Title:ROYAL & GOVERNMENT DIGNITARIES VISIT THE SOUTHERN RAILWAY [Allocated Title]
Film Number:BTF 15
Other titles:RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: The Duke of Kent takes a tour of the Feltham Goods Yard, and the Minister of Transport visits the Southern Railway Headquarters. Bomb damage at Waterloo Station is also featured.
Description: (26 October 1940) The Duke of Kent arrives at Feltham Goods Yard, West London, by locomotive. He comes down the carriage steps and walks directly into the yard, where the Home Guard present a guard of honour. Close-up shots of the Duke as he inspects the troops, stopping on occasion to converse with members of the Home Guard. He is then briefly shown around by dignitaries before re-boarding the train. Cuts to the Duke and fellow dignitaries outside a signal box. Low angled shots of freight wagons being shunted into position. Followed by more of the Duke being shown around Feltham Goods Yard and, once again, boarding his carriage. MH106
(29 November 1940) The recently appointed Minister of Transport, Colonel Moore-Brabazon, arrives at the Southern Railway Headquarters (Deepdene) in Dorking, Surry. The Home Guard form a guard of honour on the grounds in front of the main building entrance. The Minister inspects the troops as other dignitaries standby. The Home Guard then perform a march-past. The Minister is taken to Clapham Junction, South London, where he and several other dignitaries walk along the tracks. (3 min 06 sec) MH107
(5-9 December 1940) Repairs in progress, Hill Street Bridge, over Pocock Street (South East London). Metal scaffolding has been erected to support the new bridge structure. The temporary bridge is enough to support a passing locomotive, as the carriages roll by overhead. The Home Guard assists with the on-going repair work. A goods locomotive passes overhead. Shots of a large bomb creator outside Waterloo Station (Memorial Arch, front entrance), London. The area is roped off and the station gates closed. Scenes inside a burned out committee room. (5 min 06 sec) MH108
(9 December 1940) A large bomb crater outside the Memorial Arch entrance, Waterloo Station. The camera pans down to show trains still operating below the surface, despite the adjacent bomb damage. Workmen continue to clear debris from amongst the wreckage, where a resulting fire had reached an operational level lower down. (7 min 14 sec) MH109
(10-11 December 1940) A digger, at the Memorial Arch bomb crater, flies a large Union Jack flag whilst beginning to clear some of the debris. Civilian activities continue on the adjacent road. More diggers are shown helping to dig out some of the wreckage. (9 min 23 sec) MH110
Alternative Title:RAILWAYS IN BRITAIN, 1935-1976 [Allocated Series Title]