Title:DESTROYERS OF THE BRITISH AEGEAN FORCE OCCUPY THE GREEK ISLANDS [Allocated Title]
Film Number:ADM 569
Other titles:MEDITERRANEAN OPERATIONS OF THE ROYAL NAVY [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Naval landing parties occupy an Aegean island. The landing is unopposed and the men receive an enthusiastic welcome from the local inhabitants. This may be the occupation of Scarpanto (modern Karpathos) in the Dodecanese by parties from HMS Terpsichore and Cleveland.
Description: I. Destroyers of the British Aegean Force make a sweep before returning to an island base in the Cyclades (?). HMS Terpsichore steams ahead of the cameraship. An Algerine Class minesweeper is also part of the force. As the flotilla approach the island a Hunt Class destroyer is visible lying close to the shore. Having entered the harbour the cameraship anchors, a crewman knocks off the slip and the cable is let go in a cloud of rust particles. In the harbour are two Algerines alongside a small tanker. Film then cuts to further shots of Terpsichore steaming at or near maximum speed in line ahead of the cameraship.
II. Occupation of Scarpanto ? Ship's boat runs ashore on a small beach in the harbour. Sailors of the landing party fraternise and make a fuss of a little girl, giving her some cake to eat. The harbour is now crowded with a force of LCTs and Fairmiles. A party of officers go sight-seeing - they examine old cannon half-buried in the soil, and among more recent defences, a MG 151/20. A party of Greek freedom fighters march through the town to the applause of the local priest and villagers - among their captured arms is a MG 15. In the harbour LCT 420 and Fairmile motor torpedo boats have gone alongside. LS of two laden donkeys making their way up the narrow track from the harbour to the village on the heights above. Various CUs of the villagers and freedom fighters. Outside the town hall the Union Jack flies alongside the Greek national flag. Various wall slogans cheer on the Allies: HURRAH RAF - HURRAH ENGLAND, RUSSIA, AMERICA, GREECE - HURRAH OUR GREAT ALLIES.
Alternative Title:MEDITERRANEAN OPERATIONS OF THE ROYAL NAVY [Allocated Series Title]
Personalities, Units and Organisations: Royal Navy, Terpsichore (regiment/service)
Royal Navy, LCT 420 (regiment/service)
ELAS, Greek People's Liberation Army (regiment/service)
