Description: Reel 1: (Mute): Poster announces general mobilisation of French Army (Phase E) and recall of forces on leave. French troops wait on border with Luxembourg, while trucks full of cheering soldiers cross into Belgium. French poster tells Belgians "The French Army is coming to your aid - to protect you against an enemy who has no respect for the rights of peoples" and promises assistance for the reception of Belgian evacuees in France. A few Belgians appear to welcome the arrival of the French troops. French Char H39/40 tanks and artillery tractors pass through town. French prepare defensive machine-gun positions beside railway line outside station, and anti-aircraft positions in open. Belgian refugees cross border into France, smiling for camera. A Luxembourg refugee shows his passport and car riddled by German machine-gun fire. Nuns provide refreshments to evacuees. More refugees, including nuns and priests, cross the Belgian frontier customs post into France, using a wide variety of transport from farm carts to bicycles.
Reel 2: (Commentary) "6 May" French submarine Orphée returns to base after reported torpedo attack against German submarine. Captain is awarded Croix de Guerre by French admiral.
"9 May" French artillery and infantry (including French colonial troops) advance towards Germans on east bank of River Moselle. French Army photographers record scenes using angled periscope. Extended artillery barrage.
"10 May"
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:No
Object_Number:COI 554
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:
Featured Period:1939-1945
Production Date:1940-05
Production Country: France
Production Details: Service Cinématographique de l'Armée Française (Production company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: French
Title language: French
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 665 ft; Running time: 7 mins
