Metadata
- Title: THE FIRST THING [Main Title]
- Film Number: AMY 139
- Other titles:
- Summary: Second World War RAF training film for new recruits dealing with the correct procedures for standing and saluting.
- Description: The film opens with a brief sequence of the Ceremony of the Sword of Honour at Cranwell, including shots of the march past, brief glimpses of the buildings and spectators and the presentation of the Sword. The film then moves to a RAF parade ground with various shots of RAF troops marching (square bashing) with specific instruction to the viewer on the correct procedures for - standing to attention, standing at ease, stand easy, how to wear the uniform (pockets buttoned not bulging) and how to wear the forage cap. The film then covers how to salute an officer, with the correct procedures on how to salute, and how to salute when marching, when not wearing a headdress, when hands are occupied and when smoking. Also covered is how to identify an officer, where to look for badges of rank for RAF officers and those of the Army and Navy. The film concludes with "You belong to a fine Service, see that by your smart and airman like behaviour you do your bit towards enhancing its reputation".
- Access Conditions: Attribution: © IWM
- Featured Period: 1939-1945
- Production Date: 1941
- Production Country: GB
- Production Details: Royal Air Force (Production sponsor) British Films Ltd (Production company) Phillips, Frank19011980 (Production cast)
- Personalities, Units and Organisations:
- Keywords:
- 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: 1 Footage: 935 ft; Running time: 10 mins
- Notes:
- Link to IWM Collections page:
- Related IWM Collections Objects: