Description
Object description
Operation MG.1, March 1942. Convoy MW.10 is escorted to Malta by the 15th Cruiser Squadron and destroyer forces. Cameraship is HMS Euryalus.
Full description
I. Action with the Italian Fleet in gale conditions (wind SE, force 6), 22 March. LS of a passing Hunt Class destroyer. LA of White Ensign streaming in the wind. MS off the port quarter of HMS Cleopatra in rough sea - she is making smoke and has her guns trained to starboard. Euryalus also makes smoke which streams aft in the strong wind - Cleopatra is seen again through a swirl of smoke from cameraship's screen. HMS Zulu (G.18) makes smoke, black from funnels and white from quarterdeck generator. LSs of HMS Penelope and the two Didos laying smoke. The sea is now very rough - smoke floats burn on the water and destroyers weave amidst the screens. LS to Penelope as she comes round to starboard into the cameraship's wake - her turrets are trained to port, her focsle smothered in spray. A Dido opens fire. MLS off port quarter of Cleopatra, partially obscured by her own smoke - she fires to starboard. LS of shell splashes from the Italian fire. Euryalus and Dido are both firing.
Full description
II. AA defence of the convoy. Dusk - a Dido opens fire, producing a smoke ring and spectacular reflection effects. Cameraship fires forward turrets and 2-pounder AA. A Dido is lit up by gunflashes as tracers stream from the cameraship. Daylight - bombs fall in the sea. HMS Dido opens fire against aircraft. LS of a high altitude raider as tracer climbs away towards it. Flak speckles the sky around a passing aircraft - flak fragments fall near Euryalus. General shots showing convoy merchantmen, attacking aircraft, defending fire from the cruisers, and bombs exploding in the sea - one raider is sufficiently low that some of the pursuing tracer hits the sea.
Full description
III. Return to Alexandria. HMS Dido enters port in cameraship's wake. The returning escorts are cheered. Vian poses on the quarterdeck of Cleopatra. Crewmen repair minor damage (Cleopatra was hit on the bridge). At sea - two ratings are smoking - in the deckhouse behind them is a patched hole. Flag signal is hoisted - in the background is HMS Dido. Final shot of merchantmen dressed overall as cameraship enters port.
Physical description
35mm