.