THE EMPIRE'S NEW ARMIES [Main Title]

A survey of the equipment and training of the British Empire's armies, emphasising both the novelties of modern war (movement, mechanisation, mass numbers) and the traditional importance of the fighting man behind the weapons.

Opening WW1 stock shot of marching soldiers followed by modern film of Dominion troops, and a mechanised column moving off. Training - PT and unarmed combat, weapons training (including film of Sikh and Indian troops): bayonet, Bren and Vickers guns; equipment - large numbers of motorcycles, combinations and carriers, light and medium tanks (tank crews train in skeleton turrets), Cruiser tanks demonstrate river crossing, knocking down walls (scenes are included of an indoor tank gunnery range); artillery - 2-pounder AT guns on barracks square and manoeuvres, field artillery and AA guns, with ATS assisting crews; river crossing (collapsible assault boats, pontoon and girder bridges); beach landing; paratroop training. "They've now got the tools and they're going to finish the job."

35mm