OPERATION DRACULA [Allocated Title]

Amphibious landings on the banks of the Rangoon River and advance on the city.

Cameraman in one of a flotilla of LCAs proceeding in line ahead up the Rangoon River - the line is bearing to starboard - LCI(L)s in the background. The cameracraft carries Australian troops. LS of P-47 Thunderbolt as it makes a low pass over the forest along the river bank - smoke rises from fires onshore. MLS as DH Mosquito flies low over the water towards the shore. LCAs turn to port into line abreast to run in towards the bank, while a LCT lies in midstream. A Fairmile B covers the landings. LCAs hit the shore, and men run through the shallows and up the steep bank. A second wave then follows. The cameraman then transfers to the shore to film troops disembarking, and moving inland along the banks separating the flooded paddy fields - the men carry mortar and radio equipment. Cut to MS off the port bow as LCI(L) 310 runs inshore to land Indian troops - LCI(L) 305 is disembarking men in the background. Support forces follow the first wave inland - one carries a Bren over his shoulder. MCU of Indian troops as they step ashore from LCI(L). Final MS of three soldiers - one a turbaned Sikh - as they file inland laden with kit and carrying a rolled-up stretcher.

35mm