DeptName
Sound

IDNO
1120

ProductionDate
15/Jul/1941

ObjectType
Recording

IndexObjects
Sound effect: anti-aircraft guns, South African

IndexPeople
Anderson, Bruce xxx

IndexPlaces
North Africa
EG

IndexUnits
GB.O & BBC

IndexConcepts
Commonwealth

ShortSummary
South African commentary during air raid from South African anti-aircraft gun battery in desert, Egypt, 7/1941 [Includes actuality]

FullSummary
REEL 1 Commentary: gives time and location; describes anti-aircraft fire during air raid

ContextDescription
BBC Sound Archives: Second World War 1939-1945
Military Operations, 1939-1945: North Africa, 1940-1943

Duration
1' 15"

NumberOfParts
H/G

OtherFormats
None

MakerName
Anderson, Bruce

ProductionCompany
BBC 5007

MakerGender
Male

Language
English

RelatedSoundFile
001120S01.mp3
Anderson-commonwealth.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
17 November 2006

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
Educational use only

Nationality
South African

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Sound

IDNO
2505

ProductionDate
13/Sep/1943

ObjectType
Recording

IndexPeople
Bishop, Albert A xxx

IndexUnits
GB.F & Sqdn 423
GB.F & Command, Coastal
DE.N & submarine, U-489
CA.F

ShortSummary
Canadian pilot served with 423 Sqdn, Coastal Command, RAF account of how his Short Sunderland aircraft sank U-489 then crashed in Atlantic, 4/8/1943

FullSummary
REEL 1 Account of how his Short Sunderland aircraft sank a U-Boat then crashed in Atlantic, 4/8/1943: attacking U-489; crashing into sea; sinking of U-489; rescue by destroyer

ContextDescription
BBC Sound Archives: Second World War 1939-1945
Air Operations, 1939-1945: Maritime Operations, 1939-1945

Duration
2' 22"

NumberOfParts
E/D

OtherFormats
None

MakerName
Bishop, Albert

ProductionCompany
BBC 6466

MakerGender
Male

Language
English

RelatedSoundFile
002505S01.mp3
Bishop-commonwealth.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
17 November 2006

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
Educational use only

Nationality
Canadian

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Sound

IDNO
2908

ProductionDate
1972

ObjectType
IWM interview

IndexObjects
amphibious tank, US: Sherman Duplex Drive

IndexPeople
Garrieppe, Leo xxx

IndexPlaces
FR
FR & Normandy
FR & Juno Beach
FR & Courselles sur Mer

IndexUnits
CA.A & Hussars 1

ShortSummary
Canadian NCO tank commander with 1st Hussars during landings on Juno Beach, Normandy, D-Day, 6/6/1944

FullSummary
REEL 1 Recollections of operations as NCO tank commander with 1st Hussars during landings on Juno Beach, Normandy, D-Day, 6/6/1944: floating tanks approach land in rough seas; negotiating anti-tank ditch; entering Courselles sur Mer and capture of German headquarters; question of survival rate amongst crews; reasons for loss of tanks; degree of intelligence about Courselles sur Mer; question of taking POWs; question of fear; character of Sherman Duplex Drive Amphibious tank; prior recollection of training in GB; character of Channel crossing; refusal of tank crews to be dry beached; launching from LCT.
REEL 2 Continues: number of tanks that made landing; initial lack of opposition; crossing beach defences; method of crossing anti-tank ditch; reasons for landing at low tide; dealing with mines; problems of carrying extra ammunition; further details of Sherman Duplex Drive Amphibious tank;

ContextDescription
Military Operations, 1939-1945: North West Europe, 1944-1945
Thames TV: World at War, 1939-1945

Duration
30

NumberOfParts
2

OtherFormats
None

MakerName
Garrieppe, Leo

ProductionCompany
Thames TV

MakerGender
Male

Language
English

RelatedSoundFile
025271S44.mp3
025271S48.mp3
Garrieppe2908.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
17 November 2006

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
Educational use only

Nationality
Canadian

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Sound

IDNO
4008

ProductionDate
1964

ObjectType
Recording

IndexPeople
Barnes, Henry B xxx
Birdwood, William R

IndexPlaces
TR & Anzac, Gallipoli <Quinn's Post>
TR & Anzac, Gallipoli <Shrapnell Gully>
TR & Anzac, Gallipoli <Anzac Beach>
TR & Anzac, Gallipoli <Rest Gully>
TR & Anzac, Gallipoli
FR
BE

IndexUnits
AU.A & Corps, Anzac
AU.A & Div, New Zealand & Australian
AU.A & Bde, 4

IndexConcepts
Commonwealth

ShortSummary
Australian private served as signaller with 4th Australian Bde, Anzac Corps at Gallipoli, 1915; served on Western Front, 1916-1918

FullSummary
REEL 1 Recollections of landing as signaller with 4th Australian Brigade at Anzac, Gallipoli, Turkey, 25/4/1915: naval support bombardment; view of progress from ship; casualties whilst landing as reinforcements at 4pm; heavy fire along beach; situation during move inland along Shrapnel Gully. Aspects of service at Anzac, 4/1915-5/1915: nature of trenches; inspection by Birdwood at Rest Gully; rations; reaction to arrival of Australian Light Horse; noise; repelling Turkish attack on Quinn's Post, 19/5/1915; armistice to bury Turkish dead, 24/5/1915; opinion of Turkish troops; difficulty of disposing of Turkish corpse in trench after Turkish attack, 19/5/1915; exchanging rations with Turks; white flag bearers during armistice, 24/5/1915. Recollections of attack on Western Front, 1916-1918: identification insignia worn; preliminary bombardment; crossing No Man's Land and state of terrain.

