Description
Object description
A four-item magazine reel by the RAF Film Production Unit, showing the arrival of American troops in Britain, the Royal Hellenic Air Force in action in the Mediterranean, RAF ferry flights across Africa, and a reconstruction of a Coastal Command attack on a German submarine in the Atlantic.
Full description
Titles: "Contact" over projected shadow of a two-engine aircraft, probably a Wellington.
Part 1: Title "America Comes Across"; first arrival of US troops in Northern Ireland, 26 January 1942. Footage from a troopship and US personnel on dockside. Aerial footage of early mark Spitfires airborne; commentary refers to the American squadron of the RAF; "Uncle Sam with wings is some Eagle". Tribute to American aircraft design; Lockheed Hudson, Bostons of (RAF 88 Squadron), Mustang (probably RAF 268 Squadron). Flying Fortresses which mount "attacks of scientific precision"; one tail number is legible (19125).
Full description
Part 2: Title "Remember Greece". Royal Hellenic Air Force ensign flying. Interior tented operations room; airmen scramble and the squadron mascot (a black dog) chases after them. They mount their Hawker Hurricanes, one has an Ace of Spades by the cockpit. Strafing attacks demonstrated by Kittyhawks of RAF 94 Squadron; burning motor transport. Spectacular low pass by Hurricane. Traditional Greek circle dancing; "our Greek allies keep alive their national customs". Lambs are roasted on spits for Easter festivities. Lamp-lit interior with officers eating; "the Royal Hellenic Air Force is small in numbers but great in spirit". An officer closes a copy of Dilys Powell's "Remember Greece".
Full description
Part 3: Title "Jungle Airfield". Palm trees are felled by African labourers with axes; "even the remote jungle of Africa has not escaped [the war's] impact". Commentary explains need for alternative route to Middle East; "natives" achieve "miracles of swift construction" building "modern aerodromes in storybook settings" with footage of sifting earth, spreading tar and gravel etc. Steamroller with palm canopy. Hawker Hurricanes are uncrated by "natives who rarely saw a motor car" and assembled. Hurricane Mk IIB Z5235 is identifiable. Hurricane taxis as African fire crew look on from their tender; to comic effect a man in full fireproof suit (looking rather like an astronaut) sits next to them. GM916 (?) takes off. Aerial footage; view over river.
Full description
Part 4: Title "Atlantic Surrender". Five-aircraft flight of Hudsons passes overhead; the "quiet and efficient" Coastal Command crews "don't often get the chance to achieve the spectacular". Footage of a reconstructed incident; a submarine is spotted, pilot manoeuvres to attack (DA squadron code). Submarine dives but is forced to surface by depth charges (submarine is marked N46). Submarine flying White Ensign. Tribute to the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. End titles with RAF March playing.
Physical description
35mm