Title:FREE FRENCH NAVY SHIP LA COMBATTANTE TRANSPORTS GENERAL DE GAULLE TO FRANCE [Allocated Title]
Film Number:ADM 1276
Other titles:OPERATION NEPTUNE [Allocated Series Title]
Summary:I. Admiral's launch comes alongside "FFS La Combattante" and De Gaulle comes onboard, followed by Admirals D'Argenlieu and Viénot. De Gaulle shakes hands with Captain Patou. De Gaulle, General Béthouart and Admiral D'Argenlieu gather on the bridge during the crossing. Admirals D'Argenlieu and Viénot talk with officers of De Gaulle's staff. LA.MS of Tricolour flying from the foremast, and CU of the Cross of Lorraine patch on Captain Patou's tunic.
Description:I. Admiral's launch comes alongside "FFS La Combattante" and De Gaulle comes onboard, followed by Admirals D'Argenlieu and Viénot. De Gaulle shakes hands with Captain Patou. De Gaulle, General Béthouart and Admiral D'Argenlieu gather on the bridge during the crossing. Admirals D'Argenlieu and Viénot talk with officers of De Gaulle's staff. LA.MS of Tricolour flying from the foremast, and CU of the Cross of Lorraine patch on Captain Patou's tunic.
II. French party sets off from the beachhead in jeeps. Scenes of the convoy in transit between Creully and Bayeux - it is held up briefly by ammunition lorries at No 2 Army roadhead. Locals wave to the passing vehicles. In Bayeux, Lieutenant Schumann precedes De Gaulle, D'Argenlieu and Koenig into the town hall - De Gaulle accepts a bouquet. De Gaulle, Coulet and Koenig, still preceded by Schumann, 'meet the people' in central park.
III. De Gaulle and D'Argenlieu salute honour guard onboard "La Combattante". Patou receives the Croix de Guerre. De Gaulle and party leave the ship in the barge of Rear-Admiral Oliver, and, after transferring to a DUKW of 199 GT Company RASC, go ashore at Graye-sur-Mer on Juno Beach. Cut to show the jeeps leaving the beachhead - men of OC No 7 Beach Group help the leading vehicle up a slope. The convoy passes RE road construction units heading inland from Courseulles-sur-Mer.
IV. MCU of ensign and ratings of gun crew on "La Combattante". Ship's name plate. HA.MS of Captain and VIPs on the bridge - 2-pounder bowchaser in background. MS aft along portside to ship's wake while steaming at speed. MS of spray breaking over the starboard bow.
V. Boislambert takes flowers as Koenig, Coulet and De Gaulle stand before rostrum in central park in Bayeux. Schumann and De Gaulle make speeches. De Gaulle boards a jeep for Isigny.
Alternative Title:OPERATION NEPTUNE [Allocated Series Title]
