Description
Object description
An edition of United News, featuring a naval offensive in the South Pacific, an American padre earning his parachutist's 'jump wings', the baptism of Dutch Princess Margriet in Ottawa, the use of a trans-Atlantic cargo-carrying glider, and the visit of French General Henri Giraud to see President Roosevelt.
Content description
United News main titles. Part 1: 'US opens a new drive on Japs in South Pacific'. In the Pacific a line of cruisers underway. Lookouts at work. A biplane seaplane is launched. An anti-aircraft gun traverses. Aerial views of ships firing. Firing at night (some of the gun flashes illuminate a Stars and Stripes flag in a quite evocative manner). On deck sailors pass the time by playing backgammon. Ramming a gun clean. Preparing cartridges. On an island the preparation of a dump of fuel etc. A radio mast erected amongst palm trees. A seaplane parked amongst wooden thatch-covered huts. A coastal gun on the beach.
Content description
Part 2: 'Invasion tactics: Paratroop padre flies with troops'. Brief shot Catholic padre at an altar. American paratroopers run to their aircraft and emplane. Aircraft takes off. Paratroopers exiting and descending. At a parade the padre receives his jump wings.
Content description
Part 3: 'Queen Wilhelmina attends baptism of Baby Princess'. Footage of the service in progress (at a cathedral in Ottawa?); singing hymns, sermon, the baptism (presumably of Princess Margriet).
Content description
Part 4: 'Air glider spans ocean with war cargo for Britain'. A Hadrian (Waco) glider is loaded (from a trolley marked RAFFC, Royal Air Force Ferry Command). Close-up name 'Voo Doo'. Royal Air Force squadron leader. Close-up a letter addressed to Air Chief Marshal Sir Frederick Bowhill, head of Ferry Command. Close-up 'This is the first letter to be delivered by Trans-Atlantic glider aircraft'. Take off with Dakota tractor aircraft. Aerial footage.
Content description
Part 5: 'General Giraud in US to see President Roosevelt'. A Douglas C-54 Skymaster aircraft taxiing. Guard of honour at the salute. General Giraud steps down and is greeted. He departs by car. He arrives. Giraud with Roosevelt. End titles.
Physical description
35mm