Summary: The rôle of the three forces in the wartime defence of Britain's coastline.
Description:All parts of Britain's coastline (White Cliffs, sand dunes, estuaries, seaside resorts) need defending, and all three forces play their part. The RAF's Coastal Command (Spitfires and Hurricanes) keep watch, supported by flying boat squadrons (Short Sunderland seen in detail) whose chief victims are U-boats. Coastal command also provides escort duties for ships at sea and attack enemy shipping when necessary (not an easy task). The coastal defence role of the Royal Navy: mine sweeping, mine laying, boom defence vessels laying harbour boom (anti-submarine measure). The army provides coastal gun emplacements, manned by men "who have had experience in France", and observers, such as the Coast Guard and the Home Guard also play a part. The army has highly mobile units on call, demonstrated by hordes of Beaverettes in action. Conclusion emphasises the strength of our defences, and praises "the United Armies of Democracy".
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:Yes
Object_Number:COI 266
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:IWM
Film: IWM (COI 266)
Featured Period:1939-1945
Production Date:1940-1940
Production Country:GB
Production Details:Ministry of Information (Production sponsor)
British Movietone News (Production company)
Sanger, Gerald (Production individual)
Snagge, John Derrick Mordaunt (Production cast)
Personalities, Units and Organisations:
Keywords:
Physical Characteristics:Colour format: B&W
Sound format: Sound
Soundtrack language: English
Title language: English
Technical Details:Footage: 952 ft; Running time: 11 mins
