Title:BAILEY BRIDGE BUILDING BY 49TH (WEST RIDING) DIVISION IN NORTHERN BELGIUM (PART 1) [Allocated Title]
Film Number:A70 171-7
Other titles:
Summary: 49th (West Riding) Division's RE units become engaged in extensive bridge construction work to replace canal crossings destroyed by the retreating Germans.
Description: Sappers from 19th Field Company RE cut a step in the south bank of the Albert Canal outside Herenthals as a preliminary step for the assembly of a Class 40 pontoon bridge alongside the remains of both the Lier - Herenthals - Turnhout railway bridge and a German built wooden trestle bridge. A lorry arrives with pontoon sections. Sappers add finishing touches to the 110 foot long Bailey pontoon bridge while Belgian civilians avail themselves of this new facility. The cameraman surveys the wreckage of the blown- up railway crossing nearby. Transport belonging to the 49th Division and supporting 1st Corps units are seen using another 110 foot long Class 40 Bailey assembled by 294th Field Company RE on a partly demolished bridge over the Meuse-Escaut canal near Herenthals. Among the vehicles seen emerging at its northern exist under the supervision of an MP on point duty are a Dodge 3-ton breakdown gantry lorry from a 49th Division REME unit and a Morris Quad from 185th Field Regiment RA. Two hundred yards away, a Class 9 FBE bridge spans the canal. (Excited civilians wave to the cameraman).
Production Details: Directorate of Public Relations, War Office (Production sponsor)
Army Film and Photographic Unit (Production company)
Collins (Sergeant) (Production individual)
