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Summary: The functions of the Royal Observer Corps, a voluntary civilian organisation founded in 1925 and called by the commentary “the eyes of the air force.”
Description: The corps mans observation posts (on the coast and inland) where observers using relatively simple machinery and trained in aircraft identification (film of hand demonstrating with models of Wellington and Dornier Do 215) report the movement of all planes to a central control post, whose personnel inform the RAF where appropriate.
Alec and David are two typical members who spend a few hours daily after work manning a look-out post. Keen eyesight, good powers of observation and ability at aircraft identification are said to be essential to their work as ROC observers. With their sound detector they pick up approaching planes, identify them as Junkers and contact the control centre. Hurricanes (3 Squadron) are scrambled and engage the enemy in a dogfight described in a running commentary. Engagement ends successfully so Alec and David chalk up another success on their scoreboard.
Production Details: Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
Spectator (Production company)
Gunn, Gilbert (Production individual)
Hankinson, Michael (Production individual)
Luff, A H (Production individual)
Bland, William S (Production individual)
Cummins, Sylvia K (Production individual)
Gunn, Gilbert (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Coltman, Alec (person)
Lee, Doreen M (person)
Ward (Captain) (person)
British Army, Royal Observer Corps (regiment/service)
Royal Air Force, 3 Squadron (regiment/service)
Keywords: aircraft, British - combat: Hawker Hurricane (object name)
intelligence, military, British - reconnaissance (object name)
operations, British air - sortie (object name)
Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England, UK (geography)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 675 ft; Running time: 7 mins
HD Media:Yes
Notes: Summary: Several persons within the film have been identified by Dr. Christopher C. Lee. The head observer, at his post near Welwyn Garden City, is his grandfather Alec Coltman, a First World War veteran and an electrician by trade. The little girl presenting the flowers to Captain Ward is Dr. Lee’s mother, Doreen Margaret Lee later became a nurse and a BEA stewardess.
Remarks: interesting historically, considering radar was in full use before the production of this film but is, of course, not mentioned.
