MEN OF THE PUNJAB REGIMENT ON PATROL AND STRETCHER BEARERS AT WORK [Allocated Title]

Indian troops of 2nd Battalion 1st Punjab Regiment (123rd Brigade, 5th Indian Division) seen on patrol in the area of the Tiddim-Kalemyo road, Burma, and stretcher bearers bring in a casualty.

Two Indian officers of 2nd Battalion 1st Punjab Regiment conferring. One wears a steel helmet and the other a turban (Lieutenant Dhillon (?)) and both have binoculars. Staged sequence showing an infantry patrol crossing shot and descending a ridge right-to-left. The patrol climbs a slope; a soldier with a Thompson submachine gun goes prone in front of camera. A rifleman with fixed bayonet advances. Reverse angle shows a Bren gunner covering him. He approaches an abandoned Japanese bunker and pokes his rifle into the aperture before turning and gesturing to the rest. Very close shot of a rifleman lying prone with his weapon in the aim; the rest of the patrol move up in the background. The patrol advances towards camera and passes one at a time. Shot looking up at the Sikh officer seen earlier; he salutes the camera and the angle makes him appear tall. Two officers (seen at start of reel) seen conferring. Close-up of men's feet cautiously advancing. A radio antenna; tilt down to signallers operating a No. 48 wireless set. Captain J W Arthur (battalion Intelligence Officer) is saluted and presented with a Japanese rifle and helmet which he examines. A battalion HQ conference with Lieutenant-Colonel Appleby, battalion commander, presiding. Men at rest; some drink from enamel mugs and some appear to be reading newspapers. Indian mortar team cleaning their Ordnance ML 3-inch mortar. Men cleaning their small arms. Captain M K Lingane (?) and the battalion Quartermaster checking rations; during this sequence the Captain stumbles backwards and almost falls over to the Quartermaster's great amusement. Supply bundles are carried down a slope; the men's breath can be seen in clouds of vapour. A single man stands motionless in silhouette with others bustling around him; the sun is obscured by a tree and sends bright rays either side. Stretcher bearers carry a casualty on a stretcher up a steep hill. They wear the patch of XXXIII Corps (crossed trident and sword with wings). The stretcher is set down and the casualty examined by Captain T B Harrison of the Royal Army Medical Corps.

35mm