Title:HOME GUARD ANTI-AIRCRAFT DRILLS AND AIRCRAFT RECOGNITION TRAINING [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BTF 60
Other titles:RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: The South Railway Home Guard manning a Bofors anti-aircraft gun and receiving aircraft recognition training. There is also a record of the damage caused by an ammunition barge explosion at Newhaven Harbour, and German Prisoners of War disembarking at Newhaven Docks.
Description: (22 November 1944) Damage to a building at Newhaven Harbour Station, caused by an explosion on an ammunition barge. The platform roof has sustained the worst of the damage, caving-in onto the tracks. SH378
(22 November 1944) The Southern Railway Home Guard manning an anti-aircraft Bofors gun on “30 tower” at Lancing Carriage Works in West Sussex. Close-ups show the gun being loaded and fired at aerial targets, as an aircraft passes in the far distance. An Officer looks into the sky with a pair of binoculars, intercut with the silhouette of an aircraft in the sky, which eventually spirals towards the ground as if hit by anti-aircraft fire. The Home Guard scramble to their posts in an air raid scenario, and climb a long metal ladder to a gun platform. A Home Guard Officer gives the assembled group an aircraft recognition lecture outside on a chalk board. Practice drills on a different Bofors gun, overseen by a Sergeant from the Royal Artillery. (1 min 50 sec) SH379-380
(22 November 1944) German Prisoners of War (POWs) are being unloaded from Landing Craft Infantry vessels at Newhaven Docks, the South coast of England. The POWs fill the deck, still holding bags and wearing their Wehrmacht uniform, they are overseen by guards from the British Army. (4 min 30 sec) SH381
Alternative Title:RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
