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Title:WAR PICTORIAL NO 3 - IN THE MIDDLE EAST [Main Title]
Film Number:WPN 3
Other titles:
Summary:
Description: I. 'WAR IN THE SUDAN.' Map shows strategic importance of Atbara and Khartoum using the Nile as a reference point. Paddle steamer and tugs on Nile, water wheels and oxen in bygone days of peace. Commentary outlines Mussolini's aggressive plans over scenes of pre-war agricultural tranquillity. Sudanese troops drive and march into action on Eritrean front. Preparation of meal during march interrupted by warning from wireless car. Troops depart rapidly in armoured cars armed with Boys anti-tank rifles and Vickers water-cooled .303-inch machine guns and in open topped trucks (Chevrolet?). Troops dismount and take cover in bush. Skirmish. Interior view of armoured car showing crew member firing Vickers .303-in machine gun. Sudanese troops advance through the bush and remount vehicles in pursuit of enemy.
II. 'RAF IN THE WESTERN DESERT.' RAF aircrew scrutinise operations maps in preparation for an air raid. A pilot and navigator climb into Bristol Blenheim Mk I bomber aircraft which takes off on reconnaissance flight. Blenheims are attacked by Italian anti-aircraft guns. The British aircraft return to base followed by a debriefing of crew by RAF Intelligence officer. Ground crews load Blenheims with bombs. The squadron takes off and bombs target. Aircraft return to base, ground crew unload aerial reconnaissance camera from aircraft.
III. 'THE RN BOMBARDS CAPUZZO AND BARDIA.' Battleship weighs anchor in harbour. Battleships and Destroyers, including HMS Ramillies, HMS Warspite and HMS Diamond (H.22) of the Mediterranean Battle Squadron leave Alexandria harbour and make for open sea. View of ships bridge. Coast and target spotted. The enemy coast is shrouded by smoke from the heavy British naval gunfire. Air attack on RN ships by unseen Italian aircraft. RN Battle Squadron in line astern return home (16-18 August 1940).
Production Details: Ministry of Information, Middle East (Production sponsor)
War Pictorial News (Production company)
Martin, Charles (Production individual)
Taylor F H G (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Sudanese Army (regiment/service)
Royal Air Force (regiment/service)
Royal Navy, Mediterranean Battle Squadron (regiment/service)
Royal Navy, BARHAM (HMS), battleship (regiment/service)
Royal Navy, DIAMOND (HMS), destroyer (1950) (regiment/service)
Royal Navy, Warspite (regiment/service)
Keywords: combat, Sudanese (object name)
operations, Sudanese military - sortie (object name)
operations, British air - preparation (object name)
intelligence, military, British - reconnaissance (object name)
combat, British naval - bombardment (object name)
ships, British naval - battleship: Barham (object name)
ships, British naval - destroyer: Diamond (object name)
ships, British naval - battleship: Warspite (object name)
Sudan (geography)
Egypt & Western Desert (geography)
Libya & Capuzzo (geography)
Egypt & Alexandria (geography)
Libya & Bardia (geography)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: French
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 1172 ft; Running time: 13 mins