Title:LORD WEIR'S VISIT TO THE RAF CADET BRIGADE [Allocated Title]
Film Number:IWM 635
Other titles:
Summary: The visit of Lord Weir, the Secretary of State for Air, to the RAF Cadet Brigade camp at Saint Leonards-on-Sea, summer 1918.
Description: The day is wet and blustery. Lord Weir walks with a senior RAF officer as an escort past the waiting crowd of civilians and stands at the saluting base on Saint Leonards' sea front in Sea Road, opposite West Marina Gardens. The Cadet Brigade marches past in salute and Weir doffs his hat in acknowledgement. This is followed by another marchpast in PT gear and an athletics match, starting with a massed boxing demonstration, which all take place in West Marina Gardens. On the Priory Meadow cricket field, in Hastings'town centre, an RAF Highland pipe band parades. Amongst the crowd is a full-sized mock-up of an aeroplane with its propeller turning. The cadets take part in various races, at middle distance, sprint distance, and over hurdles. Some of the crowd watching are members of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. The weather deteriorates steadily and rain begins to fall heavily. The RAF still photographer can be seen at work. The brigade commander, Brigadier-General A C Critchley, directs proceedings. Near to him, wearing a raincoat against the now driving rain, is Captain Prince Albert, the Duke of York. The athletics continue despite the weather with the tug-of-war and a 'cuddy fight' (wrestling while being carried), followed by a race to put up a bell tent. A long-distance race finishes (note the cine-cameraman at work) and the cadets display the sign "Number 1 Cadet Wing" in front of the victor. The athletics continue with a wheelbarrow race and another tug-of-war, interspersed with scenes of the cheering crowd of cadets, as the film breaks up and ends.
Production Details: Royal Air Force (Production sponsor)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Weir, William D (person)
Critchley, Alfred C (person)
George VI, King (person)
Royal Air Force, Cadet Bde (regiment/service)
Royal Air Force, Women's Auxiliary Air Force (regiment/service)
Keywords: delegations, British national - air (object name)
delegations, British national - political (object name)
training, British air (object name)
recreation, British air - sport: athletics (object name)
ceremonies, British - display (object name)
journalism and record, British - photographer (object name)
31/3(41) (event)
Hastings, Sussex, England, UK (geography)
Saint Leonards-on-Sea, Sussex, England, UK (geography)
rain (concept)
