GAS SHELLS [Allocated Title]

Demonstrations of the Livens Gas Projector and of gas shells, probably at Chapperton Down Artillery School near Aldershot, spring 1917.

(Reel 1) The film starts with close-ups of the baseplate and tube of the Livens Projector. An instructor shows how the bomb is fused and armed. Then a view of two Livens Projectors buried in a trench and a long shot of the firing range, with the bombs falling on it. The instructor shows the propellant charge for the Livens, taking the charge apart to show its constituents. A number of projectors are then armed with the propellant charge and wired up. 9.2-inch and 8-inch howitzers nearby have been fitted to stable platforms and are being used to fire gas shell at the firing range. A 4.5-inch howitzer is loaded with gas shell and fired. A line of gas shells from 4.5-inch up to 9.2-inch calibre is shown. The loading of the Livens Projectors with propellant charges and gas bombs continues. A view of the firing range showing a camouflaged trench and buried projectors. A repeat of the instructor taking the propellant charge apart. (Reel 2) Views of the target area with gas shells falling on it, showing (in close-up) little surface damage to the ground. Then a Livens salvo falls on the area, producing a large gas cloud.

35mm