Description
Object description
LDV and ARP in training for the possibility of invasion and the likelihood of bombing raids over London. Signs are removed from train stations, and the LDV are trained to handle firearms. Evacuees in transit at Cannon Street Station, London.
Content description
(9 June 1940) A joint ARP (Air Raid Precautions) and LDV (Local Defence Volunteers, later to become the Home Guard) exercise at Charing Cross Station, London. A boy is carried up a set of stairs and lifted onto a waiting stretcher. A policeman stands by as the stretcher is then carried past a Boots chemist and a group of civilian onlookers. The scene then cuts to a rooftop where five ARP wardens use a winch to lower the casualty down the side of the building. The film then cuts again to the casualty being attended to by four nurses. MH59
Content description
(11 June 1940) Three men, two standing on a wooden trolley, removing a sign from outside a railway station; "ESHER FOR SANDOWN PARK". An individual workman, painting over a sign on the platform, with the station in the background. The same workman is then painting over a different sign on the opposite side of the track. (1 min 9 sec) MH60
Content description
(12 June 1940) A typical British landscape foregrounding a signpost for "STREATHAM & STREATHAM COMMON". Cuts to a man on a ladder removing the signposts. Dressed in overalls, the van parked beside him has stencilled writing; "TRAVEL BY SOUTHERN ELECTRIC STATIONS IN THIS DISTRICT". Another van passes on the road; "EMPIRE LAUNDRY OF EAST CROYDON". Close-up shot of the signs being removed. A "NORWOOD JUNCTION" sign is also being removed. The same sign is then shown being lifted onto the roof of a small workmen's van, also with the "SOUTHERN ELECTRIC" stencilled writing. A row of houses stand in the background, one has "CHARRINGTON ALES" in large lettering across the gable. MH61
Content description
(15 June 1940) Evacuees arrive into Cannon Street Station, from Erith (East London). 960 children, aged approximately 5-7 years, disembark from the train carriages. They are assisted by policemen, Southern Railway's staff and women in civilian clothing. Close-up shots of the evacuees, most have gas masks, name tags and luggage. Some appear anxious, but others are enjoying the journey. Finally, the evacuees are led away down the platform. (3 min 58 sec) MH62
Content description
(15 June 1940) The LDV undertaking rifle training at Waterloo Station, in a former GPO (General Post Office) yard. The LDV are in civilian clothes and are being instructed by a uniformed sergeant. Kneeling into a firing position they are assisted by other service personnel. In the final drill they are laid flat to practise firing from a low angle. (4 min 47 sec) MH63 & 64
Content description
Intertitle; "WATERLOO, DRILL & MUSKETRY". The personnel from the previous sequence are shown how to load their rifles by the sergeant. More firing drills follow. (5 min 51 sec)
Physical description
35mm
