Summary: Film of Royal Norwegian Naval Air Force unit stationed in Iceland.
Description: Vital role of Atlantic merchant shipping. After the fall of France, the Allies seek northern routes. Strategic importance of Iceland. Short history, geographical and economic survey, stressing Icelandic democracy and peaceful pursuits. Occupation by British troops. "Icelanders recognised that if Britain had not forestalled it they would have suffered a German occupation". British respect for Icelandic self government and troop's friendly relations with the local populace. Island fortified. German invasion of Russia increases Iceland's importance as the convoys are stretched even further. Coastal command attacks German submarines and aircraft. Norwegians come to Iceland, flying Northrop floatplanes. Typical station. Character of the men. Ground crews check aircraft. Typical patrol flight - nothing sighted, but the men have done their duty. Life for the airmen is often monotonous but they learn to relax between flights. Harsh conditions and the ever present risk of death. In the long Arctic winters aircraft are grounded for days, but the men struggle to keep them ready for flight. Christmas Day - church parade and squadron party. Outside the watch is unbroken - unrelenting battle brings closer the day of peace when they can "rebuild their country and a shattered world".
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:COI 487
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:
Featured Period:1939-1945
Production Date:1941
Production Country: GB
Production Details: Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
Norwegian Government Film Unit (Production company)
Allen, Frederick (Production cast)
Personalities, Units and Organisations: British Army (regiment/service)
Royal Air Force (regiment/service)
Royal Norwegian Navy & Naval Air Force, Royal Norwegian (regiment/service)
Keywords: administration, British - occupation (object name)
aircraft, United States - seaplane: Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina & [Norwegian] (object name)
aircraft, United States - seaplane: Northrop N-3PB & [Norwegian] (object name)
celebrations, Norwegian - popular: Christmas (object name)
combat, British - air strike (object name)
operations, Norwegian naval air - preparation (object name)
operations, Norwegian naval air - routine (object name)
operations, Norwegian naval air - sortie (object name)
society, British military - friendship (object name)
society, Icelandic - friendship (object name)
society, Norwegian naval - domestic (object name)
society, Norwegian naval - friendship (object name)
Atlantic Ocean (geography)
Iceland (geography)
Winter (concept)
Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Subtitle language: None
Technical Details: Format: 35mm
Number of items/reels/tapes: 2
Footage: 1582 ft; Running time: 18 mins