Title:SALVAGE AND REPAIR WORK ON 848 SQUADRON HELICOPTERS [Allocated Title]
Film Number:ADM 1490
Other titles:POST-WAR NAVAL OPERATIONS - SOUTH EAST ASIA [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Three episodes in the life of 848 Squadron in Malaya: (i) delivery of tractor parts to a team clearing ground in the jungle; (ii) salvage of parts from a crashed helicopter; and (iii) regular maintenance work by the ground crews.
Description: I. Whirlwind WV.193 (recognition letter E) lands on a cleared patch in the jungle and soldiers unload tractor parts. Using sheers and lifting tackle the soldiers begin assembling the parts. Further components are ferried in, including large tractor wheels. Final shot shows an array of engine and transmission parts laid out on the ground ready for assembly.
II. Whirlwind WV.190 (recognition letter B) flies in to a roughly cleared area in the jungle to land on a log pad - soldiers immediately begin loading the aircraft with salvage from a wrecked helicopter. Nearby improvised sheers are used to lift the nose section of the downed aircraft. The Whirlwind flies out and then returns for another load. Back at base a long and rather dented section of tailstrut is unloaded from the helicopter and carried off.
III. Interior MS of a hangar at 848 Squadron's base - a Whirlwind is parked with the nose covers open for engine maintenance - in the foreground a second aircraft has had its engine removed. CU as a mechanic cleans a rotor head with a brush and spray. Men detach a tail rotor, drift out a fame bolt, work on turbine and transmission components. Outside, WV.194 (recognition letter F) has main rotors fitted to the rotor head.
Alternative Title:POST-WAR NAVAL OPERATIONS - SOUTH EAST ASIA [Allocated Series Title]
