1939

The Shetland Herring fleet numbered around 50 vessels, almost all either Zulus or Fifies and all steam, paraffin etc engine powered.

August

21th
The north isles steamer Earl of Zetland replaced after 62 years service by a new vessel of the same name.

1st
The Admirality reqisitioned the ships 'St Magnus (III)', 'St Ninian I' and 'St Sunniva (II)'.
17th
The Admirality set up office in a part of the Fish Market's offices.

8th
The Swedish steam freighter S/S Vistula is wrecked by a German submarine, 45 nautical miles north of Muckle Flugga. A lifeboat with 9 of the crew arrives Norwick, Unst, but the Captain's boat with 9 men was lost.
20th
The British steam freighter Sea Venture, (2327GRT), sunken by the German submarine U34 northeast of Unst. Crew rescued, 25 by Lerwick Lifeboat. One of the lifeboats from the 'Sea Venture' made landfall at Outer Skaw, Unst, and later became roof of a shed.
27th
First enemy aircraft sighted over Shetland

13th
Four Heinkel bombers attacked Sullom Voe. 4 bombs fell in the sea and the others on nearby land. These bombs were the first of the war to land on British soil, and was reportedly the inspiration for the song Run Rabbit Run.
18th
The British Royal Navy and the Air Force takes over the North Ness area, where they established bases for MTB's, submarines and flying boats.
22nd
German Heinkel bombers drop bombs in Lerwick Harbour, the bombs did not hit anything but a Saro London II flying boat, L7042, of RAF 201 Squadron was by destroyed by fire at her moorings after being hit by machine gun fire.
28th
Survivors from the Swedish tanker 'Gustav E. Reuter' arrived Lerwick. The ship hit a mine south east of Shetland. The Admirality's tow boat 'St.Mellons' tried to rescue the ship, but because of heavy weather it had to give her up 25 nautical miles south east of Bressay.