On Saturday 16 March 1940, at least fourteen German bombers attacked Scapa Flow, the aerodrome at Hatston and other targets. Also attacked was the small group of houses at the Brig O' Waithe, Stenness. Twenty-two high explosive bombs fell around the houses, one of which suffered a direct hit. James Isbister was killed by a piece of shrapnel, his wife and baby were uninjured. He had the sad distinction of being the first civilian casualty of World War 2.