ContextDescription
BBC Interviews: Great War
Military Operations, 1914-1919: Gallipoli, 1915
Military Operations, 1914-1919: Western Front, 1914-1918

Duration
21

NumberOfParts
B/B

OtherFormats
Part : 3pp

MakerName
Barnes, Henry Bowen

ProductionCompany
BBC

MakerGender
Male

Language
English

RelatedSoundFile
004008S01.mp3
Barnes-commonwealth.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
17 November 2006

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
Educational use only

Nationality
Australian

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Sound

IDNO
4129

ProductionDate
1963

ObjectType
Recording

IndexPeople
Hancox, George T xxx

IndexPlaces
FR
FR & Vimy Ridge, Pas-de Calais
FR & Arras area, Pas-de Calais
BE
BE & Ypres area, West Flanders
BE & Vierstraart sector, West Flanders

IndexUnits
CA.A & Canadian Light Infantry, Princess Patricia's
CA.A & Canadian Corps
CA.A & Bde, 7
CA.A & Div, 3
GB.A & Div, 27
GB.A & Bde, 80
GB.A & Corps,Canadian
GB.A & Bde, Canadian, 7
GB.A & Div, Canadian, 3

ShortSummary
Canadian private served with Princess Patricia's Light Infantry on Western Front, 1915-1917

FullSummary
REEL 1 Recollections of operations as private with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Vierstraat sector, Ypres area, Belgium, 1/1915-2/1915: first impressions on taking over trenches from French Army, 6/1/1915, including French corpses in No Man's Land; first casualties; health problems including trench feet; organisation on tours of duty and rest periods; view from listening post of trench raid by No 4 Coy, 28/2/1915; formation of special sniper squad. Recollections of attack on Vimy Ridge, Arras area, France, 9/4/1917: German success in evacuating their guns; rearguard actions by German snipers; crossing No Man's Land and German front line; view form top of Vimy Ridge; continued German resistance. Recollections of conditions of service in Vierstraat sector, Ypres area, 1/1915-2/1915: effects of higher German trenches; superiority of German artillery; nature of trenches; first impressions and state of morale on moving into line. Recollections of attack on Vimy Ridge, Arras area, 9/4/1917: awareness from captured German officer that they were expecting offensive; short preliminary barrage; crossing No Man's Land and German front line; view from top of Vimy Ridge.

ContextDescription
BBC Interviews: Great War
Military Operations, 1914-1919: Western Front, 1914-1918

Duration
9

NumberOfParts
C/C

OtherFormats
Part : 3pp

MakerName
Hancox, George T

ProductionCompany
BBC

MakerGender
Male

Language
English

RelatedSoundFile
004129S01.mp3
Hancox-commonwealth.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
17 November 2006

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
Educational use only

Nationality
Canadian

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Sound

IDNO
8707

ObjectType
Recording

IndexObjects
Song: Salaam Alai Kum

IndexUnits
GB.A & Royal West African Frontier Force

ShortSummary
Songs of the Royal West African Frontier Force entitled 'Salaam Alai Kum' (Greetings - Peace be with you)

ContextDescription
Music: Songs
Commercial Recordings

NumberOfParts
H/A

RelatedIWMItems
Reaccessioned from SR 592-597

RelatedSoundFile
RWAR-commonwealth.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
10 July 2007

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
Private copyright - check copyright holder

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Sound

IDNO
10042

ProductionDate
26/Oct/1987

ObjectType
IWM interview

IndexObjects
aircraft, British: Vickers Wellington

IndexPeople
Strachan, William Arthur Watkin xxx
Strachan, Billy xxx
Bennett, Don
Marson, Una

IndexPlaces
GB, England
GB, England & Torquay
JM
JM & Kingston
DE
DE & Berlin

IndexUnits
GB.F & Sqdn 99
GB.F & Sqdn 156
GB.F & Elementary Training School 4
GB.F & RAF Alconbury
GB.F & RAF Henlow
GB.O & Hotel, Palace, Torquay

IndexConcepts
Race
Commonwealth

ShortSummary
Jamaican officer served as wireless operator with 99 and 156 Sqdns, RAF in GB, 1941-1945; served as liaison officer with RAF in GB, 1945

FullSummary
REEL 1 Recollections of background in Kingston, Jamaica, 1921-1939: family origins in relation to social structure; education during 1920s-1930s; lack of mixing between races during education; reaction to outbreak of Second World War; factors forming his political attitudes; question of racial discrimination; memories of Caribbean revolt, 1937-1938; attitude towards Great Britain on outbreak of Second World War, 9/1939; attitude in Jamaica to other Caribbean islands.
REEL 2 Continues: Enlistment and training with RAF in GB, 1940-1941: problems leaving Jamaica to enlist in RAF in GB; voyage from Jamaica to GB; attempt to join RAF at Adastral House; start of initial training with 4 Elementary Training School; first encounter with racism. Recollections of operations as NCO wireless operator with 99 Sqdn, RAF, 1941-1942: opinion of Vickers Wellington; question of accuracy of early raids.
REEL 3 Continues: character of wireless set; height at which operations conducted; German anti-aircraft opposition; high morale in squadron; privileges of aircrew; problems Germans had getting their fighters up to attack RAF bombers; German fighter technique of mingling with returning bombers; technique of manoeuvring to avoid fighter attacks; sight of Russian bombers over Berlin, autumn, 1941; his physical and mental condition after first tour; opening up of RAF Alconbury, spring 1942; reasons why bombing of Ruhr was particularly dangerous; coning of his aircraft; decision to go in for pilot training.
REEL 4 Continues: Story of crash in Tiger Moth and recuperation for injuries at Palace Hotel, Torquay including German air raid. Aspects of operations as pilot with 156 Sqdn, RAF, 1944-1945: period as signal officer prior to pilot training; opinion of Don Bennett; wounding during attack by Junkers Ju 88; reaction to stories of appearance of Axis jets; question of anti-Americanism in GB during Second World War; arrival of large numbers of West Indians in RAF, 1943.
REEL 5 Continues: Aspects of period as liaison officer with RAF in GB, 1945: work of Una Marson in creation of West Indian liaison officers to prevent spread of racial disturbances, 1945; his mission to keep racial peace at RAF Henlow; how work as liaison officer launched him onto his legal career. Lack of impact of question of bombing civilians on aircrew.

