Title:A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DESPATCH RIDER [Main Title]
Film Number:DRA 850
Other titles:
Summary: A military training film staging a day in the life of an army despatch rider highlighting his importance in aiding communications between areas of command.
Description: (Reel 1) LS of army trucks crossing La Tour du Pin / Bourgoin-Jalleau. Documentary shots of cable layers, wireless operators and despatch riders (DR) as examples of army communications. The DR should be observant eg aware of uncamouflaged camps, civilians on unguarded railway crossings, new units in the area (Royal Corps of Signals as an example). DR use motorcycles and jeeps. When not on duty the DR must maintain his vehicle via the Daily Task system (see SKC 56). We see the DR putting on his socks, boots, crash helmet and goggles. He carries a Sten gun. His brief is to memorise a detoured route to Divisional HQ. At the DRLS office he completes the docket and collects his message.
(Reel 2) Four-wheel drive jeeps are used for heavy ground or delivering messages to Corps troops in outlying places. On arrival at Divisional HQ the DR parks his motorcycle away from the Signals Office to prevent interference on the wireless from the spark plugs and avoid enemy air detection. On his way back he notices a broken telegraph line (filmed near St Benoit and Lhuis). A Special DR (SDR) handles more difficult missions closer to the frontline.
(Reel 3) Our DR sees a broken cable which he repairs and reports. Back at Corps the jeep returns with information about the enemy gleaned from a French civilian (this story is told in flashback). DR must prepare bike for the following day ie check oil , water and petrol and immobilise bike so it will not be stolen. DR also checks clothing before sleeping and examines the Sten gun which is at hand for emergencies. The importance of the DR in giving and receiving information on a round-the-clock basis is emphasised.
