Description:I. ["Toast to the WAAFs."] A survey of the WAAF's contribution to the war effort: film of their work includes patching barrage balloons, folding parachutes, nurses, cooks, groundcrew, navigators. WAAFs leave for service abroad (on the 'Queen Mary').
II. "RAF War-Front - Arnhem." An air fleet of Halifaxes and Stirlings, with Hamilcar, Horsa and Hadrian gliders, prepares for 'Operation Market'. Dakotas tow Horsas towards Holland (good aerial film). Idyllic scenes of Dutch rural life are followed by German Film of observers sounding the alarm. Gliders land in fields and parachute troops - as well as ammunition and equipment - are dropped. Troops dig in, and defend themselves against German tanks, SPGs and flamethrowers (repeated footage of Allied dugout). After 10 days, the Allies pull out across the Rhine leaving "the field of Arnhem to the enemy." Film of wrecked gliders and the dead (on both sides).
III. Christmas 1944. A solo of 'Once in Royal David's City' accompanies shots of spitfires in the snow, but the bombing continues. Pilots have a snowball fight among their grounded fighters, and are seen tobogganing. Children enjoy a Christmas party organised by the RAF; adults applaud a variety show.
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:GEN 11
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM
Film: IWM
Featured Period:1939-1945
Production Date:1944-12-1944-12
Production Country:GB
Production Details:RAF Film Production Unit (Production Company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics:Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Technical Details:Footage: 1344 ft; Running time: 14 mins
