Title:MILITARY RAILWAY FREIGHT BEING SHIPPED FROM DOVER TO CALAIS [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BTF 63
Other titles:RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: A ferry journey to transport railway freight from Dover to Calais. Scenes included the ferry disembarking, crossing the English Channel and damage around the dockside area at Calais.
Description: (16 February 1945) The “SHEPPERTON FERRY” leaving the ferry dock at Dover (the South coast of England), destined for Calais (the North West coast of France). Opening with a scene looking out from the rear of the ferry, back towards the quayside. Once the voyage is underway, the ship’s captain looks out at the English Channel as other vessels go past. Crew are gathered on deck and two 20mm Bofors guns are manned. As the ferry approaches Calais, the pier and the train station are shown to be severely damaged. Invasion defences can also be seen stretched out along the coastline. A large group of British service personnel are gathered on the dockside as the first freight wagons are unloaded, followed by the locomotives (including an American 2-8-0, No. 77157). Using an overhead crane, the locomotives are lifted off and rotated 180 degrees, before being placed onto the dockside. The unloading process is covered in great detail. Finally, some of the extensive destruction around the dock area, and a close-up of the Engine Order Telegraph (EOT) being pushed to “FULL”. SH391-393
Alternative Title:RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
