Description
Object description
The journey of a 'compo' or ration box after its arrival in Sicily from England.
Content description
Boxes being unloaded from ship in Syracuse harbour. Ammunition, stores and rations being unloaded. View of ship. Derrick hoists rope cradle full of compo boxes over side of ship and onto quayside. Bofors gun on quay by ship. Man unloading boxes. The boxes are unloaded by South African Basuto troops under the supervision of white officers, and placed in a lorry. An officer makes notes. The tailboard is raised and fastened and the lorry moves off. The lorry proceeds in convoy down a steep pass. Ships in the harbour. The lorry at the D.I.D. depot. Various notice boards. The lorry is unloaded by Italian prisoners. Another lorry takes on rations. A segeant goes to a tent marked Indents. The sergeant gives the indent to a clerk. The clerk makes out a ration scale and hands it to an officer, who exits and rejoins the lorry. The lorry moves off. Another lorry enters. A pile of boxes. Italian prisoners are supervised by Captain Connell of the D.I.D. The Italians load boxes. The lorry passes an exit sign and leaves the depot. The lorry moving down hilly roads. View from the front of the lorry showing the countryside. A spotter on top of the cab sees an enemy plane. Cut-in shot of plane. The spotter signals the driver to stop. The driver and spotter jump out of the lorry and take cover, then rejoin the lorry. The lorry enters an orchard where men of the 288 Battery of the 124 Field Regiment are parked and in action. The driver passes a compo box to a member of the gun crew. The crew of the 25 pounder stand easy. A soldier puts the box down in front of the crew. The box is opened and tins are distributed amongst the men. The tins are placed on the fireplace in a 'brew up' can. The fire is lit, close up of hand with match. The crew around the fire. Tea is poured from a can into a mug. Close ups of men drinking tea. Men opening tins. Man opens tin showing meat and vegetables and smells it with satisfaction. Shots of men eating. Cigarettes and chocolate are distributed. A 25 pounder gun and an empty compo box. Empty compo box with shell cases.
Physical description
35mm