Description
Object description
Training school exercises for British Army super-heavy railway guns as preparation for anticipated German invasion at the beginning of World War Two. Inter-titles throughout describe what is happening.
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"School of Super-heavy (Railway) Artillery"
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During the winter of 1940-41 several courses were held at the school. A drill order is carried out by the Battery Commanders attending course No. 5.
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They chose a Battery position on Walkerville Spur and then position of assembly at Arras Lines [Yorkshire].
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Unfortunately the points had frozen hard and it took over half an hour to release them. General shots of soldiers clearing snow from points. Spade arms are fitted.
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The spade arms having been fitted, a 12" howitzer was finally brought into action. A locomotion unit pushes and pulls draped gun through snow.
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In all, between October 1940 and March 1941, 13 super-heavy railway Batteries were formed and put into action and 23 courses were held at the school.
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February 1941. 9.2" stability trials at Shoeburyness (Essex) using full charge. A shot of the gun firing.
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Shots of various exercises with the gun.
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6th Super-heavy Battery. June 2nd 1941. Major CW Thomas tries his new scheme of struts and holdforts at SIBSEY [Lincolnshire?].
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More exercises with the gun.
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"At the school a Fire Discipline Exercise." Motorcylists (led by RSM Eustace) represented an enemy tank attack and were met with Molotov cocktails.
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A 'dead' man was brought to the command.
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Another minor worry was a low flying attack by Spitfires from Catterick (Yorkshire) aerodrome. Spitfires buzz the gun crew, mostly out of shot.
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Three men cross the yard and sit outdoors. Sign reads "Holding Troop. Training Troop. Office."
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Men tear up documents and put into the 'salvage'box. Then taking papers from car and putting in furnace.
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Four men salute camera.
Physical description
16mm