WAR OFFICE OFFICIAL TOPICAL BUDGET 323-1 [Main Title]

I. The King reviews the crew of a battleship.

II. The Duchess of Portland christens an aeroplane presented by Nottingham City to New Zealand.

III. President Machado of Portugal visits France.

IV. The King and Queen attend a service for the Forces.

V. General Sir Francis Lloyd inspects the Motor Transport Volunteers.

I. 'Admiralty Official Film. THE KING ATTENDS "DIVISIONS". In the Navy "Divisions" is the equivalent to the regimental parade in the Army, the ship's crew assemble on the quarter deck to the playing of lively airs by the ships band.' HA from camera on Y turret as sailors and marines march past King and Admiral Sturdee (?) standing on raised dais set up on the quarterdeck - band plays 'lively airs'.

II. 'NOTTINGHAM'S GIFT TO NEW ZEALAND. The Duke of Portland and Lord Besborough (sic) were present when the Duchess of Portland christened the aeroplane which the Midland City presented to New Zealand.' Lord Desborough leads the Duke as the two inspect a detachment of troops - a large crowd looks on. The Duchess wears a fur-trimmed coat with matching muff. HA pan over the crowd which the Duke addresses from a raised dais draped with a Union flag bearing the name of the Imperial Air Fleet Committee. The Duchess strikes with a mallet at a cloth-wrapped bottle attached to the propeller of the aircraft - initially she fails to break the bottle, but grits her teeth and tries again, succeeding with the second blow. The crowd cheer. The Duchess rejoins a solicitous Duke. CU of the name 'NOTTINGHAM' on the aircraft fuselage.

III. 'PORTUGUESE PRESIDENT IN FRANCE. President Machado accompanied by President Poincaré made a tour of the French Western front and at Verdun presented the Mayor with an Order, as a souvenir of the glorious defence of that famous fortress.' Machado and Poincaré pass guard of honour. Watched by an impassive Poincaré, the Portuguese President places the Order of the Tower and Sword on a cushion held by the Mayor of Verdun. The two Presidents leave by car. The two men look at some of the ruins in Verdun and watch a march past by troops along one of the cobbled streets.

IV. 'SERVICE FOR FIGHTING MEN. The King and Queen attended a special service for sailors and soldiers at St. Martin's-in-the-Fields.' The King and Queen accompanied by the rector pass an honour guard of Boy Scouts to enter the Church. Lesser people follow on.

V. 'CLAPHAM JUNCTION OF THE WAR. Practically every British soldier has to cross London and the City of London Volunteer Corps provides him with transportation. General Sir Francis Lloyd inspecting cars in the grounds of the H.A.C.' General Lloyd, GOC London District, passes guard of honour to inspect an array of MTV lorries - many have been donated by American cities or states. HA over the men of the Volunteers, and the ranks of private cars parked in the grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company.

35mm