ContextDescription
Air Operations,1939-1945: Bomber Offensive, 1939-1945
Commonwealth

Duration
150

NumberOfParts
5

OtherFormats
Full : 50pp

MakerName
Strachan, William Arthur Watkin

ProductionCompany
IWM

MakerGender
Male

Language
English

RelatedSoundFile
010042S01.mp3
010042S02.mp3
010042S02.mp3
Strachan-commonwealth.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
17 November 2006

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
Educational use only

Nationality
Jamaican

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Sound

IDNO
11748

ProductionDate
6/Dec/1990

ObjectType
IWM interview

IndexPeople
Khan, Muhammad Ismail xxx
Ram, Gugna
Cumming, Arthur E <VC>
Hunt, Paddy
Singh, Mohun
Ram, Chiraga
Bose, Subhas Chandra
Bonsle (Colonel)
Khan, Ghaffar

IndexPlaces
IN
IN & Peshawar
IN & Dehra Dun
IN & Malakhand
IN & Razmak
IN & North West Frontier
IN & Kashmir
PK
PK & Gilgat
PK & Leh
PK & Zogila Pass
PK & Padam
MY
MY & Kota Bahru
MY & Kuala Krai
MY & Machong
MY & Milestone 4
MY & Milestone 26
MY & Kuala Lipis
MY & Kuala Lumpar
MY & Gemas
MY & Laylang Laylang
MY & Singapore
MY & Singapore <Tenggah>
MY & Singapore <Hill 195>
MY & Singapore <Hill 225>

IndexUnits
IN.A & Baluch Regt, Bn 2
IN.A & Indian Bde 8, Headquarters
IN.A & Corps 3
IN.A & Punjab Regt, Bn 1/1
IN.A & Hyderabad Regt, Bn 4/19
IN.A & Dogra Regt, Bn 3/17
IN.A & Frontier Force Rifles, Bn 2/12
IN.A & Gurkha Rifles 1/5
IN.A & Military Academy, Dehra Dun
JP.A & Indian National Army
IN.A & Indian National Army
GB.A & Cambridgeshire Regt, Bn 1
JP.A & Fujiwara Kikan
JP.O & POW Camp, Karanje, Singapore
PK.A & Gilgat Scouts
IN.O & Political Party, Redshirts

IndexConcepts
Commonwealth

ShortSummary
Indian officer served with 2nd Bn Baluch Regt as liaison officer to Headquarters, 8th Indian Bde in Malaya, 1941-1942; POW in Singapore, 1942-1945. Pakistani officer served with Gilgat Scouts during Kashmir War, 1948-1949

