This video has no sound

  • Short Summary

    The rescue of the occupants of the American Dakota which crashed in the Alps.

  • Description

    Thought to be Selected Originals from late 1940s material.

    Swiss Alps.

    The rescue of the occupants of the American Dakota which crashed in the Alps.

    Various shots of the Alps, showing clouds lying low on the peaks. Various shots of the rescue party of Swiss guides, roped together and carrying heavy packs, groping their way precariously up the mountain side. M/S's of a Fieseler Storch (Swiss rescue 'plane) taking off and soaring over the mountain tops. Various shots of the US base at Meiringen, with jeeps, ambulance and nurses waiting.

    L/S taken from the rescue 'plane. The line of rescuers can be seen far below near numerous snow-filled crevasses. L/S of the crashed Dakota, from the 'plane. C/U silhouette of the pilot at the controls. Various shots of the rescued on stretchers being put into the 'plane. C/U of the rescued people smiling. C/U U.S. General Tate embracing his son who was pilot of the Dakota. C/U as U.S. General Snaveley kisses his wife. C/U of Colonel Macmahon, U.S. Army, with his wife and 11-year-old daughter Alice. C/U of the two Swiss guides, Wilhelm Jost and Ernst Reise, who were the first to reach the wreck, enjoying a cigarette. C/U of the rescue 'plane taxiing across the snow, using extra skis for the purpose, which it leaves when airborne. L/S of the Alps. VS of rescued back at base - some loaded into ambulances. Aerials of the Alps.

    Possibly connected with 46/95 - MD.

  • Tags

  • Data

    Film ID:
    1487.56
    Media URN:
    70681
    Group:
    Unknown sel originals
    Archive:
    British Pathé
    Issue Date:
    Sound:
    Mute
    HD Format:
    Available on request
    Stock:
    Black & White
    Duration:
    00:04:04:00
    Time in/Out:
    01:53:23:00 / 01:57:27:00
    Canister:
    UNSO Reel 092

Comments (2)

  1. Unknown user says

    My uncle was the Lancaster pilot who found this crashed Dakota in the Alps. Fl Lt Geoffrey Head. Although the Americans tried to claim they found it first which was later disproved. If you need any more detail on this rescue and who all the people are in the film I am writing a book which contains all the details of exactly what happened with this crash and the rescue. The book will be published in mid 2013 and for any further details please contact me Gavin Head at gavinhead@btinternet.com.

    x
    Report comment
    Report comment

  2. Unknown user says

    I can confirm what Gavin Head says. My Dad found the aircraft at 9.31am on Nov.22nd 1946. The weather then closed in but the next day, using the plot my Dads navigator worked out, aircraft were able to drop supplies to the dakota, including my Dad. General Ralph Tate claimed he found it, but even the US Air Force acknowledged the role of the RAF.

    x
    Report comment
    Report comment

We always welcome comments and more information about our films.
All posts are reactively checked. Libellous and abusive comments are forbidden.

Add your comment