Title:THE SOUTHERN RAILWAY ADAPTING TO WARTIME CONDITIONS [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BTF 1
Other titles:RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: A record of service personnel at Waterloo Station, and operational work across the Southern Railway network.
Description: (8-10 November 1939) Workmen paint black borders on carriage windows and change electric light bulbs, at Wimbledon Park Station in South London. A Southern Railway employee attaching RASC labels (used for identifying freight) to goods wagons, at New Cross Gate in South London. MH1
(11-13 November 1939) A train driver and a fireman place a remembrance wreath on locomotive (No. 2333) at Waterloo Station, London. Close-up of the “REMEMBRANCE” plaque on the side of the engine. Demonstration of loading coal, or "bunkering", into the tender of a steam locomotive (Dover Marine, No. 1344). (55ft) MH2
(20-23 November 1939) Southern locomotive (No. 1157) leads a supply train as it leaves New Cross Gate. Brief close-up shots of a signalman operating leavers inside a signal box. Draftsmen write signage to notify passengers of operating times from Waterloo Station. A second sign is being made to direct passengers to air raid shelters. (216ft) MH4
(23 November 1939) Inside a lost property depot, piles of boxed gas masks are stacking-up. A close-up shot features a child’s toy with a “PASSENGERS LOST LUGGAGE” label attached, followed by a sequence of shots profiling other assorted items, including lost military equipment. (332ft) MH4
(25-28 November 1939) A variety of service personnel, including Royal Army Service Cops, Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) and RAF, at Waterloo Station, London. Some march in formation, whilst others appear relaxed, reading newspapers and drinking cups of tea. Close-up shots of sailors being greeted by their families on the concourse. New reel starts, with a locomotive pulling out from Feltham Goods Yard, shot from a low angle (Southern No. 346). The interior of a hump signal box. A railway signal drops to off. (511ft) MH5
(30 November 1939) New reel, showing a landslide between Folkestone and Dover (Abbots Cliff, South coast of England). General shots of men inspecting the debris and of the coastline, before clearing work is started. (710ft) MH6
Alternative Title:RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
