Title:LCM(9) PROTOTYPE TRIALS AT INSTOW AND CROW POINT, DEVON, 1963-1964 [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BFM 537
Other titles:AMPHIBIOUS TRIALS AND TRAINING UNIT, ROYAL MARINES [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Trials of two Landing Craft Mechanised Mark 9 - L3507 and L3508 - including beach and cargo trials.
Description: L3507 on the beach - the tide is out and the vessel is completely ashore. Her cargo ramp is lowered and her cargo (two Centurion tanks) get ready to be driven off. Close ups of tank tracks on the ramp as technicians make checks. Tanks disembark.
L3507 at sea off the Devon coast; her cargo consists of two covered Centurion tanks. She undergoes sharp turning manoeuvres, tilting sharply to port and starboard as she turns; shots on board show her scuppers filling with water. Crew move around briskly at her stern as she continues turning (views from vessel alongside and also on board).
L3508 pulls in near to the shore; the two tanks on board are driven off and wade through the water. General views of the vessel with her ramp down, before views of L3507 at sea with a cargo of four canvas-covered lorries.
L3508(?) near the beach, with her ramp down, also shots of her reversing at sea. Long shot from the beach at Instow as an LCM pulls ashore and a lorry drives off, dispensing a beach mat on the sand. L3508 ashore: a beach armoured recovery vehicle disembarks, followed by shots of the vehicle getting back on board. A rope is attached to L3508 and L3507 gives her a sea tow (views from on board L3507 and from alongside).
L3508 on beach after the tide; her propellers are clearly visible. A heavy duty tractor is winched on board.
Alternative Title:AMPHIBIOUS TRIALS AND TRAINING UNIT, ROYAL MARINES [Allocated Series Title]
