THE ARMOURER AND HIS JOB [Main Title]

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  • Title: THE ARMOURER AND HIS JOB [Main Title]
  • Film Number: WOY 23
  • Other titles:
  • Summary: A recruiting film aimed at schoolboys about the rôle and training of the REME armourer.
  • Description: Reel 1: The film opens with various sequences of military action. RAFFPU record film of a low level Mosquito attack by Second Tactical Air Force on a French château occupied by Germans. This is followed by sequences of tanks crossing a field; British soldiers firing a 25lb artillery piece; camera gun footage of an air attack on a motorised column; training film of soldiers firing a mortar; a Crusader tank firing its cannon; a British soldier using a Bren gun; British soldiers wearing German uniform in the prone position firing an MP 38 machine pistol and a Mauser MG34 rifle; British soldiers firing short magazine Lee Enfield Mk 3's and a Bren gun. Cut to a scene in a wood where Grenadier guardsmen are in action. The commentary explains that military success depends on the quality of weapons, and the repair and servicing of these weapons. The Grenadier is seen to strip his Bren gun down and attempt to repair it in the field. After checking the firing pin, he reassembles the weapon and takes it to a REME armourer who is working from the tail-gate of a truck in the woods. Another Grenadier brings a Lee Enfield Mk 4 to the armourer for inspection. The armourer sergeant calibrates the foresight of the Lee Enfield and the backsight. The commentator explains that the armourer tries to do most jobs at the front. The armourer dismantles the Bren and checks the gauge of the firing pin. Cut to an army technical school for boys. Scene of the boy recruits marching. Cut to the school's workshop where the boys are undergoing training in metalwork. An instructor shows one trainee how to use a file. Scenes of the trainees being taught how to weld and forge follow. The commentary explains that the apprentices are learning the skills of metalwork by making their own tools. Cut to a class room where the apprentices are receiving a lesson in optics. Cut to the school firing range where three boys are being taught how to fire a Mk 3 Lee Enfield. Further class room scenes of lessons in physics, geography and maths. The boys are shown playing rugby, and doing field exercises with the medicine ball and Indian clubs. Apprentices drill on a parade ground with American rifles. Reel 2: Cut to a REME workshop. An apprentice brings in a PIAT anti-tank rifle, in the background is a Bofors 40mm anti-tank gun. The PIAT is carried through the workshop to the Armourers shop. The armourer pulls out the spring loaded launching system and shows it to the apprentice. The armourer examines the spigot end. The commentary explains the need to follow official recommendations and manuals when working on specific weapons. Men queue up outside the shop to bring their rifles for inspection. The armourer carries out a full examination of a Mk 4 Lee Enfield, examining the breech bolt, firing pin, wooden surfaces etc. He then fills out a report which is passed to the regimental commanding officer. Cut to shots of infantry, tanks, a Dakota and parachutists on an airstrip, and record film from Operation Market Garden, as the commentator reiterates the value of the armourer to the effectiveness of the fighting forces.
  • Alternative Title:
  • Colour: B&W
  • Digitised:
  • Object_Number: WOY 23
  • Sound: English
  • Access Conditions: Attribution: © IWM (WOY 23)
  • Featured Period: 1939-1945
  • Production Date: 1944
  • Production Country: GB
  • Production Details: Directorate of Army Kinematography (Production sponsor) Army Kinematograph Service (Production company)
  • Personalities, Units and Organisations:
  • Keywords:
  • Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W Sound format: English
  • Technical Details: Format: 35mm Number of items/reels/tapes: 2 Footage: 1259 ft; Running time: 15 mins
  • HD Media:
  • Link to IWM Collections page:

    WOY 23

  • Related IWM Collections Objects:
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