Title:SCHOOL OF SUPER-HEAVY (RAILWAY) ARTILLERY [Main Title]
Film Number:MGH 317-2
Other titles:
Summary: Training school exercises for British Army super-heavy railway guns as preparation for anticipated German invasion at the beginning of World War Two. Inter-titles throughout describe what is happening.
Description: "School of Super-heavy (Railway) Artillery"
During the winter of 1940-41 several courses were held at the school. A drill order is carried out by the Battery Commanders attending course No. 5.
They chose a Battery position on Walkerville Spur and then position of assembly at Arras Lines [Yorkshire].
Unfortunately the points had frozen hard and it took over half an hour to release them. General shots of soldiers clearing snow from points. Spade arms are fitted.
The spade arms having been fitted, a 12" howitzer was finally brought into action. A locomotion unit pushes and pulls draped gun through snow.
In all, between October 1940 and March 1941, 13 super-heavy railway Batteries were formed and put into action and 23 courses were held at the school.
February 1941. 9.2" stability trials at Shoeburyness (Essex) using full charge. A shot of the gun firing.
Shots of various exercises with the gun.
6th Super-heavy Battery. June 2nd 1941. Major CW Thomas tries his new scheme of struts and holdforts at SIBSEY [Lincolnshire?].
More exercises with the gun.
"At the school a Fire Discipline Exercise." Motorcylists (led by RSM Eustace) represented an enemy tank attack and were met with Molotov cocktails.
A 'dead' man was brought to the command.
Another minor worry was a low flying attack by Spitfires from Catterick (Yorkshire) aerodrome. Spitfires buzz the gun crew, mostly out of shot.
Three men cross the yard and sit outdoors. Sign reads "Holding Troop. Training Troop. Office."
Men tear up documents and put into the 'salvage'box. Then taking papers from car and putting in furnace.
Four men salute camera.
