Summary: The "Last Hazard" of the title is that faced by convoys approaching Britain in the shape of mines dropped in port approaches by German bombers. The film is a dramatised account of the two-part countermeasures provided in the shape of minesweepers and barrage balloon ships, concentrating on the exploits of one of the latter.
Description: A vital convoy is expected, the approaches must be open - mine-sweepers are sent out, and balloon ships moved to new locations, the film's 'star' so far out that the ration boat cannot bring supplies (Reel 2) That night, a German raid brings down two other balloons, lays mines, and strafes the ship, setting it adrift: the engine cannot be started for fear of acoustic mines. A minesweeper is sent out to clear the lane again, and guide the ship home - meanwhile its balloon brings down a German plane. Next day, the convoy arrives safely and its cargo - American soldiers - disembark.
Production Details: Air Ministry (Production sponsor)
Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
Royal Air Force Film Production Unit (Production company)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Royal Navy (regiment/service)
Keywords: aircraft, British - balloon: barrage balloon (object name)
operations, British naval - escort: convoy (object name)
operations, British naval - mines: clearance (object name)
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: 2
Footage: 1775 ft; Running time: 20 mins
