Title:OPERATION FRESCO: TRAINING OF SOLDIERS AS FIREMEN AT RAF MANSTON, SEPTEMBER 2002 (RAF MOBILE NEWS TEAM RUSHES) [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BFA 2838
Other titles:
Summary: Members of 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, under the guidance of RAF instructors, undergo fire-fighting training at the Central Training Establishment Manston; this is in preparation for possible deployment during Operation Fresco (emergency coverage in the event of a firemen's strike).
Description: Members of the Regiment being trained to be part of the Breathing Apparatus Rescue Teams. The men, in t-shirts marked "Tigers", prepare their respirators under supervision in classroom. Exterior shots as soldiers check each others' respirators. Training with ladders (shot from various angles, including top of tower); ladders are removed from "Green Goddess" fire engines and erected. "Casualty" is evacuated from tall tower; includes camera-eye view of descent down ladder. Soldiers, in protective suits and wearing opaque goggles to cover their vision, practice moving without being able to see. Soldiers stand by Green Goddesses. Rescuing of people from cars: smashing windows and using "Jaws of Life". Large blaze is tackled with hoses. Brief shot of temporary tented accommodation, followed by further general practice views. Main gate of the Ministry of Defence Fire Services Central Training Establishment Manston. Smoke test: soldiers in protective kit rescue "casualty" from smoke-filled building. Training in use of hose. Interviews with Captain Barry Hambury of Z Company Anti-Tank Platoon; Flight Sergeant Geoff Hancocks, Regimental Sergeant Major Steve Ward and Sergeant Gary Loftus. Final interview with Warrant Officer Meredith, Course Manager, about the course and the logistics of training 360 men at Manston.