FullSummary
REEL 1 Background in Peshawar, 1918-1939: family; education. Aspects of period of training with Indian Army Military Academy at Dehra Dun, 1939-1940: reaction to declaration of Second World War, 9/1939; fate of first batch of short service commission cadets to pass out of academy, 1940; attitude to British rule in India; opinion of training at Dehra Dun; question of Indianisation of Indian Army; second hand story of friction between British officer and Indian officer with 1/1st Bn Punjab Regt on North West Frontier, 1937-1938; story of reasons for mutiny of 4/19th Bn Hyderabad Regt in Malaya, 1940.
REEL 2 Continues: Recollections of operations as officer with 2nd Bn Baluch Regt attached to Headquarters, 8th Indian Bde in Malaya, 1941-1942: move to Malaya, 11/1941; order of battle for 3rd Indian Corps for defence of Malaya, 1941; stories of illustrating sense of humour of commander of 3rd Indian Corps; concept behind defence of Malaya; nature of Japanese attack on Malaya, late 1941; his role as liaison officer with Headquarters, 8th Indian Bde; visit to beach defended by 3/17 Bn, Dogra Regt in Kota Bahru area, 7/12/1941; his capture of Japanese POW; taking Japanese POW on motorbike to brigade headquarters.
REEL 3 Continues: caste composition of Indian units; defensive arrangements for beaches on eastern coast of Malaya; orders he had to give to brigade units to withdrawal to 4th Milestone on Kota Bahru-Kuala Krai road, night 8/12/1941; his demand that doctor attend to wounded officer; escape from Japanese encirclement; sight of rulers of Kelantan state heading southwards; need to reorganise brigade; his checking story of Naik Gugna Ram that 2nd Bn Baluch Regt had been wiped out.
REEL 4 Continues: visit to C Coy, 2nd Bn The Baluch Regt; character of withdrawal to 26th Milestone at Machong; question of his encouraging troops to fire without orders; results of bayonet charge by 2nd Bn Baluch Regt; withdrawal to Kuala Lipis; replenishing whiskey supply; reaction of news to loss of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse; collecting transport from Kuala Lumpar, 31/12/1941; award of Victoria Cross to Colonel Arthur Cumming commanding officer of 2/12 Bn Frontier Force Rifles; withdrawal from Kuala to Gemas, 10/1/1942; amusing story of liasing with Australian troops at Gemas; Australian successes at Gemas.
REEL 5 Continues: accidental crossing of British minefield; reaction to first sight of RAF, 15/1/1942; method of conducting fighting withdrawal; Japanese use of firecrackers during attack; loss of battalion stretcher bearers during withdrawal to Layang Layang; loss of divisional commander; failure of Australian troops to liase; use of Australian trucks to withdraw from Johore State into Singapore. Recollections of operations as officer with 2nd Bn Baluch Regt in Singapore, 1942: condition of unit on arrival in Singapore, 1/2/1945; memories of brother officer who was expelled from Royal Indian Air Force; changes in command of unit; avoiding training in mangrove swamps.
REEL 6 Continues: his interrogation by 1st Bn Cambridgeshire Regt for not having identification papers, 2/1942; Japanese artillery barrage on Australians at Tenggah, 7/2/1942-8/2/1942; occupation of Hills 195 and 225, 11/2/1942; fighting during last days before fall of Singapore; elimination of three Japanese tanks by anti-tank guns, 12/2/1942; taking up positions on outskirts of Singapore town, 13/2/1942; merging of unit with 2/18 Bn Garwhal Regt, 13/2/1942; abortive evacuation of battalion officers from Singapore; reasons for heavy unit losses on night, 14/2/1942-15/2/1942; memories of Indian commanding officer of 2/18th Bn Garwhal Regt; reaction in unit to surrender negotiations, 15/2/1942; last flurry with unit mortars, 15/2/1942.
REEL 7 Continues: Recollections of period as POW in Singapore, 1942-1945: morale on surrender; organisation of surrender, 16/2/1942; sight of Indian POWs wearing Fujiwara Kikan armbands; ambiguous statement to Indian troops by Brigadier Paddy Hunt of 3rd Indian Corps; demand of Major General Mohun Singh of Indian National Army for POWs must enlist in Indian National Army; insanitiary conditions in camp and outbreak of dysentery; abuse of POWs from Indian National Army defectors; removal of loyal Indian POWs to Karanje Camp; role building air strips; discovery of British Army rations dump; defection of company commander from his unit to Indian National Army; pressure on POWs to join Indian National Army; how he thwarted abuse from Sikh Indian National Army; threat of execution from Indian National Army.
REEL 8 Continues: how threat of execution turned into party hosted by Mohun Singh; POW rations; his chore bargain with Chiraga Ram; effect of confinement and pressure from Indian National Army on POWs will to remain loyal; aid from his former Eurasian girl friend; further pressure on POWs to join Indian National Army; shooting of POWs by Indian National Army at Karanje camp; question of rumour that British officers wanted POWs to enlist in Indian National Army, 10/1942; story of exiling of Mohun Singh by Japanese; character of allegiance of Colonel Bonsle to Indian National Army, 11/1942; arrival of Subhas Chandra Bose in Singapore, 7/1943.
REEL 9 Continues: aid received from civilian relative in Singapore; effect on morale of resisters to Indian National Army of Jinnah's speech; reaction to Subhas Chandra Bose's speech; contact with his relative in Singapore; attempt to look for his relative who had disappeared; his interrogation by Kempetai; problem of escaping; accusations during second appearance before Kempetai, 31/5/1944.
REEL 10 Continues: character of beating by Korean guards; question of how his anger proved a psychological boast during beating; return to his comrades after beating; segregation of officers and other ranks, 7/1945; POW rations, 1945; hearing news of Japanese defeat, 8/1945; arrival of British officers in camp, 8/1945; news that his relative was safe; sight of air fighting over Singapore; US aircrew captured in Singapore; further details of visit from British officers and news of Japanese defeat.
REEL 11 Continues: confirmation of end of Second World War; reaction to arrival of British parachute officer; contact with other liberators; revenge taken on column of Japanese POWs; seeking friend in female internment camp; stocking up on alcohol for voyage back to India; segregation of POWs who had taken Indian National Army pay; Indian officer who was trained as fifth columnist by Japanese.
REEL 12 Continues: second hand story of surrender of infiltrated fifth columnists in Baluchistan, 4/1943; arrest of second group of fifth columnists by Japanese; embarkation aboard HMS Devonshire and voyage from Singapore to Calcutta; Congress Party boycott on returning POWs at Calcutta; relaxation on return to Calcutta; reasons for asking for camp transfer, 10/1942; story of brother in law's transfer to New Britain; question of why Indian POWs survived captivity better than British POWs; incident of stealing Japanese soldier's shirt; stealing of cloth being exported to Japan.
REEL 13 Continues: stealing of Japanese carburettor; scale of pilfering from Japanese; losses of POWs through malnutrition; question of belief in who would win the war; story of his citing as witness at Indian National Army trials in India, 1946; his opinion why different categories of Indian Army responded to Indian Army blandishments differently; motives of Indian National Army defectors; question of fear of physical punishment and execution by Japanese.
REEL 14 Continues: Indian Army officers who escaped to India; Muslim opinion of Subhas Chandra Bose. Memories of support for Ghaffar Khan's Redshirt movement in North West Frontier in 1930s. Aspects of period as army officer during Partition of India, 1947: meeting with Nehru at Malakhand, 1946; his protection of Nehru from stone throwing Pathan crowd; departure of Hindus from Razmak during Partition of India, 1947; pressure put on him to opt for India; division of Indian Army between India and Pakistan; question of failure to get fair share of assets. Recollections of operations as second in command of Gilgat Scouts during Kashmir War, 1948-1949: his volunteering to fight in Gilgat area.
REEL 15 Continues: lack of organisation of Pathan guerrillas; reasons for choosing Gilgat Scouts; origins of Gilgat Scouts; status of Gilgat in Kashmir; his commanding officer's orders to him to attack Leh; relative strengths of opposing forces at Leh; his plan to attack Leh, 11/1948; Indian use of tanks at Zogila Pass, 1/11/1948; petering out of his attack on Leh, 3/11/1948; supply by air, 11/1948.
REEL 16 Continues: withdrawal in face of Indian advance; accidental shooting of civilians; thwarting of Indian attempts to envelop his forces; casualties inflicted on pursuing 1/5th Gurkha Rifles; fellow feeling of officers on both Indian and Pakistani sides due to common training together; ceasefire, 31/12/1948; complaint against him to United Nations by Indians regarding observance of ceasefire; tricking of Gurkha section which was captured.
REEL 17 Continues: implementation of ceasefire at Padam, summer 1949. Question of divide and rule policy in Indian Army.

