Description: Commemorative ceremonies mark third anniversary of Battle of Britain. Film moves from exterior of English country church to Buckingham Palace parade before King and Queen, with Sinclair to right, by civilian and service groups which took part in Battle of Britain. Commentary praises Dowding's role, then Air Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory speaks from his office: "thanks to that victory three years ago all the fighter pilots of today are looking forward to the time when they can again return to bases in Europe and finally destroy the Luftwaffe over Germany itself". US Naval Secretary Colonel Lance declares "America will never forget how in civilisation's darkest hour Britain stood all alone and by that action saved the world for liberty." King and Queen arrive at depart from service at St Pauls, greeted by Lord Mayor and with fire-guard lining steps. Lord Trenchard reads lesson (live) and Group Captain Malan unveils and dedicates memorial (live) at Biggin Hill service. Item concludes with supposed flashback, in fact Spitfire Mk IXs of 302 Squadron (Polish) on tarmac, and Luftwaffe wreckage in shallows.
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:
Object_Number:RMY 18
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:NON-IWM
Featured Period:1939-1945
Production Date:1943-09
Production Country: GB
Production Details: Gaumont British News (Production company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: George VI, King (person)
Elizabeth, Queen (person)
Leigh-Mallory, Trafford (person)
Lance (Colonel) (person)
Trenchard, Hugh Montague (person)
Malan, Adolph Gysbert (person)
Royal Air Force (regiment/service)
Keywords: aircraft, British - combat: Supermarine Spitfire (object name)
ceremonies, British - event-related: anniversary of Battle of Britain, 3rd (object name)
GB, England & London, SW <Buckingham Palace> (geography)
GB, England & London, E <Saint Paul's Cathedral> (geography)
GB, England & Biggin Hill, Kent <RAF Station> (geography)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 640 ft; Running time: 7 mins
