• Short Summary

    The Army, Air Force and Home Guard take part in a huge display of air and land operations.

  • Description

    Titles read: "ATTACK FROM THE AIR - VIVID PICTURES - PATHE GAZETTE".

    Somewhere in the Eastern Command.

    On a Moorland slope in the Eastern Command we see various shots of men of the Army, Air Force and Home Guard giving a huge demonstration of combined air and land operations. One of the airmen taking part is Squadron Leader Finucane.

    Planes taking part include Blenheims, Beaufighters, Tomahawks, Whirlwinds, Spitfires and Hurricanes (this cataloguer is not sure if they are all seen here). They open fire on ground targets representing troop formations.

    Crowds of troops watch the display as gunfire hits the ground. Douglas Bostons drop bombs on building representing Brigade Headquarters and assembled troops. Several shots of bombs exploding on the ground.

    Paratroops with clothes and parachutes coloured to blend into the background drop to the ground from Whitley Bombers. Blenheims distribute a smoke screen that envelopes the paratroops as well as the onlookers. M/S of a Blenheim aircraft fitted with a screaming siren flying low over the fields.

    Note: old database record states 'MUST NOT BE USED AGAIN WITHOUT REFERENCE TO AIR MINISTRY'.

  • Tags

  • Data

    Film ID:
    1322.29
    Media URN:
    43759
    Group:
    Pathe newsreels
    Archive:
    British Pathé
    Issue Date:
    06/04/1942
    Sound:
    Sound
    HD Format:
    Available on request
    Stock:
    Black & White
    Duration:
    00:04:09:00
    Time in/Out:
    01:41:51:00 / 01:46:00:00
    Canister:
    42/28

Comments (1)

  1. Unknown user says

    "Squadron Leader Finucane" is Paddy Finucane. His namecheck in this clip dates it as being from early 1942, for he was sadly killed in July of that year.

    Seen at 00:39 is a captured German Messerschmitt Bf110, now flying in RAF markings.

    Seen at 01:04 is Hurricane GZ-P of No. 32 Squadron.

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