Title:HOLIDAY CROWDS AT WATERLOO STATION, 1943 [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BTF 37
Other titles:RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Waterloo Station is inundated with holiday crowds. The predominantly civilian crowds form long queues, as the traditional holiday rush continues in spite of the wartime conditions. The second sequence is a record of a Home Guard exercise in Guilford.
Description: (24 July 1943) Holiday crowds at Waterloo Station, London (Technical: underexposed). Only the outline of the crowds inside the station can be made out. It is however possible to identify the crowd as primarily civilian. Close-up of a sign inside the sation reads; “QUEUE HERE FOR BARNSTABLE JCT, BARNSTABLE TOWN, BRAUNTON, MORTEHOE, ILFRACOMBE”. Guards check passenger tickets as the rush of holidaymakers try to get through to their platforms, some service personnel are amongst the crowds. OH260
(24 July 1943) Holidaymakers have formed long queues along the road outside Waterloo Station, a few policemen, British Navy Sailors and other service personnel are mixed amongst the crowds. In anticipation of the holiday crowds, signs have been prepared to guide travellers to popular destinations, including; “POOLE, WAREHAM FOR SWANAGE, WOOL, MORETON, DORCHESTER & WEYMOUTH”. A second sign includes; “WINCHESTER, SOUTHAMPTON CENTRAL, BOURNMOUTH CENTRAL, BORNMEOUTH WEST”. On the concourse is a mobile canteen, a Boots chemist and a tobacconist. Various service uniforms are seen around the station, including; British Army, RAF and Royal Navy personnel. A lady leads two children (aged approximately 4-5) hastily across the concourse. (2 min) OH261
(31 July 1943) A Home Guard exercise at Shalford Park in Guilford, beginning with formation marching. Followed by gunnery, crouched on one knee. Combat drills, similar to those used by the army, such as; bayonetting, unarmed combat and signalling. Small teams rehearse setting-up and firing weapons, including; machine-guns mounted on tripod stands and 29mm spigot mortars. The shell of a British Cruiser (MK II?) Tank. The Home Guard practises a forward assault manoeuvre. The sequence ends with a troop inspection (including the Surry Home Guard, “SY 12”) by a British Army Officer (Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Ralph Eastwood?). (4 min 10 sec) SH262-264
Alternative Title:RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
