Title:HMS WAKEFUL RESCUES AN AMERICAN SEAPLANE [Allocated Title]
Film Number:ADM 1550
Other titles:POST-WAR NAVAL OPERATIONS - MISCELLANEOUS [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: A US seaplane stranded by engine trouble is towed by HMS Wakeful for 24 hours at 3 knots to reach Hal Far, Malta. The film suffers throughout from underexposure.
Description: Aerial sequence shot from a Westland Dragonfly as it circles HMS Wakeful towing a Grumman SA-16A Albatross of the USAF's Military Air Transport Service - a man standing on the wing of the aircraft passes flag signals to the frigate. Cut to view from Wakeful to aircraft towing astern - the helicopter can be seen orbiting the ship. Captain appears in one shot. Cut to view from a launch as it approaches Wakeful and her tow, now approaching Malta. A RAF rescue launch is also on the scene. The camera-boat goes alongside the aircraft to pass a line - presumably to take over the tow in shallow water. One of the salvage crew adds a terminal D to the RESCUE flash on the aircraft's tailfin.
Alternative Title:POST-WAR NAVAL OPERATIONS - MISCELLANEOUS [Allocated Series Title]
