RAF EVACUATE ALLIED PRISONERS OF WAR FROM THAILAND [Allocated Title]

RAF Douglas Dakota transport aircraft fly liberated Allied prisoners of war (POWs) to Rangoon, Burma, from Don Muang airfield near Bangkok, capital of Japanese-occupied Siam (Thailand).

A line of Dakotas parked at Don Muang. Aircrews and POWs awaiting transport. Groups of POWs pass camera. A group of sullen-looking Japanese officers and non-commissioned officers at the airfield. Crew standing under the nose of a Dakota named 'Susie Q'. POWs board a Dakota. The aircraft taxis away along the airfield's perimeter track. View from the aircraft's door as it accelerates down the runway. POWs waiting by the parked aircraft. Aerial views of Don Muang and of cloudscapes en route to Rangoon. POWs disemplaning at Rangoon and boarding ambulances. In a garden outside a brick building a sign reads '7 Casualty Air Evacuation Unit'. British women serve tea. POWs sit at garden tables with white tablecloths and enjoy some doubtless long-missed tea, cigarettes, newspapers and female company. A group of POWs share a Thermos flask of tea. A group of POWs pose for photos.

35mm