Summary: The citizens of Ghent celebrate their freedom after the arrival of the 7th Armoured Division even though its northern outskirts remain in German hands.
Description:Riding in his Staghound armoured car, Major-General Verney and a small party from 7th Armoured Division's HQ make their way past cheering Belgian civilians to be officially received by the Burgomaster of Ghent at the Hotel de Ville. The British commander is seen entering and leaving the Hotel de Ville; with him is the local L'Armee Blanche commander. Crowds gather in the Place St Bavon outside the Cathedral St Bavon to celebrate their freedom. The Belgian Resistance rounds-up collaborators; with their hands up, Belgian Gestapo officials are led away by Resistance men and outside the Palais de Justice, Flemish Nazis are put aboard a "Black Maria". Fighting breaks out in the city; some citizens dash for cover in doorways while others take a more nonchalant attitude, walking apparently undisturbed in the streets. A Cromwell tank (5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards?) makes its way through Ghent past cyclists and pedestrians. Armed members of the White Army exchange shots with snipers (German troops or renegade Belgians) near one of Ghent's many canals.
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Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:A70 155-7
Sound:Silent
Access Conditions:IWM
Film: IWM
Featured Period:1939-1945
Production Date:1944-09-08-1944-09-08
Production Country:GB
Production Details:Directorate of Public Relations, War Office (Production sponsor)
Army Film and Photographic Unit (Production Company)
Gordon, J (Production individual)
