description
Object description
A slight piece on the despatch of troops to Norway, notable only for an ill-judged speech on the likely outcome of the impending campaign. Submarines Seal, Snapper and Sunfish return from patrols in Norwegian waters.
Full description
I. "Allied Forces Rush to Aid Norwegians". LS of an Arethusa Class cruiser (probably Aurora) passing beneath the Forth Railway Bridge. The cruiser is accompanied by HMS Diana (H.49) and HMS Fame (H.78). Army motor transport waits by the quayside as troops arrive by coach - the soldiers look out of the windows at the cameraman and one waves a casual salute. The trucks move off to be loaded onto a troop ship. LS off the port bow of a transport lying in the Firth (possibly the Orient liner Orion). Cut to studio sequence as a prepared statement is read out - Hitler's decision to invade Denmark and "part of Norway" is characterised as "a blunder of the first magnitude". The speech is followed by stock footage of Norwegian scenery, and an aerial panorama of a pre-war fleet review (apparently an American one). "Good Scenes" consists only of more Norwegian views.
Full description
II. "Back from Norway with 3 Bags Full!" Men come up from below deck on the submarine HMS Seal alongside in a British port - they give thumbs-up to the cameraman. CU of a Lieutenant RN in conversation with a Norwegian petty officer. CU of a bearded crewman. Two crewmen go ashore with golf clubs and tennis rackets. Cut to HA.MS from a depot ship as HMS Snapper (39S) comes alongside - the submarine is cheered by the ship's crew. Snapper secures outboard of HMS Sealion (79S), and the crew disembark. CU as Captain King goes ashore. MS of five men being escorted along the quayside under guard. Cut to CU of conning tower of HMS Sunfish (81S). CUs and group shots of crewmen. "Censored Scenes". Snapper goes alongside, CU of her name-plate, HA off her port quarter as she lies next to Sealion, crew passing 3-inch gun as they disembark. CU of Captain King again. MS of group of five men on the deck of Sunfish - those seen earlier being escorted away - they have an air of innocence and are presumably rescued Norwegian seamen. HA.MSs as HMS Sunfish joins the trot, outboard of Snapper. CU of Captain Slaughter.
Physical description
35mm