ContextDescription
Military Operations, 1939-1945: Malaya, 1941-1942

Duration
500

NumberOfParts
17

OtherFormats
None

MakerName
Khan, Muhammad Ismail

ProductionCompany
IWM

MakerGender
Male

Language
English

RelatedSoundFile
Khan-commonwealth.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
25 June 2007

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
IWM copyright

Nationality
Indian
Pakistani

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Sound

IDNO
12342

ProductionDate
14/Nov/1991

ObjectType
IWM interview

IndexPeople
Hogan, Neville Graham xxx
Masters, John
Matthew, John M

IndexPlaces
GB, England
BU
BU & Rangoon
BU & Martaban
BU & Sittang Bridge
BU & Pegu
BU & River Sittang
BU & Mandalay
BU & Meiktila
BU & River Chindwin
BU & Kalewa
BU & Blackpool
BU & Namkwin Chaung
BU & Lake Indawgyi
BU & Moksosakhan
BU & Mawchi Mines
BU & Ye
IN
IN & Ranchi
IN & Mhow
IN & Imphal
IN & Timu
IN & New Dehli
IN & Dibrugarh
CY
CY & Kandy
MY
MY & Singapore

IndexUnits
GB.A & Burma Auxiliary Force
GB.A & Burma Auxiliary Force, Section Armoured Car
GB.A & Burma Rifles, Bn 2
GB.A & Chindits
GB.A & Bde 77
GB.A & Bde 101
GB.O & Special Operations Executive, Force 136
IN.A & Hospital, Dibrugarh

IndexConcepts
Medical services

ShortSummary
Karen Burmese private served with the Burma Auxiliary Force in Burma, 1939-1942; officer served with 2nd Bn Burma Rifles during Second Chindit Expedition in Burma, 1944; served with Force 136, Special Operations Executive in Burma, 1945; served with Karen insurgents in Burma, 1949

FullSummary
REEL 1 Background in Rangoon, Burma, 1923-1939: family and education; differing attitudes of Burmese and non-Burmese to British presence. Period with Burma Auxiliary Force in Burma, 1939-1941: role of unit; presence of Japanese civilians in Burma, 1939-1941; story of lying about age to enlist. Recollections of operations with Armoured Car Section, Burma Auxiliary Force during Japanese invasion of Burma, 1941-1942: Japanese Air Force attack on Mingladon, 12/1941; civilian evacuation of Rangoon, 12/1941; clash with Thai troops near Mataban 19/2/1942; rearguard action towards Sittang Bridge; reaction to premature blowing up of Sittang Bridge; problems of crossing River Sittang; how he crossed River Sittang and marched to Pegu. Treatment for leg wounds.
REEL 2 Continues: Recollections of retreat to India, 1942: retreat towards Mandalay; role driving supply vehicles and ferrying wounded between Mandalay to Meiktila; problems of thefts by Chinese troops; aid given to Japanese troops by Burmese civilians; misbehaviour of Indian Army troops towards refugees; aid given by Kachin villagers in crossing River Chindwin, near Kalewa; trek from Kalewa into India during Monsoon, 5/1942- 6/1942; arrival in Timu-Imphal area, 6/1942. Period with Burma Auxiliary Force in India, 1942-1944: recovery from retreat in Ranchi; reforming of unit at Mhow, 10/1942; resisting being turned into gunner; application for officer training, autumn 1943. Commissioning and joining 2nd Burma Rifles, spring 1944.
REEL 3 Continues: Period of Chindit training in India, early 1944: briefing about Chindits; reaction to prospect of operating behind Japanese lines; reasons why fellow recruit dropped out of training; Orde Wingate's reaction to unit's treatment of mules at Ranchi; nature of training; question of consequences of not observing training instructions later during expedition. Recollections of operations with Burma Rifles during Second Chindit Expedition in Burma, 1944: flying into Blackpool airstrip by Douglas Dakota; officer wounded in first night action at Blackpool; patrol from Blackpool towards Namkwin Chaung; mistaken clash with Burma Rifles unit in jungle; evacuation of Blackpool; conditions in Blackpool 'block'; impressions of John Masters; Japanese killing of Chindit wounded; living off jungle roots during evacuation of Blackpool.
REEL 4 Continues: withdrawal to Indawgyi Lake; building of Karen church and service conducted by John M. Matthew at Moksosakhan, 29/5/1944; mission to contact 77 Bde and his losing contact with 101 Bde; role with Brigadier Andrews to contact Chinese to carry out diversion for 77 Bde attack on Mogaung; contracting tick typhus. Medical treatment in India, 7/1944-8/1944: transfer to Dibrugarh Hospital, 7/1944; stay at Viceregal Lodge in New Dehli, 8/1944; teasing of Irish nurse at Dibrugarh, 7/1944. Period of training for prospective third Chindit expedition in India, spring 1945. Recollections of operations with Force 136, Special Operations Executive in Burma, 1945: volunteering, 5/1945; nature of training at Kandy, Ceylon; reaction to having to serve behind Japanese lines again; parachuting into Mawchi Mines area to work with Karen levies; question of why little was carried out by this party with Karen levies.
REEL 5 Continues: move to Ye; providing medicines for ex-Japanese POWs, summer 1945. Security duties Singapore during signing of Japanese surrender in Singapore, 1945. Recollections of period with Burma Rifles and Burmese Army in Burma, 1945-1949: reorganisation of Burma Rifles, 1945; checking loyalty of former troops; purge of British trained officers on Burmese independence, 1948; decline in discipline in Burmese Army, 1949; pursuit of Chinese bandits on border, 1949; dependence of Chinese bandits on opium smuggling. Circumstances in which he left Burma, 1/1950. Opinion of Japanese troops. Question of achievements of Chindit expedition in Burma, 1944.
REEL 6 Continues: Participation in Karen rebellion at Meiktila, 2/1949 including how he fell under Karen suspicion.

