DUNKIRK EVACUEES ARRIVE BACK IN BRITAIN [Allocated Title]

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  • Title: DUNKIRK EVACUEES ARRIVE BACK IN BRITAIN [Allocated Title]
  • Film Number: BTF 8
  • Other titles: RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
  • Summary: British and French troops, evacuated from Dunkirk, in high spirits as they mix with civilians at London railway stations. German POWs arrive into Dover, and Southern Railway employees are shown how to handle firearms.
  • Description: (31 May 1940) The BEF (British Expeditionary Force) arriving into Charing Cross Station, London. Many carry heavy bags of equipment and appear relived, thousands having been rescued from the harbour and the beaches at Dunkirk over the previous few days. Troops empty out of carriages, an “ILLISTRATED LONDON NEWS” stand is visible in the background. Civilians and young children are amongst the crowds on the concourse. MH48 (1 June 1940) More of the BEF troops returning from Dunkirk, this time at Redhill Station, London. Some French troops are also amongst the arrivals. The troops are in celebratory mood as they pull into the station, leaning from the carriage windows in anticipation. Civilians (mostly female) stand on the platform, possibly anticipating the arrival of a husband or family member. A group of service personnel stand in a group for the camera. Again, the mood is celebratory, as they drink from tankards. Another Southern locomotive (No. 1759) arrives into the station with troops on-board. Food and drink are being distributed to the new arrivals by civilians. (52 sec) MH49 - 50 (2 June 1940) Shots over Dover harbour, South coast of England, as ships carrying POWs (Prisoners of War) are coming into dock. The stretcher bound injured are lifted off a vessel by crane. A crowd of British service personnel, some French, are dockside to receive them. The German POWs are in various uniforms, one is in a Luftwaffe flying suit. Recently disembarked French troops march along the dockside. Intertitle; “CHARING CROSS HOTEL ROOF – MUSKTEERING”. Southern Railway employees are shown by a uniformed sergeant how to load rifles, on the roof of a hotel at Charing Cross. A similar sequence follows, as other service personnel step in to assist. (2 min 23 sec) MH51 (3-4 June 1940) Troops gather around a YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) mobile canteen, or “Tea Car”, on the Waterloo Station concourse, London. A sign on the door reads; “BEF FREE REFRESHMENTS”. Close-up shots beside the mobile canteen show service personnel eating and smoking cigarettes. A separate YMCA “Mobile Information Bureau” is also on the Waterloo concourse. The vehicle is similar to those used by the YMCA as mobile canteens. Two men approach for information, and the two female staff members assist by searching through some documentation. Margate Station, in Kent. Evacuated French troops gather in front of a train carriage for the camera. Their expressions indicated they are relived to have made it to Britain. (4 min 05 sec) MH 52 (4 June 1940) French troops, evacuated from Dunkirk, dockside at Dover. A sailor from the French Navy plays the accordion. As they move from the dockside they are given rations by British service personnel as they funnel through a narrow gateway. French troops are gathered by a carriage at Margate Station having chow. Close-up shots of troops happy to have been evacuated. Railway staff share cigarettes with some of the French troops as they lean out of the carriage windows. (5 min 20 sec) MH53 (4 June 1940) More troops gathered on the dockside, Dover. (6 min 41 sec) MH54 (6 June 1940) Shots of troops at Southampton Docks, South coast of England, disembarking via a Southern 'Schools' class 4-4-0 locomotive (?). The train pulls away bellowing smoke. MH55 - 56 (6 June 1940) The “MAID OF ORLEANS” in dry-dock at Southampton for repairs. Close-up of the damaged hull. Hospital ship, the “ISLE OF THANET”, also in dry-dock for repairs. 9.2-inch howitzer in storage shed 101 at Southampton Docks. MH57 (6-11 June 1940) Salvaged cargo from burned-out ship the SS Damala, laid out on the ground opposite 108 storage shed, Southampton Docks. Workmen painting over signage at the “ESHER FOR SANDOWN PARK” signal box, Surry. The same workmen also remove signs from the station platform. (9 min) MH58
  • Alternative Title: RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
  • Colour: B&W
  • Digitised: Yes
  • Object_Number: BTF 8
  • Sound: Silent
  • Access Conditions: IWM Attribution: © IWM (BTF 8)
  • Featured Period: 1939-1945
  • Production Date: 1940-05 1940-06
  • 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: Footage: 992ft ; Running time: 10 mins 30 sec
  • HD Media:Yes
  • Link to IWM Collections page:

    BTF 8

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