Title:FIRST ARMY IN NORTH WEST AFRICA. GUARDS MOVING TO NEW ADVANCE POSITIONS [Allocated Title]
Film Number:AYY 323/2
Other titles:BRITISH ARMY OPERATIONS IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: The 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards in difficult hilly country in Tunisia. An agreement is made with locals to repair the road to facilitate the movement of supplies to forward positions at Dejehel-Ang.
Description: (8 January) Two Bren carriers conveying equipment and stores up a steep hill from Toukabeur to the village of Chaouach. The valley where the fighting is taking place, showing Tebourba on the left and Medjez El Bab on the right and the village of Chaouach on the far left. A stony pack trail and French soldiers on mules riding forwards. The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Heber-Percy interviews the Caliph of Chaouach with a French officer as interpreter. The Caliph agrees to his villagers mending the roads for 35 francs per man for an eight hour day. The Colonel hands over a 100 franc note. After much handshaking the Caliph returns to his village with his guards. Guards with their Commanding Officer clear the roads of loose stones as the Caliph rounds up his labourers. Guards kicking and throwing loose stones to the side. A comedy shot of an increasing pile of stones filling the picture area. A man bends down and throws stones through his legs. Two cows grazing in a nearby field. Views of the valley and hills.
(9 January) Mules being loaded with supplies at dusk (to avoid enemy observation). Guards load them with rations, tents, 3 inch mortars and other material. An Arab mule driver adjusts one of the packs. A Guardsman gives an Arab a cigarette. French soldiers silhouetted against the setting sun.
(10 January) Another train of mules leaves the camp in the rain. Close-up of 3 inch mortar bombs on a mule's back. Mules pass around a bend in the track. Lieutenant-Colonel Heber-Percy with the Caliph. Arab workmen assisting troops to make the road to Dejebel Ang. Arabs and Guards carrying stones from the fields to the road. An elderly Arab drops a stone from his shoulders and a Guardsman puts it into place. Arab children helping.
Alternative Title:BRITISH ARMY OPERATIONS IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR [Allocated Series Title]
Production Details: War Office Film Unit (Production company)
West, J A (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: British Army, Grenadier Guards, 3rd Battalion (regiment/service)
Keywords: Toukabeur, Tunisia (geography)
Chaouach, Tunisia (geography)
Tunisia 1942-1943, North Africa, Second World War (event)
North Africa 1939-1945 (theme)