ContextDescription
Military Operations, 1939-1945: Burma, 1942-1945

Duration
170

NumberOfParts
6

OtherFormats
None

MakerName
Hogan, Neville Graham

ProductionCompany
IWM

MakerGender
Male

Language
English

RelatedSoundFile
012342S01.mp3
Hogan-commonwealth.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
17 November 2006

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
IWM copyright

Nationality
Burmese
British

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Sound

IDNO
17689

ProductionDate
4/Dec/1997

ObjectType
IWM interview

IndexObjects
aircraft, British: Armstrong Whitworth Whitley
aircraft, British: Handley Page Halifax

IndexPeople
Edghill, Charles Murray xxx

IndexPlaces
GB, England
GB, England & Isle of Man
GB, England & Malton, Yorks
GB, Scotland
GB, Scotland & Elgin
DE
DE & Bremen
DE & Flensberg
DE & Munich

IndexUnits
GB.F & Sqdn 78
GB.N & RNAS Crail
DE.O & POW Interrogation Camp, Dulag Luft
DE.O & POW Camp, Stalag IV B, Muhlberg

IndexConcepts
Commonwealth

ShortSummary
Trinidadian NCO served as observer with 78 Sqdn, RAF in GB, 1942-1943; POW in Germany, 1943-1945

FullSummary
REEL 1 Background in Trinidad and GB, 1921-1940: family origins in Trinidad; family life in Trinidad, 1921-1932; race relations in Trinidad; allegiance of Trinidadians to Britain; move to GB, 1932; education in Wales during 1930s; reaction to declaration of Second World War, 3/9/1939; his mother's attitude to her sons joining armed forces; story of brother's role in war and loss of cousin in Caribbean, 1944. Recollections of enlistment and training with RAF in GB, 1940-1942: reasons for re-mustering as observer; observer training.
REEL 2 Continues: sporting activities; invasion concern on Isle of Man, 1940-1941; tendency of Commonwealth to gravitate towards each other's company; question of what term 'colonial' meant in GB during Second World War; Royal Australian Air Force personnel being allowed to wear shoes; air crash he survived near Elgin, 1/1942; background to taking role as bomb aimer with Operational Training Unit during raid on Bremen, 6/1942; character of raid on Bremen, 6/1942; emergency landing at RNAS Crail after Bremen raid and immediate posting to 76 Sqdn, RAF.
REEL 3 Continues: Recollections of operations as NCO with 78 Sqdn, RAF in GB, 1942-1943: opinion of Armstrong Whitworth Whitley; raid on Dusseldorf in which aircraft returned with four thousand pound bomb hung up, 7/1942; attitude to flying Handley Page Halifax; crashing in Handley Page Halifax in Malton area, 6/11/1942; injuries received in his second crash; coning of his aircraft by searchlight over Flensburg, 9/1942; return to squadron after recovery from injuries, 7/1943; reaction sight of large numbers of RAF bombers being shot down during raid on Aachen; importance of getting an established on operations; shooting down of his aircraft during raid on Munich, 6/9/1943.
REEL 4 Continues: bailing out of stricken aircraft, descent and landing, 6/9/1943. Recollections of period as POW in Germany, 1943: initial treatment by German captors, 6/9/1943; interrogation by Hitler Youth, 6/9/1943; attempt to get him to talk about 'Window' and to defuse two thousand pound bomb, 6/9/1943; his stoning by German civilians; attempt of German police officer to get a testimonial from him; move to Dulag Luft and character of interrogation, 9/1943; introduction of stool pigeon at Dulag Luft.
REEL 5 Continues: Recollections of period as POW at Stalag IV B, Muhlberg, 1943-1945: transfer to camp; conditions in camp; Christmas at camp, 12/1943; loss of POW tunnel, 1944; reaction to digging in tunnel; various incidents of German guards shooting POWs; bribing of German guards; morale in camp, 12/1944; story of his escape from camp and re recapture early 1944; attitude of Germans to respect shown by Indian POWs to British POWs, early 1944; liberation by Russians, spring 1945.
REEL 6 Continues: question of Allies not dropping food to POWs at Stalag IV B after liberation; behaviour of Russian soldiers; attitude towards Germans during Second World War; comradeship amongst POWs; aid given to US POWs captured during Ardennes, 12/1944; effect of his experiences during Second World War.

ContextDescription
Air Operations, 1939-1945: Bomber Offensive, 1939-1945

Duration
165

NumberOfParts
6

OtherFormats
None

MakerName
Edghill, Charles Murray

ProductionCompany
IWM

MakerGender
Male

Language
English

RelatedSoundFile
Edghill-commonwealth.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
17 November 2006

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
IWM copyright

Nationality
Trinidadian

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Sound

IDNO
18479

ProductionDate
7/Sep/1998

ObjectType
IWM interview

IndexPeople
Lewis, Patrick Williamxxx

IndexPlaces
GB, England
GB, England & Headley, Surrey
GB, England & Worthing, Sussex
GB, England & Haslemere, Surrey
GB, England & Barton-on-Sea, Hants
CA
CA & St John's Newfoundland
CA & Halifax, Nova Scotia
FR
FR & Normandy
FR & Juno Beach, Normandy
FR & Caen

IndexUnits
CA.A & Sherbrooke Fusiliers
CA. A & Armoured Regt 27,Sherbrooke Fusiliers, Sqdn A, Troop A
CA.A & Warburg Barracks, Aldershot, Great Britain
GB.O & Ship, Queen Elizabeth

ShortSummary
Canadian private served with Sherbrooke Fusiliers, 27th Armoured Regt in Canada, GB and North West Europe, 1941-1944

