Title:HMS DIAMOND LAUNCH, 1950, AND SEA TRIALS, 1952 [Allocated Title]
Film Number:MGH 6899
Other titles:
Summary: Launch and sea trials of the Daring-class destroyer HMS Diamond.
Description: I. Shots of the launch, at the shipyard of John Brown & Company in Clydebank, Scotland, on 14 June 1950. Panning shots of the distinguished looking spectators, and featuring Admiral Sir Michael Denny and his wife, Lady Denny, the ship's Lady Sponsor. Close up of champagne bottle swinging (possibly a shot cut in later for effect), abruptly followed by shots of HMS Diamond sliding down the slipway into the water, wher she is joined by two tugs (both of which are belching black smoke). She is towed along the Clyde (passing the Panamanian-registered vessel Ottawa).
II. Scenes taken during HMS Diamond's sea trials, Feburary 1952. Now fully fitted out and crewed, she is towed to sea by tugs (some good views of the ship as she passes the camera, Red Ensign flying). At sea, now no longer accompanied by tugs, off the Scottish coast. Long shots (image not sharp) of the destroyer are followed by views of her from a small boat close by; numerous crewmen can be seen on board. HMS Diamond underway, still off the Scottish coast (snow-peaked mountains in the background) then out to sea; conditions are choppy. HMS Diamond anchored at sea: large numbers of birds fly overhead, and in the background there are brief glimpses of a rainbow. Long shots as she sails further out to sea. Diamond sailing along with a mountainous coastline (Norway?) in the background. Scenes back at sea (image quality varies): Diamond travelling at speed, including sailing away from the camera.