Summary: Short film explaining the role of ack-ack (anti-aircraft) gunners.
Description: This portrait of ack-ack gunners and the job they do introduces the men themselves as a mixed bunch from all walks of life. The use of special instruments is explained: a height finder for establishing the height of approaching enemy aircraft, and a predictor, by means of which the flight path of the aircraft can be predicted so that ack-ack fire can be aimed at the position that the aircraft will have reached by the time the missiles have travelled from the gun to the target. A diagram demonstrates this clearly, and emphasises that there is only a limited period of level flight during which readings can be taken. The routine of a command post is described, including canteen facilities. The final sequence is a dramatisation of an alarm, preparation of guns, sighting of a plane, and firing. This takes place at night, providing an opportunity for dramatic action shots of ack-ack gunners at work.
Production Details: Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
Strand Films (Production company)
Anstey, Edgar (Production individual)
Baylis, Peter (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
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: 794 ft; Running time: 9 mins
