Title:THE SOUTHERN RAILWAY MAINTAINS A SERVICE DESPITE LUTFWAFFE AIR RAIDS [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BTF 18
Other titles:RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Repair work is being undertaken across the Southern Railway network where services continue to run despite the devastation caused by Luftwaffe air raids. A new Merchant Nay Class locomotive is unveiled at Victoria Station, London.
Description: (27 June 1941) Southwark Street railway bridge, South London, following temporary repair work. Trams still run under the bridge (No. 26) and railway carriages roll steadily overhead. The bridge is supported by a temporary structure of wooden supports. The original steel girders are contrasted against the temporary wooden supports. Shots from bridge top level reveal the continuous repair work being undertaken. The camera pans round to reveal several workmen on duty and famous London landmarks in the backdrop, including St. Pauls Cathedral. An electric Multiple Unit Train (No. 83) passes through. More panoramic shots of the on-going repair work and a Southern locomotive (No. 1500) briefly comes into shot. MH131
(27 June 1941) Cab Road, outside Waterloo Station, re-opens following heavy bomb damage. Workman standby as a steam roller finishes the resurfacing. Cuts to workmen undertaking repairs on damaged railway arches beneath Waterloo Station. (2 min 12 sec) MH132
(27 June – 1 July 1941) More repair work being undertaken on railway arches beneath Waterloo Station. Much of the work involves relaying damaged brickwork. Pneumatic drills are also used to create holes for fitting metal supports. A new scene starts at 5 min 49 sec: with three men uncorking glass bottles and emptying out the contents before throwing them into a wooden box (presumably for salvage). Cuts back to repair work beneath Waterloo Station, as labourers (Home Guard?) assist by clearing debris. (4 min 21 sec) MH133 - 135
(4 July 1941) A naming ceremony for a merchant class locomotive, Union Castle, at Victoria Station, London. The Home Guard stand at the platform in formation, whilst ARP Wardens (Air Raid Precaution), wearing anti-gas suits, stand more casually in a group. The locomotive is stationary at the platform before them. Three dignitaries inspect the troops before one makes a speech from a temporary platform beside the new locomotive. A curtain is drawn back to reveal a “MERCHANT NAVY CLASS – UNION CASTLE” plaque on the engine. The locomotive pulls out of the station. (9 min 40 sec) MH136 – MH137
Alternative Title:RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
