WAR PICTORIAL NEWS NO 57 [Main Title]

An edition of the British official newsreel "War Pictorial News", produced by the Ministry of Information, Middle East.

I. 'DUKE OF GLOUCESTER VISITS IRAN.' The Duke of Gloucester reviews an Iranian guard of honour on his arrival at an airfield near Tehran. The Duke reviews some of the units that make up the Anglo/ Soviet garrison, installed in the country to prevent encroachment by German forces. The Duke reviews a guard of honour made up from Polish Auxiliary Territorial Service members followed by a march past by Russian infantry armed with Karabin obr 1938g 7.62mm carbines. The commentary states that the Russian troops are guarding the vital supply lines to the Eastern front where the "valiant struggle" continues.

II. 'GREECE FIGHTS ON.' King George of the Hellenes reviews massed Greek troops drawn up on a parade ground in Alexandria during a Greek National Day celebration. A large crowd of civilians made up from the many Greek communities in the Middle East watch the proceedings as the Greek national flag and the Union Jack fly together on a single flag pole. A force of motorcycle troops and Bren gun carriers (Universal) drive past the reviewing podium. King George of the Hellenes is presented with flowers by a young girl dressed in Greek national costume. The commentary points out that many of the Greek soldiers present at the display , fought bravely in defence of their country and were now ready for another crack at the common enemy. Greek infantry drive past the reviewing podium in soft-skinned vehicles and Ford FGT 4X4 tractors towing limbers and 25-pounder field pieces. Evident on the reviewing podium seated behind King George is Prince Peter and the Greek Prime Minister Emmanuel Tsouderos. Elsewhere, King George visits units of the Greek naval force and views exercises. Greek naval ratings man a 40mm Bofors anti aircraft gun in an emplacement aboard an unidentified destroyer. King George attends a reception at Alexandria Stadium and watches women marching on the running track carrying the Greek national flag.

III. 'PERSONALITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST.' The "Grand old man" of South Africa, General Smuts talks to a detachment of South African infantry at an undisclosed location in the Western Desert. Following his address, Smuts is given three cheers by the assembled troops. General Smuts then tours the coastal town of Bardia and takes photographs of the town and the sheer cliffs that run down to the sea. The General pays his respects at a war memorial in Sollum, saluting at a stone plaque dated 9th December 1941-19th January 1942. General Smuts then visits an unidentified coastal town to review the supply situation. Coastal shipping arrives in port and unloads foodstuffs and ammunition supplies. Smuts is taken on a tour of military railway workshops manned by South African troops. The commentary highlights the expertise of many of the troops who worked on the South African railways in pre-war days over scenes of railway carriages being constructed with obvious speed and precision.

IV. 'WITH THE FREE FRENCH IN CHAD.' The commentary describes Chad as the southernmost battlefield of the North African campaign and points out its loyalty to de Gaulle and the Free French cause. panoramic views of the sparse Chadian landscape including views of villagers grinding grain and performing other agricultural tasks. A native levy of a Free French cavalry detachment grooms his horse as the commentary outlines the usefulness of cavalry in patrolling the inhospitable Chadian terrain. Free French cavalry units ride across scrubland broken only by thorn trees. A white Free French officer leads a mock cavalry charge with sabre drawn. Native troops run to a 40mm Bofors anti aircraft gun emplacement and aim sustained fire at an unseen target. Elsewhere, at Free French headquarters, a raid into enemy territory is planned by Foreign Legionnaire officers. Free French and native troops run to Chevrolet trucks and set out for a raid behind enemy lines. The commentary points out that Chad is one of the hottest places on earth and stresses the importance of water as a matter of life and death during operations. Free French troops dismount from their trucks and set up temporary defensive emplacements. A detachment sets up a Mitrailleuse Hotchkiss mle 1914 8mm heavy machine gun in a defensive position with good fields of fire.

35mm