FullSummary
REEL 1 Background in St John's, Newfoundland, 1922-1939: family and education. Attempt to volunteer for Canadian Navy, 11/1939. Period as civilian in Newfoundland, 1939-1941: loyalty of Newfoundlanders to British Government in 1939; attitude of Canadians to Newfoundlanders; self reliance of Newfoundlanders; presence of US, British and Canadians in St John's, 1939-1941; civilian attacks on US servicemen. Period of training with Sherbrooke Fusiliers in Canada, 1941-1942: joining army, 17/9/1941; mounted machine gun nature of regiment; basic training in Newfoundland, 1941; U-boats which surfaced in bay in St John's, 1941; move to Halifax, Nova Scotia, 2/1942; change of unit's role to tank regiment and formation of 27th Canadian Armoured Regt; arrival of Ram tanks; problems of driving tanks.
REEL 2 Continues: relations of troops to civilians; conflict between soldiers and Military Police over enforcement of drink laws, 8/1942; advice on how to behave overseas. Voyage from Canada to GB aboard Queen Elizabeth, autumn 1942. Recollections of period with Sherbrooke Fusiliers, 27th Armoured Regt in GB, 1942- 1944: basing of unit in Aldershot, late 1942; reaction to living conditions in Warburg Barracks, Aldershot, late 1942; confiscation of 'King's guinea' for barracks damage; relationship between Canadian troops and civilians in Aldershot area, 1942-1943; move to Headley, 1943; nature of accommodation; training without tanks; arrival of tanks at Headley, 1943;relations with Canadian women's army personnel in Haslemere area; problems with lack of transport for social life in Haslemere area; billeting in mine damaged houses in Worthing; importance of pub life to soldiers; living conditions in Worthing.
REEL 3 Continues: German Air Force intruder raids on Sussex coast; reception of Canadians by civilians in Worthing; move of unit to Barton-on-Sea; coping with cold at Barton-on-Sea winter 1943-1944; security arrangements, 1944; entertainment put on by Canadians for children in Barton-on- Sea; move into guarded areas pre-D-Day; series of embarkation and disembarkation in Solent area, 5/1944. Recollections of operations with Sherbrooke Fusiliers, 27th Armoured Regt in Normandy, 6/1944-8/1944: landing conditions on Juno Beach, D+6; move inland to assembly areas; unit casualties; question of pro-German attitude of French farmers 6/1944; wounding of Canadian soldier with shotgun pellets by French farmer, 6/1944; initial action against Germans; role recovering tanks from minefields.
REEL 4 Continues: effect of having to recover 'brewed up' tanks containing human remains; reaction to strength of German resistance in Caen; role of transporting ammunition on tank; disposal of POWs in Caen area; blowing up of tank by German shell, 12/8/1944. Hospitalisation in GB, 1944. Story of meeting English wife in GB, 1944. Post war life with English wife in GB and Canada, 1940's.
REEL 5 Continues: Reasons why his wife did not settle in Newfoundland, late 1940s. Discovery that he had suffered spine damage on 12/8/1944. Attitude to having served in Second World War.

ContextDescription
Military Operations, 1939-1945: North West Europe, 1944-1945

Duration
130

NumberOfParts
5

OtherFormats
None

MakerName
Lewis, Patrick William

ProductionCompany
IWM

MakerGender
Male

Language
English

RelatedSoundFile
018479S01.mp3
Lewis-commonwealth.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
17 November 2006

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
IWM copyright

Nationality
Canadian

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Sound

IDNO
18482

ProductionDate
12/Sep/1998

ObjectType
IWM interview

IndexObjects
aircraft, British: Supermarine Seafire Mark III
aircraft, British: Boulton Paul Defiant
aircraft, British: Fairey Swordfish
aircraft, US: Brewster Buffalo

IndexPeople
Miles, George William xxx

IndexPlaces
GB, England
GB, Northern Ireland
GB, Scotland
GB, Scotland & Petershead
GB, Scotland & Grimsetter, Orkney
NZ
NZ & Wellington
US
US & Grosse Ile
US & Miami
US & Pensicola
MI
GI
DZ
DZ & Algiers
FR
FR & Avignon

IndexUnits
GB.N & St Vincent
GB.N & RNAS Yeovilton
GB.N & RNAS Ballyhalbert
GB.N & Royal Naval College, Greenwich
GB.N & Sqdn 762
GB.N & Sqdn 885
GB.N & Sqdn 899
GB.N & King George V
GB.N & Formidable

IndexConcepts
Commonwealth

ShortSummary
New Zealand officer trained with Fleet Air Arm in US and GB, 1941-1942; served as pilot with 762 Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm in GB, 1942-1943; served with 799 Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm in Gibraltar, 1943; served with 885 Sqdn, Fleet Air Arm aboard HMS Khedive in GB and Mediterranean, 1944

