Summary: Training film in the maintenance and driving of the Dennis 3-ton lorry, set at the Army Service Corps Motor Transport Driving School at Hounslow, Middlesex, 1918.
Description: (Reel 1) The film has a comic acted character, the "awkward soldier". He and his fellows arrive at the school and are instructed in the lorry's engine and gearbox, which are shown running opened up with labels attached. They are taught the principles of driving on the open road and making a three-point turn. They clean and maintain their lorries. (Reel 2) They are taught reversing techniques on the road and at the school. A lorry convoy is taken out to demonstrate the importance of correct spacing when driving, (Reel 3) turning corners, hill starts and parking. The men picnic in a field while parked. The importance of not driving too fast is shown by staged sequences of a horse and cart and then some children crossing the road, and a car skidding on an oil patch, in front of the lorries. In each case the lorries stop safely. The "awkward soldier" demonstrates the starting handle, and he and the instructor strip an engine on a test-bench to show a cracked piston ring. Finally an open air concert at which the "awkward soldier" gives a display of tap dancing.
Production Details: Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
Pathe (Production company)
Cooper, F (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: British Army, Royal Army Service Corps, Motor Transport Driving School (regiment/service)
Keywords: transport, British military - truck: Dennis 3-ton lorry (object name)
training, British military - specialist: driving & [+] (object name)
operations, British military - maintenance (object name)
recreation, British military - dance (object name)
31/3(41) (event)
Hounslow, Middlesex, England, UK (geography)
