THE WRECK OF SS CHAMPOLLION [Allocated Title]

Log in to create clips, download free screeners and save clips/films in Collections. Click here to find out more.


  • Title: THE WRECK OF SS CHAMPOLLION [Allocated Title]
  • Film Number: ADM 1406
  • Other titles: POST-WAR NAVAL OPERATIONS - MISCELLANEOUS [Allocated Series Title]
  • Summary: The Beirut pilot boat rescues passengers and crew from the wrecked passenger ship SS Champollion in heavy weather. Filmed from onboard HMS Kenya.
  • Description: LSs of the SS Champollion lying on its beam ends in a rough sea. The pilot's launch passes the cameraship to go under the lee of the wreck and take off passengers and crew. By the end of the sequence the Champollion has broken its back. The buildings of Beirut are visible in the background.
  • Access Conditions: IWM Attribution: © IWM
  • Featured Period: 1945-1975
  • Production Date: 1952
  • Production Country: GB
  • Production Details: Admiralty (Production sponsor)
  • Personalities, Units and Organisations: Royal Navy, Kenya (regiment/service)
  • Keywords: ships, French civilian - passenger: Champollion & [wrecked] (object name) Lebanon & Beirut (geography)
  • Physical Characteristics: Colour format: B&W Sound format: Silent Soundtrack language: None Title language: None Subtitle language: None
  • Technical Details: Format: 35mm Number of items/reels/tapes: 1 Footage: 314 ft; Running time: 3 mins
  • HD Media:
  • Notes: Summary: the pilot's boat was to have come alongside HMS Kenya to discharge the passengers, but the heavy swell rendered this impossible and the boat had to return to Beirut.
  • Link to IWM Collections page:

    ADM 1406

  • Related IWM Collections Objects:
Register