WAR OFFICE OFFICIAL TOPICAL BUDGET 318-2 [Main Title]

II. Commemoration of French air ace Captain Guynemer.

I. A motorised transport column on the Western Front.

III. King George V holds a public investiture at Buckingham Palace and decorates eight VCs.

IV. Italian aviator Giulio Laureati flies from Turin to London.

I. 'DIFFICULTIES OF TRANSPORT. Some of the troubles to be overcome by the transport to keep in touch with the advancing troops.' Wagons, carts, 18-pounder artillery and a convoy of motor lorries pass left and right along a muddy road. A column of troops also pass along the far side. Despite the heavy traffic, men are at work widening the road, and trying to keep it clear of mud and fill in holes.

II. 'CAPT. GUYNEMER VICTOR OF 53 FIGHTS. Capt. Guynemer who has brought down 53 German machines, is reported to have fallen into the sea while attacking a German squadron.' French military band leads march past of troops. Watched by the men of his squadron the already medal-bedecked Captain Guynemer is received into the Legion of Honour.

III. 'INVESTITURE AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE. HM. the King held a Public Investiture at the Palace and decorated eight V.C.'s. Lieut. Install (sic) V.C. the airman who escaped from Germany.' Soldiers of the Reserve Battalion Grenadier Guards present arms as the King enters the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. Lieutenant Insall comes forward and receives his VC. Sergeant Edwards of the Seaforth Highlanders receives his VC, followed by two others (William Ratcliffe VC and John Skinner VC). In the background, an Army photographer covering the ceremony sets up his camera on a tripod. 'POSTHUMOUS V.C. The widow and son of the late Capt. Ackroyd receive the Victoria Cross and Military Cross, awarded that gallant officer.' The widow, dressed in black, and her small son, wearing a white sailor's suit with black armband, are each given one of Ackroyd's medals. Cut to MS pan over the VC winners as they wait their turn before the King: right to left they are John Skinner, King's Own Scottish Borderers (unimpressed by the proceedings, he is chewing gum), William Ratcliffe, South Lancashire Regiment, Sergeant Ivor Rees of the South Wales Borderers, Sergeant Alexander Edwards, Seaforth Highlanders, Sergeant Edward Cooper, King's Royal Rifle Corps, Sergeant Robert Bye, Welsh Guards, and Lieutenant Insall. Mrs Ackroyd stands with her son in the background. William Ratcliffe VC steps forward to receive his award. Cut to the men departing after the ceremony - most walk straight off, one to be embraced by his mother, but Lieutenant Insall is introduced to some French officers.

IV. 'ITALY TO ENGLAND IN SEVEN HOURS. This was the time taken by Capt. Laureati to fly from Turin to London, a distance of 683 miles.' Italian officers stand on airfield pointing up at the arriving aircraft - they are part of a small crowd that has gathered to greet the Marquis on his arrival. LS as the SIA 7B touches down. MS of the pilot, Captain the Marquis Giulio Laureati, and his passenger, Air Mechanic Michael Angelo Tonzo, surrounded by the Italian party.

35mm