THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT VISITS EASTLEIGH WORKS [Allocated Title]

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  • Title: THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT VISITS EASTLEIGH WORKS [Allocated Title]
  • Film Number: BTF 17
  • Other titles: RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
  • Summary: The contribution of the civilian workforce, undertaking manual labour and repair work to get the rail network back on its feet after bombing raids. Part of a sequence following a special service for the Home Guard, and a Ministerial visit to the Eastleigh Works in Hampshire.
  • Description: (4-14 March 1941) On-going repairs to bomb damage outside the Memorial Arch (main entrance) at Waterloo Station, London. The area has been turned into a building site, as cranes and workman reconstruct the damaged surface. Damage and structural repairs being made on the underground rail network, shot from the perspective of an underground train. MH119 (10 March 1941) The Minister of Transport, Colonial Moore-Brabazon, names a new locomotive at Eastleigh Works, Hampshire. The Minister is greeted as he disembarks from a train carriage before moving on to inspect the Home Guard. Speeches are made from a temporary platform beside the new locomotive. A curtain is then pulled back, revealing a “MERCHANT NAVY CLASS – CHANNEL PACKET” (the first of the new 'Merchant Navy' class locomotives) plaque on the engine. The Minister is then shown on-board. Some of the previous scenes are then replayed but from a different camera perspective (a Pathé reel?), this version features more of the Eastleigh depot workers. (4 min 37 sec) MH120 (10 March 1941) A T9 Class 4-4-0 (?) Southern locomotive (No. 706) comes into Southampton Docks, Hampshire, towing two carriages. The Minister of Transport, Colonial Moore-Brabazon, disembarks. ARP Wardens (Air Raid Precaution) and fire fighters (Southern Railway?) are lined-up for inspection, some are in uniform, others are in anti-gas suits. Dispatch riders also form a line for inspection, some with motorcycles and others are holding push bikes. (8 min 19 sec) MH121 (23-26 March 1941) Intertitle; “NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER. HOME GUARD ATTEND ST. JAMES’S CHURCH, BERMONDSEY”. The Home Guard march into the Bricklayers Arms depot, South London, through cast iron gates. Close-up of a sign outside St. James’s Church in Bermondsey, London. “THE KING CALLS TO A DAY OF PRAYER AND THE THANKSGIVING ON SUNDAY MAR. 23ED 8AM HOLY COMMUNION 11-15 SPECIAL SERVICE FOR HOME GUARD UNITS OR SOUTHERN R, PICKFORDS CROSS, BLACKWELL – MANY SEATS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC - BAND OF HM COLDSTREAM GUARDS – 3PM MOTHERING SERVICE – ADDRESS BY THE VICAR – 6PM SHORT SERVICE – ADDRESS BY MDT CHAPMAN”. A shot of the church spire pans down and across to road as the Home Guard march towards the camera. They file into the church, before the film cuts away to the ceremony underway inside the church and then the attendees gathered outside. It cuts again to the marching band leading the parade through the local area. (9 min 35 sec) MH123 (19 April 1941) Southwark Street bridge, having been severely bomb damaged during an air raid. Shots show twisted girders and wrecked carriages fallen onto the surface below. Some of the damage appears beyond repair. (16 min 07 sec) MH127
  • Alternative Title: RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
  • Colour: B&W
  • Digitised: Yes
  • Object_Number: BTF 17
  • Sound: Silent
  • Access Conditions: IWM Attribution: © IWM (BTF 17)
  • Featured Period: 1939-1945
  • Production Date: 1941-03 1941-04
  • Production Country: GB
  • Production Details: Southern Railway Film Unit (Production company)
  • Personalities, Units and Organisations:
  • Keywords:
  • Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W Sound format: Silent
  • Technical Details: Format: 35mm Number of items/reels/tapes: 1 Footage: 1580ft ; 17 min
  • HD Media:Yes
  • Link to IWM Collections page:

    BTF 17

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