AIR QUARTERMASTER [Main Title]

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  • Title: AIR QUARTERMASTER [Main Title]
  • Film Number: AMY 240
  • Other titles:
  • Summary: The air quartermaster (AQM) is effectively an equipment assistant, co-ordinating the loading/unloading of all types of freight, troops and civilian passengers onto the aircraft, both in peace and war. His practical tasks are many and require a good sense of self motivation, technical knowledge and an even disposition. The film shows examples of the varying nature of the tasks assigned to the AQM, as Hastings aircraft are loaded with a wide variety of loads and dispatched.
  • Description: The film opens with a Hastings selected by the AQM as the most appropriate aircraft for the load to be carried in. The Hastings is a versatile aircraft and may be configured to carry passengers, heavy military and civilian equipment, the airborne dropping of parachute troops, air ambulance or a tug for towing gliders. A series of film clips illustrate the Hastings equipped for each configuration, and the specific duties required of the AQM. As an example, the film cuts to The AQM preparing the Hastings for a flight to Singapore; the captain and crew advise the AQM of their requirements, the AQM informs traffic control and the duty loading officer as appropriate. Film cuts to the duty Loading officer who supervises the loading of freight, large items are securely lashed to the floor pan, smaller items placed in a variety of wood crates and likewise lashed securely. Care is taken to distribute the load evenly. The AQM collects the accompanying papers and manifest from the duty load master, checks the load and lashings as the crew board the Hastings and the captain signs for the aircraft. Finally the AQM enters the Hastings, stows the rations for the crew, closes the aircraft door and prepares for take off. Cut to the four engines starting up, the crew sit and secure themselves and the Hastings departs for the first staging post. During the flight the AQM checks the security of the lashings, prepares the papers for the first off loading, and serves the rations to the crew. Film cuts to cockpit as Hastings descends and lands at the staging post. The air movement officer boards the aircraft to meet the AQM, some of the cargo is unloaded, and the crew briefed for the next stage of the flight which will include some passengers. The passenger seats have previously been installed, and occupy about a third of the cabin floor. Oxygen masks, blankets and seat belts are incorporated in the rearwards facing seats. Refuelling completed the AQM checks various items on the aircraft, the passengers embark, captain briefs the passengers as the AQM closes the cabin door, and the Hastings taxis out and takes off. During the flight the AQM ensures cabin crew attend the passengers and serve a meal. When flying above 11,000 ft. oxygen masks are worn if required. Film cuts to view from cockpit window as the Hastings descends to the runway at RAF Luqua and taxis over to the arrivals area. The loading officer boards the aircraft to liase with the AQM the disembarkation of the passengers and the unloading of the freight. The AQM then prepares for the next mornings onward flight, following a similar pattern to the initial flight. The film demonstrates the multi load ability of the Hastings when configured for the airborne transport and dropping of parachute troops. The AQM acts as the jumpmaster and has overall charge of the parachutists. The AQM inspects the release fittings and the static rail, the parachutists embark, the door is closed and the Hastings departs. As they approach the drop zone the AQM and his assistant put on their own parachutes and oxygen masks, the parachutists connect their harness to the static rail, every connection is checked by the AQM and they jump out under his supervision. The AQM is responsible to the captain (the pilot) whatever the nature of the flight, cargo, passengers, military equipment, etc. The AQM has to co-ordinate the work of other sections necessary to prepare for the flight, his responsibility is great, his duties many.
  • Alternative Title:
  • Colour: B&W
  • Digitised:
  • Object_Number: AMY 240
  • Sound: Sound
  • Access Conditions:
  • Featured Period: 1946-1975
  • Production Date: 1946
  • Production Country: GB
  • Production Details: ROYAL AIR FORCE (Production sponsor) British Films Ltd (Production company)
  • Personalities, Units and Organisations:
  • Keywords:
  • Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W Sound format: Sound
  • Technical Details: Format: 35mm Number of items/reels/tapes: Length: 3220ft
  • HD Media:
  • Link to IWM Collections page:

    AMY 240

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