Description
Object description
The raid on Spitzbergen, Norway. Canadian units with Norwegian and British detachments prepare to leave Glasgow.
Full description
Composite Force III consisted mainly of the 49th Edmonton Regiment; 3rd Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers; Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps; Signals 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade; 59th Sask Light Infantry; 992 Dock Operating Company; B Section Motor Boat Company; D.I.D (?); Royal Army Service Corps; Norwegian detachment; detachment of Kent Corps, Royal Engineers. The vessels are the cruisers HMS Nigeria, HMS Aurora and HMTS Empress of Canada.
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8 August. Canadians and other troops embark on HMTS Empress of Canada at George V Docks, Glasgow, equipment is loaded. Issue of warm clothing.
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18 August. Scenes on board HMTS Empress of Canada during journey via Iceland to Spitzbergen. Firing practice, anti-aircraft duty and general look-out. Mustering for boat drill.
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21 August. American naval officers come on board in Iceland to pay formal visit.
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24 August. Men begin to wear heavy coats as they approach Spitzbergen. Reconnaissance plane takes off from HMS Nigeria.
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25 August. Brigadier Potts, Admiral Vian and the representative of the Russian government and staff set off from the Empress of Canada by motorboat with armoured escort to Barentsburg in Green Harbour. They are met and go to the civic centre to discuss the evacuation. Russians help unload stores and equipment. The soldiers land from trawlers.
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26 August. Evacuation of Russian inhabitants by destroyer to the Empress of Canada. HMS Aurora escorts four captured colliers on way to England.
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27 August. Walrus landing at Barentsburg. Destruction of wireless masts by Royal Canadian Engineers.
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28 August. Landing from HMS Aurora at Norwegian mining settlement at Kingsfjord. A small party had breakfast at the North Pole Hotel before starting the work of demolition and setting coal mines on fire. Lowering of Norwegian flag. Evacucation of inhabitants in HMS Aurora.
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29 August. Landing and evacuation of Norwegians from Sweagruwa.
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31 August. Church parade at Longyearby. Loading stores. Men's teas.
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1-2 September. Barentsburg burning. Walrus sea plane sent out to investigate. Wrecked power stations. Free French party come ashore and help load stores.
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3 September. Final demolitions, petrol and coal dumps set on fire.
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4 September. Departure, the journey home on HMTS Empress of Canada. Various scenes on board of Canadian and British soldiers, Norwegian soldiers and civilians, the Free French, naval and AA Personnel etc.
Physical description
35mm