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Title:INSPECTION OF NEW ZEALAND TROOPS BY FIELD MARSHAL SIR DOUGLAS HAIG [Main Title]
Film Number:IWM 156
Other titles:
Summary: Field Marshal Haig's inspection of the New Zealand Division near Fromental in the Lumbres training area in France, 14 September 1917.
Description: Haig, on horseback, with staff and lancer escort, accompanied by Major-General Sir Andrew Russell, the New Zealand divisional commander, inspects the division and takes the salute during the march past. Also present is Winston Churchill, the Minister of Munitions, in tweeds.
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 402 ft; Running time: 7 mins
HD Media:Yes
Notes: Production: New Zealand official film.
Summary: Haig wrote in his diary (14 September 1917) "At 10.00am I inspected the New Zealand Division on the training ground E of Halettes (N of the Boulogne-St-Omer Road) .... The 1st, 2nd and 4th Brigades were on parade. The men were well turned out and handled their arms smartly. They are a sturdy, thick set type of man. After my inspection, the troops marched past by platoons. A very fine show in fine style. Mr Winston Churchill accompanied me and seemed much impressed."
Authority: additional detail from Christopher Pugsley, 12/1993.
Remarks: Sanders reported problems with his camera, but this is a poorly filmed, blurred, uninteresting and dull piece of work. Sanders may have been told to keep back from the official party - certainly the camera was held too far from the action and angled badly throughout. The effect is like looking over someone's shoulder from the back of a densely packed crowd.