Summary: The garrisoning of Iceland by British and Canadian troops to safeguard the North Atlantic, following German occupation of Norway and Denmark, stressing the remoteness of Iceland, and the consequent enforced self-dependence of the garrison.
Description: Film begins with an introduction to the Nazi advances into Norway and Denmark shows the unloading of matériel and supplies, particularly building materials - at docks in Reykjavík, the construction of defensive positions, gun emplacements, an airfield and a (Walrus) seaplane base - cleaning of weapons (Vickers mgs); a long sequence shows a defensive 'rehearsal' exercise. Also shown, a Canadian pipe and drums band, and soldiers befriending local children (playing football etc). Film as a whole builds up the British Universal Carrier as an asset in mobility, essential if a small garrison is to be sufficient protection for the entire island.
Production Details: War Office (Production sponsor)
Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
Army Film Unit (Production company)
Tennyson d'Eyncourt, Walter (Production individual)
Macdonald, David19041983 (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: British Army (regiment/service)
Canadian Army (regiment/service)
Keywords: aircraft, British - seaplane: Supermarine Walrus (object name)
armour, British - carrier: Universal (object name)
defences, British - emplacement (object name)
engineering, military, British: airfield (object name)
society, British military - friendship (object name)
society, Icelandic - friendship (object name)
supplies, British, movement [RA] - misc (object name)
weapons, British - smallarm: Vickers machine gun (object name)
Iceland (geography)
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: 1
Footage: 770 ft; Running time: 8 mins
