NUCLEAR SURVIVAL IN THE UK [Main Title]

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  • Title: NUCLEAR SURVIVAL IN THE UK [Main Title]
  • Film Number: DRA 1386
  • Other titles:
  • Summary: Instructional film on the role of UK-based regular and reserve Armed Forces, including dramatised/staged sequences, in the event of a nuclear strike on Britain. Explains pre-strike preparations, action during the strike phase, immediate post-strike phase and likely tasks of the Services thereafter. The civilian command organisation is referenced and the necessity for Service co-operation with the civilian administration is impressed.
  • Description: Film starts with a montage of newspaper headlines and archive footage, with commentary explaining that over the past thirty years there have been political confrontations, some of which have escalated into limited war, with conventional weapons. Today though, the overriding threat to Britain is a nuclear strike, although a surprise attack is unlikely. The preparations of one battalion to deal with such a scenario (mainly shelter and supplies) are described by the Battalions Operations Officer, and further shown. The guarding of key sites is discussed. Commentary warns "...we must plan for every eventuality, because as tension rises, so does the likelihood that all our plans will be put to the test". The joint role of all of the Armed Services is stressed. Supplies for at least ten men for fourteen days are required. Film continues with illustration of action as the strike phase nears. Members of the volunteer reserve will play an important role, particularly where communication is concerned. Systems of regional government are discussed. Present policy is that the entire population will stay where they are, and advice will be given to them. A family in the home are shown watching Central Office of Information film 'Protect and Survive'. When the nuclear threat increases, the red alert is given to carrier control points across the country, then to warning points, to signal an attack is imminent. As sirens wail, the Armed Services spring into action. Archive footage of several separate nuclear test explosions signifies the change in the film to discuss the post-attack scenario. The system of control centres and communication now takes over, as data and reports are gathered on the strength of the blast and radiation levels. The blast is plotted and fallout is predicted. Commentary warns that the immediate effects of the weapon will destroy all houses within three miles and cause high casualties within eight miles. The national 'black alert' warning system of impending fallout is explained, and the equivalent for the military, whose focus switches to radiation monitoring. If outside tasks are required in this period by the military, decontamination is imperative to ensure the safety of all. When restrictions are lifted, radiation sickness from fallout remains the threat, so decontamination is essential. The military will take on post-strike roles. The civilian administration will continue to assist but will need to call greatly upon the Army for help. Assistance might be needed to guard a food store, escort a food convoy, or manage road closures. "An enormous burden of responsibility" will fall upon the Armed Services. The importance of preparedness among the military is stressed for survival; "It will be a long and uncomfortable period, but you can come through safely if you have prepared to survive."
  • Alternative Title:
  • Colour: Colour
  • Digitised: Yes
  • Object_Number: DRA 1386
  • Sound: Sound
  • Access Conditions: IWM © Crown copyright. IWM (DRA 1386)
  • Featured Period: 1945-1989
  • Production Date: 1978-1978
  • Production Country:GB
  • Production Details:Ministry of Defence (Production sponsor) Anvil Film and Recording Group (production) Services Kinema Corporation (production) Jordan, Billy (Production individual) Goode, Frederic (Production individual) Basilico, Rene (Production individual) Hann-Campbell, John (Production individual)
  • Personalities, Units and Organisations:
  • Keywords:
  • Physical Characteristics:Colour format: Colour Sound format: Sound Soundtrack language: English Title language: English
  • Technical Details:16mm Number of items/reels/tapes: 2 Footage: 900 ft (ca); Running time: 24 mins
  • HD Media:Yes
  • Link to IWM Collections page:

    DRA 1386

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