Title:OPERATION MAR KARADAD, MUSA QALA, AFGHANISTAN, DECEMBER 2007 (TAPE 2) [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BFV 1256
Other titles:COLLECTION OF DEFENCE MEDIA OPERATIONS CENTRE (DMOC) VIDEOS [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Preparations for Operation Mar Karadad, the retaking of Musa Qala from occupying Taliban forces, and final move up to the rendezvous point.
Description: Vehicles muster at layup position: views of Afghan National Army convoy. Afghan soldiers gather for meal. On the horiszon can be seen large plumes of smoke. British soldiers dig shell scrape. Afghan soldiers sit down to eat; one beckons to the camera. Out in the desert, vehicles advance through the heat haze. Convoy sets off to forward position, in the direction of the distant plumes of smoke.
Vehicles (British, US, Afghan) at the forward position: close-up of gun mounting on British vehicle. Afghan soldier prays, in the background are several US Army Humvees. British soldiers relax; shots of Vector vehicles and WMIK Land Rovers. Chinook helicopter flies over and deposits an underslung artillery piece. Silhouette of convoy moving forward.
Briefing by OC C Company as the convoy prepare to go in (reports say that the Taliban have withdrawn from Musa Qala). “I have every confidence in you”. Interview with OC about the importance of the recapturing of Musa Qala, and the mentoring of the Afghan National Army. Afghan soldiers walking on the desert; armour (Warrior vehicles move past).
Final briefing and situation report. Cheerful Afghans listen to music as they wait to set off; others wait around brewing tea. Interview with Afghan soldier on how it feels and whether he anticipates an “easy” battle. (Speaking through translator.)
Convoy moves off towards Musa Qala (shot from top cover of vehicle) – views of valley with dust being thrown up as the convoy advances ahead. Convoy drives through village: all is quiet as the vehicles begin to move in. (Clouds of dust obscure the view.) Back on open road: convoy can be seen stretching out for some distance ahead as Musa Qala is approached. Vehicles muster outside the town: soldier makes radio check, awaits clearance to move. Helicopters fly past: Chinook lands amid clouds of dust. Three Land Rovers on ridge. Shaky shots as camera repositions to show the long line of ANA vehicles and men waiting; Apache helicopter flies overhead. Afghan general briefs his men (who sit there fully prepared, many carrying rocket-propelled grenades); afterwards they form up, ready to move in.
Alternative Title:COLLECTION OF DEFENCE MEDIA OPERATIONS CENTRE (DMOC) VIDEOS [Allocated Series Title]
Colour:Colour
Digitised:No
Object_Number:BFV 1256
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM
Featured Period:2001-2025
Production Date:2007-12-07
Production Country: GB
Production Details: Defence Media Operations Centre (Production company)
Punter, Paul (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: British Army, Royal Logistic Corps (regiment/service)
Afghan National Army (regiment/service)
United States Army (regiment/service)
Keywords: Helmand, Afghanistan (geography)
British Operations in Afghanistan from 2002 (event)
British Army post-2000 (theme)
Afghanistan post-2001 (theme)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: Colour
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: Pashto
Technical Details: Format: Mini-DV
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Tape length: 60; Running time: 49 mins
BFV 1255 (OPERATION MAR KARADAD, MUSA QALA, AFGHANISTAN, DECEMBER 2007 (TAPE 1) [Allocated Title])
BFV 1257 (OPERATION MAR KARADAD, MUSA QALA, AFGHANISTAN, DECEMBER 2007 (TAPE 3) [Allocated Title])
BFV 1258 (OPERATION MAR KARADAD, MUSA QALA, AFGHANISTAN, DECEMBER 2007 (TAPE 4) [Allocated Title])
BFV 1259 (OPERATION MAR KARADAD, MUSA QALA, AFGHANISTAN, DECEMBER 2007 (EDIT) [Allocated Title])
