Title:BAILEY BRIDGE BUILDING BY 49TH (WEST RIDING) DIVISION IN NORTHERN BELGIUM (PART 2) [Allocated Title]
Film Number:A70 175-4
Other titles:
Summary: 294th Field Company RE constructs a 210 foot long Bailey bridge over the Turnhout-Hasselt Canal in two days.
Description: An assembled Bailey Spain is seen about to be launched across the canal from the north bank using two crib-panel piers as support; the remains of a German-built wooden trestle bridge which carried the Turnhout-Tilburg road from 1940 to 1944 can be seen. Sappers fit rocker plates on to the pier on the south bank where an armoured bulldozer is on hand to haul the Bailey across the canal with its powerful cable winch supervised by a sapper sergeant who receives orders from the team on the opposite bank via a field telephone. Utilising the rocker plates on both piers, sappers complete the hauling operation. Major- General Barker, 60C 49th (West Riding) Division, confers with Major Tyzack, OC 294th Field Company RE, and watches the bridge building. Sappers remove wood packing before lowering the Bailey onto the piers with Hydraulic jacks. The top runs are painted white as night-time driving aids. A single-span Bailey spans the canal nearby. Decking planks are laid on the bridge; the sign for "Bubbles Bridge" is erected. 49th Division transport and civilians are seen using the completed crossing.
Production Details: Directorate of Public Relations, War Office (Production sponsor)
Army Film and Photographic Unit (Production company)
Collins (Sergeant) (Production individual)
