Title:OPERATION TELIC, IRAQ, 2003: ROYAL MARINES ADVANCE ON ABU AL-KHASIB (COMBAT CAMERA TEAM TAPE) [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BFM 363
Other titles:COLLECTION OF ROYAL MARINES TAPES [Allocated Title]
Summary: Members of the Royal Marines 40 Commando Brigade Reconnaissance Force advance on Abu Al-Khasib, south of Basra, on what would be the second raid on the town.
Description: Sequences shot using an image intensifier, giving a circular image and a grainy, green cast. WMIK Land Rovers of 40 Commando drive past a line of static Challenger tanks on the road towards Basra; several BV206 tracked vehicles are also passed. Warrior armoured vehicle with flashing infra-red light drives across in the distance. As the city is approached, the WMIKs shoot probing fire into the surrounding landscape as the convoy of Land Rovers advances. Tracer bullets glow brightly in the image intensifier. Troops are calm but alert. Firing continues as the outskirts of the town are reached. Vehicles advance. In the distance, further firing can be seen. Buildings on the outskirts of town. Firing can be seen within the outskirts. Line of WMIKs outside the town: a small animal (dog?) runs past, Marines watch and wait. Panning shot of compounds at the edge of the town.
Dawn (return to normal camera view); on board WMIK Land Rover as it makes its way slowly through the outskirts of Abu Al-Khasib, which appears to be deserted). Several WMIKs drive into the streets. Close-up of WMIK gunner as he lines up against a possible target (movement in a window). WMIK advances past seemingly-deserted compounds, its gun mounting swivelling. An abandoned bus is passed. Town clearance begins: WMIKs advance slowly along poor-quality roads. Brief shot of firefight in nearly compound (combatants cannot be seen, only tracer bullets. As the camera-vehicle moves forward, further firing can be heard in the distance. The slow advance continues for some time; gunners keep a watchful eye on the deserted streets; patrol passes a group of friendly local people. Foot patrol through town streets; may local people come out to watch and liaise with the troops (one of the Commandos can speak Arabic). Two WMIKs park as a large group of residents gather (out of curiosity - they are not hostile).
Alternative Title:COLLECTION OF ROYAL MARINES TAPES [Allocated Title]
