Description
Object description
The reopening of passenger routes between the Channel Islands and the British mainland. The record includes the transportation of Russian troops from the island of Jersey, where they had been interned as Prisoners of War (POWs). There is also a brief record workers removing blackout paint from Southern Railway carriage windows.
Content description
(25-27 July 1945) The reopening of passenger services to the Channel Islands (a British Crown dependency in the English Channel). Opening with a view over the bow of the ISLE OF GUERNSEY passenger vessel coming into St. Peters Port (Guernsey). A Southern Railway flag fly's at the front of the ship. Once moored at the dockside, the passengers are met by a small crowd as they disembark. The scene then cuts to a view from the same perspective, but this time coming into harbour at St. Hilier (Jersey). A sign on the side of the harbour wall in German reads; "ACHTUNG – NICHT ANKERN HAFENSPERRE" (ATTENSION – DO NOT DROP ANCHOR). Hundreds of people line the walls of the harbour, some waving white scarves, in anticipation of the vessels arrival. Once moored at the quayside, Mr Short (Southern Railway Marine Manager) is greeted by monsieur Le Brun (?), whilst a Royal Military Police (MP) Corporal stands guard directly behind them. Around the quayside crowds are still gathered, holding Southern Railway flags and signs ("SOUTHERN RAILWAY – WELCOME HOME!) directly above a more tattered looking "GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY" flag. Passengers disembark and cargo is loaded aboard.
Content description
The scene cuts to the "SOUTHERN RAILWAY – CONTINENTAL BOOKING OFFICE" and a Southern 4-6-0 locomotive (No. 752) hauling passenger carriages into the train yard. Young children and adults gathered beside an unknown platform. The scene cuts again to cargo being loaded aboard the ISEL OF GUERNSEY at Southampton Docks, and civilian passengers being loaded aboard, before the moorings are released and a small group wave them off from the dockside. (2 min 22 sec) SH402
Content description
(25-27 July 1945) Russian POWs arrive at Southampton Docks, having been interned on the Channel Islands during the German occupation. They all ware military uniform and a flag bearer carries the Soviet flag. They stand by the dockside, awaiting orders from the two Russian Officers present. (4 min 14 sec) SH403
Content description
(25-27 July 1945) More cargo is shown being unloaded by dockside crane at St Hilier Docks (?). Followed by the ship's crew, the Marine Manager (Mr Short), a British Army Officer and other civilians standing together on the deck of the vessel. Finally, a view from the deck as the vessel leaves the island. (4 min 50 sec)
Content description
The Russian POWs celebrate the end of their internment with traditional Cossack dancing and accordion music, aboard the ISLE OF GUERNSEY passenger vessel (Technical: underexposed). (6 min 16 sec) SH404
Content description
Male and female workers scraping blackout paint from Southern Railway carriage windows, outside at an unknown location. (6 min 45 sec) SH405
Physical description
35mm