Summary: A brief introduction to the mechanical principles and techniques involved in the Royal Engineers' main bridging equipment.
Description: As an introduction, film shows General Montgomery opening a bridge over the river Sangro in Italy and commentary recalls the success of the Bailey bridge since its first use in Tunisia. "The secret of its success is in its design." Mr D C Bailey himself, the co-designer with 2 unnamed RE Officers, explains the objectives that had been sought - simple components, interchangeable, easy to transport and erect; adaptability to different loads and conditions; then in a simple demonstration with matchboxes shows how the bridge is constructed and positioned. The film then shows the procedure in real life, in an exercise/test at a Royal Engineer training ground (complete with mock air attack). The end of the film, citing the bridge's achievements, and illustrating its adaptability (high bridge, pontoon bridge, use of sections as rafts), indicates the design's success: "a river is no longer a barrier."
Production Details: Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
Merlin (Production company)
Barnes, Arthur (Production individual)
Hankinson, Michael (Production individual)
Mitchell, John (Production individual)
Kemplen, Ralph (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Bailey, D C (person)
Montgomery, Bernard Law (person)
British Army, Royal Engineers (regiment/service)
Keywords: engineering, military, British: Bailey bridge (object name)
training, British military (object name)
Instruction (concept)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 16mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 1
Footage: 401 ft; Running time: 11 mins
