Title:NATIONAL SERVICE ON PARADE, WARRINGTON, MAY 20TH 1939 [Main Title]
Film Number:MGH 4159
Other titles:LORD DERBY UNVEILS 1918-1919 MEMORIAL TO THE SOUTH LANCASHIRE REGIMENT PRINCE OF WALES'S VOLUNTEERS AT WARRINGTON PARISH CHURCH, OCTOBER 1938 [Allocated Title]
Summary: Reel combines two films, Lord Derby unveiling the First World War South Lancashire Prince of Wales's Volunteers memorial in Warrington in October 1938 and a record, presumably aimed at recruitment, of the parade in the same town in May 1939 by all branches of National Service, including under-strength Air Raid Precaution and Decontamination Parties equipped in their anti-gas protective clothing.
Description: Soldiers of the South Lancashire Prince of Wales's Volunteers approach the Parish Church of Warrington, Lancashire with their regimental colours. Dignitaries enter the church. View of the Memorial unveiled by the Earl of Derby, Lord Lieutenant of the County of Lancashire. After the ceremony Lord Derby takes the salute at a marchpast by soldiers of the Regiment against a background cinema (Kinema House) frontage advertising the British comedy Owd Bob, starring Will Fyffe, and On Such a Night, starring Grant Richards. Close-up of engraved plinth of Memorial. NATIONAL SERVICE ON PARADE, WARRINGTON, MAY 20TH 1939. Parade commencing at Bank Park includes soldiers, ex-servicemen, women's Army, Civil Defence stretcher bearers in white and dark decontamination suits, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, St John's Ambulance Brigade and firemen. Parade proceeds through Crosfield Street; truck marked "ARP Rescue and Decontamination Parties - 300 men wanted - Danger gas" precedes another truck with women in decontamination suits and an ambulance. Dense crowds were reportedly thrilled with the smartness and efficiency of the various units passing Market Gate on the return journey; soldiers and military vehicles, including Bren carriers and a RAF barrage balloon hoist bearing recruiting poster "Man the barrage"; spectators standing outside Burton's clothing store watch with interest as parade continues, passing Bank Gate, where Mayor takes salute. ARP trucks include one marked "ARP Wardens - 500 more wanted".
Alternative Title:LORD DERBY UNVEILS 1918-1919 MEMORIAL TO THE SOUTH LANCASHIRE REGIMENT PRINCE OF WALES'S VOLUNTEERS AT WARRINGTON PARISH CHURCH, OCTOBER 1938 [Allocated Title]
