Title:EXERCISE MERLIN'S STONE, LA COURTINE, FRANCE [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BFB 30
Other titles:NORTHERN IRELAND ARMY INFORMATION SERVICES COLLECTION [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Members of 40 (Ulster) Signal Regiment (Volunteers) on exercises with French forces prior to deployment to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Description: (Tape 1) Coverage of the exercise (no further details)
(Tape 2) Scenes at French camp: squad of French soldiers march past camera. Exercise in woodland: Signals vehicles in camouflage netting (lorry is clearly marked "TA"). Interview with officer discussing conditions, and also Northern Ireland "at this historic moment" (ie after the IRA ceasefire). Routine tasks and training for the regiment: small arm drill, gymnasium, vehicle and weapons maintenance, kitchens, navigation class, field training (casualty evacuation) drill on parade ground.
(Tape 3) Interview with 40 Signals officer about the rôle of the TA after the "Options for Change" review of the armed forces. Erection of a radio mast in the field. Camouflaged soldiers and radio truck in woodland. 40 Signals flag raised at La Courtine. Interview with officer about the importance of the exercise and about the position of 40 Signals etc. Signals convoy on misty road in France; they are on French Army land (sign is passed saying "Terraine Militaire: Défense de Pénétrer"). Convoy later passes through a village. Entrance to Camp Nationale de La Courtine. British and French soldiers compare firearms. Officer sets up teleprinter.
Alternative Title:NORTHERN IRELAND ARMY INFORMATION SERVICES COLLECTION [Allocated Series Title]
