Summary: RAF publicity film and travelogue, ostensibly shot be a ground engineer, and amateur cine enthustiast, who also narrates.
Description:A ground engineer with the Royal Air Force shows some pictures he "has taken recently". Ground crew check Vulcan B.1A of 101 Squadron at RAF Finningley (for proving flight to Africa) before boarding Britannia at RAF Lyneham to accompany the V-bombers. The ground crew are going along to practice how aircraft behave and how to service them in African conditions. Flight party consists of two Britannias, two Vulcans and two Valiant tankers. Aerial shots of Vulcans and in-flight refuelling sequence. Aerial views of the Kariba Dam and Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe). Tourist shots of Salisbury, including the statues of Cecil Rhodes and Doctor Livingstone. Vulcan is serviced. Native chieftains are taken for a goodwill flight over their territories. RAF band performs. A game reserve, and also the Victoria Falls, are visited. RAF men buy souvenirs: "the lads are always on the lookout for something a bit different". Scenes show a typical mess room (actually shot in Changi, Singapore) and married quarters - bungalows, swimming pool etc. Britannia sets off from Nairobi, flying out a new Governor General to Port Louis, Mauritius. "You know, you can never forget visiting these places; places you'd never get the chance of visiting if it wasn't for the Royal Air Force." From Port Louis the flight continues to Kano, in Northern Nigeria, with street scenes, native bazaar, Emir's Palace and a display by his cavalry guard. Aircraft are serviced in preparation for the long trip home. Return flight. Vulcan touches down at RAF Finningley: "...we've seen the world, and why not, when you're young enough to do it".
Alternative Title:
Colour:Colour
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:COI 843
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM
Film: IWM (COI 843)
Featured Period:1945-1989
Production Date:1965-1965
Production Country:GB
Production Details:Air Ministry (Production sponsor)
Central Office of Information (Production sponsor)
Film Workshop Productions (Production company)
Hafenrichter, Oswald (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics:Colour format: Colour
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Technical Details:Footage: 1181 ft; Running time: 12 mins
