Title:THE INVASION ARMIES TAKE OVER THE RUNNING OF A SMALL HARBOUR ON THE CALVADOS COAST (PART 1) [Allocated Title]
Film Number:A70 41-1
Other titles:
Summary:The capture shortly after D-Day of one of the few harbours in Calvados lessens the Allies' problem of getting stores and equipment ashore while the 'Mulberry' harbour system has yet to become operational.
Description:The camera surveys the harbour at Port-en-Bessin (captured by Royal Marine commandos on D+2) where a Royal Navy LCT is seen discharging its cargo of stores. One of two German flak ships caught in the port by D-Day landings lies half-submerged by one of the quaysides. Buildings shot up by the German vessels in their death throes line the harbour front; also visible is a large reinforced concrete barrier built by the Germans blocking one exit from the outer harbour. Army Pioneers and Royal Navy Beach Group ratings load stores onto lorries on the quayside. Detachments from a British heavy anti-aircraft regiment and US Army (?) engineering equipment come ashore from LCTs. Free French sailors (from either Montcalm or Georges Leygues) greet local inhabitants, some of whom are seen helping in shifting stores. Sappers from 233rd Field Company Royal Engineers demolish with pneumatic drills and wirecutters part of the German barrier, allowing a 2nd Army Engineers' tipper truck access.
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:A70 41-1
Sound:Silent
Access Conditions:IWM
Film: IWM (A70 41-1)
Featured Period:1939-1945
Production Date:1944-06-10-1944-06-10
Production Country:GB
Production Details:Directorate of Public Relations, War Office (Production sponsor)
Army Film and Photographic Unit (Production company)
Ginger (Sergeant) (Production individual)
