HMS YORK IN THE GULF [Allocated Title]

Shots of some of the weapon systems on HMS York, and an interview with Captain McEwen.

I. LA.MS of red and white tail rotor of Lynx helicopter from HMS York - towards the end of the shot the rotors flex slightly. MSs of Lynx 407 running up, the camera focusing on the main rotor head and Union Jack on main cabin door - the observer's door is open, and the aircraft is clearly not about to take off.

II. Sequence showing marine manning 20mm GAM-B01 gun on 02 deck just aft from the starboard bridge wing - he trains the gun round so that the muzzle points towards the camera. MS as the gunner walks the gun round - at the end of the traverse he nearly fouls the signal searchlight. MS of gunner seen through the frame of the ring sight - he trains the weapon to the right. LA as gunner trains and elevates gun.

III. MS and CU of GPMG on starboard bridge wing as gunner fits belt from box magazine and takes up firing position - in later repeats of the shot he works the cocking handle rather than just holding it ready to cock.

IV. HA from starboard bridge wing onto forecastle as Sea Dart launcher loads one missile and launcher and 4.5-inch gun train onto the starboard quarter. The sequence is repeated with the launcher accepting two missiles, and gun and launcher training onto the beam, this time with the gun elevated - the Sea Darts are live but have protective caps around the interferometer aerials. Gun and launcher trained fore and aft - the missiles are recovered to the magazine. Missiles reload and previous routine is repeated.

V. MS of two ratings sitting by guardrail near GPMG on starboard side of flightdeck - low light conditions.

VI. Interview with Captain McEwen in his cabin. He gives a brief description of the Allied naval presence in the Gulf. The role of HMS York is still essentially that of one of the Armilla Patrol. The interviewer muffs a question - the captain is amused. York is standing up very well to the conditions in the Gulf - radar propagation conditions and voice radio communications are mentioned. The crew are a "great gang". Asked about problems caused by the sudden change in the ship's programme, Captain McEwen says that everyone would have liked to get to Singapore and Australia - he has never visited Australia in 25 years in the Navy - but they have been trained for a job and now they are doing it. If the worst comes to the worst they will be resolute. This last question seems to have irritated McEwen, and he loses some of his joviality.

Beta-SP; VHS