Title:RAISING THE NEW BRITISH RAILWAYS FLAG AT SOUTHAMPTON DOCKS [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BTF 72
Other titles:RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: A flag raising ceremony for the British Railways, signalling the end of an era as a Southern Railway flag is replaced. There is also a brief record of a ‘Leader’ class locomotive at Brighton railway works, and the opening of an unusual dining carriage.
Description: (04 April 1949) Hoisting the new British Railways flag at Southampton Docks, the South coast of England. The Southern Railway flag flys from the mast of the “FALAISE” vessel. Royal Navy officers are gathered on the deck below as the new British Railways flag is then hoisted up by Royal Navy personnel, who then ceremoniously fold the old Southern Railway flag. A Navy Officer presents the old flag to a representative of British Railways, who proceeds to give a speech. The sequence ends with the “FALAISE” vessel moored on the dockside at Southampton. JH433
(19 May 1949) A ‘Leader’ class locomotive at Brighton railway works. Opening with close-ups of the mechanical workings of the engine. Followed by the engine under production. (2 min 07 sec) JH434
(25 May 1949) The opening of new bar and dining carriages. Beginning with a stencilled sign on the outside of the carriage; “AT THE SIGN OF THE JOLLY TAR”. Inside of the carriage it is clear the aesthetics have been designed to resemble a traditional English pub, with a timber framed bar and mock lanterns for lighting. Male and Female actors (passengers) enter the carriage and order drinks from the smartly dressed bartender. They then proceed to sit at tables and enjoy their drinks before a more formal dinner service is featured in a dining carriage. This scene is followed by a second stencilled sign: “AT THE WHITE HORSE”. (5 min 30 sec) JH435
Alternative Title:RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
