We use cookies on this website.
By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings,
you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy
and for us to access our cookies on your device.
Description: I. The Meteorological Office and plotting room, close-ups of signs, a WAAF telephonist. The plotting board shows the Isle of Wight area - Mosquitos visible through window. NCO sitting at desk; he finishes some reports and leaves (Flight offices, 'A' Flight), walks past a Mosquito and mechanics at work on engines, talks to the pilot of a Mosquito 'Flying Boat' while ground crew and armourers check aircraft. Night shots - pilot and navigator board 'Flying Boat' start engines, taxi and take off. Interior shots - pilot wakes up, throws boot to wake up navigator. Night shots of flare path etc.
II. Two WAAFs at plotting board; a Met Officer prepares his map, walks out onto airfield. A pilot gets into bed after drawing curtains. A mechanic leaves Mosquito cockpit, revealing 'Flying Boat' insignia on door. Two WAAFs take theodolite readings. Anemometer etc. Close-ups (various angles) of pilot and navigator in cockpit. Met Officer leaving office, passing hangar, arriving at dispersal hut. Daylight shots of Mosquito taxiing (some through camouflage netting): night shots of take-off.
III. Met Officer passes a line of Mosquitos, his map under his arm. An airman adds a swastika to the score on the fuselage of 'Flying Boat'. The Met Officer briefs a group of pilots. Wing Commander telephoning, then talks to pilots. An ambulance and its attendant. WAAF waitresses lay a table; a Flying Control Officer waiting, lights cigarette; a square radar scanner revolving ("hidden... in Normandy", according to Progress Report sheet). Pilot and navigator strap themselves into cockpit. Night shots - taxiing, take-off, flare path etc.
Production Details: Royal Air Force (Production company)
Maiden, Cecil (Production individual)
Ziller (Sergeant) (Production individual)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Royal Air Force, Sqdn 604 (regiment/service)
Royal Air Force, Meteorological Office (regiment/service)
Royal Air Force, Women's Auxiliary Air Force (regiment/service)
Keywords: aircraft, British - combat: De Havilland Mosquito (object name)
communications, British air - wire: telephone (object name)
equipment, British air - navigational: anemometer (object name)
equipment, British air - navigational: theodolite (object name)
equipment, British air - surveillance: radar (object name)
intelligence, military, British - briefing (object name)
intelligence, military, British - briefing (object name)
operations, British air - routine (object name)
sciences, British - earth: meteorology (object name)
GB, England & Colerne, Wilts <RAF Station> (geography)
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 3
Footage: 2221 ft; Running time: 23 mins
HD Media:
Notes: Remarks: radar screen footage particularly well filmed. Dopesheet identifies unit as No 604 Squadron
Technical: second print of ACB 75/2 is 60 ft shorter than the first (less take-off footage); print of ACB 75/3 includes a little duplicate footage from 75/2.
