GAUMONT BRITISH NEWS ISSUE 835 (item) - THE VAAGSO RAID [Main Title]

British Commandos raid German-occupied islands of Vaagso and Maaloy, Norway.

Film covers the commando raid on Vaagso and Maaloy islands, showing briefly training and preparations before departure then a long sequence of the commandos ashore ending with their orderly withdrawal six hours later after wiping out "this little centre of Germany's war effort". After embarking, a few commandos dance to the skirl of pipes while others while away the time playing cards or sleeping. Very lights illuminate the darkness as the approaching force is spotted and troops advance past explosions. In the morning light commandos move through the deserted snow-covered streets of Vaagso, and later engage in dramatically-filmed street fighting. Mortars are lobbed over a German building. and captured Germans led down to the landing craft. The commentary states that only buildings ("ammo dumps and gun installations") used by the Germans were destroyed, while the film shows many wooden houses ablaze and exploding. No signs of opposition. "Quislings" carry the wounded on stretchers down to the shore, while "Norwegians" take this opportunity to escape. Commandos embark and sail out of the fjord. A final joke at Germany's expense - film of the "Photographieren Verboten" sign.

35mm