NORTHERN BURMA: MOUNTBATTEN VISIT, BUNKER DEMOLITION, VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND MEN AT REST (US ARMY CAMERAMAN) [Allocated Title]

Footage by US Army cameramen in northern Burma shows a visit by Lord Mountbatten, demolition of Japanese bunkers and bomb disposal, while men watch the 'Burma Races'.

Mountbatten and party, including US Army Lieutenant-General Joseph Stilwell, passes camera. Mountbatten meets British troops. At an airfield British and American officers shake hands. Mountbatten departs by Douglas Dakota transport aircraft (serial 210536), as he boards he is saluted by Major-General Frank Festing, commander of 36th Division.

Shot on 24 January 1945: Long static shot of a treeline; an explosion blasts dust and debris into the air. At a bend in the road an explosion smashes a bunker and sends large pieces of debris directly at the cameraman's position. The dust clears to show a pile of wreckage. British engineers unearth and defuse an aircraft bomb. The defused bombs, showing their types (British and Japanese).

Shot on 28 January 1945: General shot showing motor vehicles being worked on. Man at work on a jeep. At work on various parts. A wrecker lorry (marked 'LAD'; presumably Light Aid Detachment) is positioned to remove the engine. The engine is hoisted out and set down.

Shot on 29 January 1945: Group of soldiers gathered round a 'racetrack' made of wooden pegs and mine tape. 'Horses' advance by dice throws. Winnings are paid. Dice rolls (using a noticeboard with newspaper sheets (SEAC?) as a base). Game in progress and men watching. Bets taken. 'Burma Races' written on the ground in string. Tote board. More shots of the race. Horses at the start line.

35mm