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Title:OPERATION GRAPPLE Z RUSHES [Allocated Title]
Film Number:AWE 66
Other titles:BRITAIN'S ATOMIC WEAPONS RESEARCH PROGRAMME COLLECTION [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Rushes from Operation Grapple Z, a series of atomic weapons trials conducted on Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean, in the summer of 1958.
Description: Reel one: Aerial views of site facilities at Christmas Island.
Reel two: Two Valiant aircraft take off from Christmas Island, with no indication given of their mission or purpose. Includes take off, views of low level flight, Valiant departing in the sky and vapour trails.
Reel three: Features a number of unrelated shots on Christmas Island. Various aircraft including Valiants, Shackletons and Canberras are refuelled prior to take off. The balloon team are seen in action, constructing a TV tower. Long sequence of native Gilbertese children at play, and another of proud mothers with their offspring.
Reel four: Various scenes featuring a variety of aircraft refuelling, taking off and landing. Aircraft include a Hastings, Canberra, Shackleton and Valiant. Aircrew are seen kitting up, and another crew is shown emerging from a contaminated Canberra, flown through the radioactive cloud to collect samples for laboratory testing.
Reel five: Various shots of Valiant and Canberra aircraft taxiing, and of balloons being inflated.
Alternative Title:BRITAIN'S ATOMIC WEAPONS RESEARCH PROGRAMME COLLECTION [Allocated Series Title]