Title:THE 51ST (HIGHLAND) DIVISION CROSSES THE SEINE (PART 1) [Allocated Title]
Film Number:A70 212-2
Other titles:
Summary: After crossing the Seine, the 51st (Highland) Division returns in triumph to a place of former disaster.
Description: I. Watched by cheering civilians, Sherman tanks from the East Riding Yeomanry's 'HQ' and 'A' squadrons and infantrymen belonging to the 2nd or 5th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders (riding in Bedford QLT lorries from 322nd Troop Carrying Company RASC) crosses the Seine at Elbeuf on a Class 40 Bailey pontoon bridge built by 8th GHQ Troops RE; note the sign warning drivers to motor slowly over the bridge. From the north bank, the cameraman observes elements of the 2nd Seaforth Highlanders crossing the bridge in a Fordson 30cwt truck, two Bedford QLT three- tonners, and on motorcycles and four universal carriers.
II. At St-Valery-en-Caux, where the Highland Division was forced to surrender in June 1940, the town mayor presents a bouquet of flowers to Lieutenant-Colonel Lang, OC 5th Cameron Highlanders, watched by applauding civilians and men from his unit and the 2nd Derbyshire Yeomanry. The Commanding Officers of both the 5th Camerons and 2nd Seaforths pose with troops and civilians for the camera. Four pipers from the Cameron Highlanders - 3 of them 1940-veterans - play before troops and townspeople.
