Title:RAF CRANE LAUNCH OF SEAPLANE [Allocated Title]
Film Number:IWM 649
Other titles:
Summary: A Short 184 seaplane being placed into the water by a steam crane and flying on patrol, probably at RAF Calshot, 29th November 1919.
Description: The first of the Shorts is taken out of its hangar and wheeled towards the water. Its wings are swung forward to the flight position. The crane derrick lifts the seaplane up. It has bombs fitted between its floats. A second Short is prepared for flight in a similar way. A two-man crew prepare to take out another Short. Once they are on board the observer is handed a camera, a map case and two carrier pigeon boxes (?). The crane lifts the seaplane (which has its engine running) out from a quay over the water, and lowers it to the surface. The plane taxies away, takes off and overflies the base. As it returns to the quay it is hooked up to the crane and taken out of the water. The plane is shown on a second take-off, overflight and landing.