FullSummary
REEL 1 Background in Wellington, New Zealand, 1923-1939: family and education; employment. Reaction to declaration of Second World War, 3/9/1939. Enlistment in Royal Navy, 1940: Royal Navy advert in New Zealand to recruit RN and Fleet Air Arm officers; lack of New Zealand Navy, 1940; qualifications needed to apply for Fleet Air commission. Voyage from New Zealand to GB, 7/1941. Period of Fleet Air Arm training in GB and US, 1941-1942: initial training at HMS St Vincent, Gosport, GB, 1941; move to US, 1/1942; joining Towers Scheme; flying training at Grosse Ile, near Detroit, US, 1942; nature of US discipline at Grosse Ile; opinion of training system; further flying training at Pensacola and Miami; return to GB, 11/1942. Period of training with 762 Sqdn at RNAS Yeovilton, GB, 1942-1943: learning how to fly British aircraft; deck landing training, late 1942.
REEL 2 Continues: course at Royal Naval College, Greenwich including unarmed combat and POW escape techniques; posting to Gibraltar. Voyage from GB to Gibraltar aboard King George the Fifth, 1943. Period with 779 Sqdn in Gibraltar, 1943: learning to fly Boulton Paul Defiant; ferrying Fairey Swordfishes to Algiers. Recollections of operations with 885 Sqdn aboard HMS Formidable in Mediterranean, 1943: flying Supermarine Seafires as part of Force H; duties of unit; high level Seafire patrols during landings in Italy; deterrent effects of patrols; return to GB, late 1943. Period with 899 Sqdn at RNAS Balleyhalbert, Northern Ireland, and Scotland 12/1943-5/1944: allocation of unit to ship; training in artillery gunfire direction, Scotland 1944; postings to Grimsetter, Orkneys and Peterhead; role deterring German photo reconnaissance flights over Scotland. Recollections of operations with 899 Sqdn aboard HMS Khedive in Mediterranean 1944: move to Mediterranean, 6/1944; role covering aircraft during landings in south of France, 8/1944; dive bombing attack on Avignon bridge, 8/1944; ground attacks on German troops; attacks on German aircraft in Crete. Period of leave in New Zealand, 1945.
REEL 3 Continues: End of Fleet Air Arm career, 1945. Career as airline pilot in New Zealand after Second World War. Aspects of service with Fleet Air Arm, 1941-1945: opinion of flying Supermarine Seafire; unreliable propeller of Brewster Buffalo; personal morale in combat; question of need not to be over confident on deck landings especially with Seafires. Attitude to having served with Fleet Air Arm in Second World War, Problems of Fleet Air Arm getting aircraft it needed in Second World War.

ContextDescription
Air Operations, 1939-1945 : Fleet Air Arm
Naval Operations, 1939-1945: Fleet Air Arm
Naval Operations, 1939-1945: Mediterranean, 1940-1945

Duration
80

NumberOfParts
3

OtherFormats
None

MakerName
Miles, George William

ProductionCompany
IWM

MakerGender
Male

Language
English

RelatedIWMItems
Photocopied photograph (1945) in file

RelatedSoundFile
018482S01.mp3
018482S02.mp3
018482S03.mp3
018482S04.mp3
Miles-commonwealth.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
17 November 2006

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
IWM copyright

Nationality
New Zealander

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Sound

IDNO
19389

ProductionDate
23/Jul/1999

ObjectType
IWM interview

IndexPeople
Cashman, Ronald Kenneth xxx
Saunders Reg

IndexPlaces
AU
AU & Melbourne
JP
JP & Kure
KR
KR & The Hinge
KR & Uijongbo
KR & River Imjin
KR & Hill 355
KR & Hill 317
KR & Samichon Valley
KR & Hill 75

IndexUnits
AU.A & Royal Australian Regt, Bn 3, Coy B, Platoon 6
GB.A & Durham Light Infantry, Coy B

IndexConcepts
Commonwealth

ShortSummary
Australian NCO served with 3rd Bn Royal Australian Regt in Korea, 1951-1953

FullSummary
REEL 1 Recollections of operations with 6 Platoon, B Coy, 3rd Bn Royal Australian Regt during Operation Commando in Korea, 10/1951: background to enlistment and posting to unit, 1951; memories of Aboriginal officer Reg Saunders; leadership of unit; start of Operation Commando, 10/1951; wiping out of group of Chinese troops having breakfast; company attack on The Hinge followed by Chinese artillery counter-attack; Chinese ground attack on The Hinge, 10/1951; story of how his patrol got lost and he was hit by a grenade in the shoulder.
REEL 2 Continues: Period of hospitalisation for shoulder wound in Korea and Japan, 10/1951: effect of his shoulder wound; treatment for wounds; North Korean guerrilla attack on US hospital at Uijongbu; amusing experiences at British hospital in Kure, Japan. Recollections of operations with 6 Platoon, B Coy, 3rd Bn Royal Australian Regt in Korea, 1951-1953: re-joining unit; acquiring an Owen gun, 11/1951; patrolling in River Imjin area; accidental fire from US machine guns; opinion of tactics employed by US officers and US troops in attack; Chinese thwarting of Cashman's booby traps; personal expedition through minefield towards Chinese mortar position in Hills 355 -317 area.
REEL 3 Continues: sight of Chinese shooting down of US aircraft; withdrawal from forward positions and booby trapping of equipment; arrival of winter clothing, 1/1952; return to front-line at Bowling Alley; opinion of French Canadian positions that unit took over, early 1952; visit by Australian War Minister, Christmas, 1951; move into front-line in Samichon Valley, summer 1952; explanation of 'gentleman's agreement' with Chinese in Samichon Valley. Recollections of operation attempt to grab Chinese prisoner with 3rd Royal Australian Regt at Hill 75, Samichon Valley, 8/1952: effectiveness of flak jackets against Chinese burp guns; incident of troops shooting NCO; character of attack on Chinese positions.
REEL 4 Continues: rescue of wounded comrade; jumping into occupied Chinese fox hole; close quarter action with Chinese troops in fox hole; death of comrade from internal bleeding; outcome of snatch raid. Recollections of operations with 6 Platoon, B Coy, 3rd Bn Royal Australian Regt in Korea, 1952-1953: decision to stay for second tour; lucky escape during reconnaissance patrol, 9/1952; personal attempt to grab Chinese prisoner and discovery of minefield in Samichon Valley; reprimand he received for expedition; period of leave in Australia; attitude towards commanding officer's ideas of discipline; attachment to B Coy Durham Light Infantry on Hill 355.
REEL 5 Continues: effect of mortar blast on him whilst on attachment to B Coy, Durham Light Infantry. Attitude to having served in Korea.

ContextDescription
Military Operations, 1945-1975: Korea, 1950-1953

Duration
140

NumberOfParts
5

OtherFormats
None

MakerName
Cashman, Ronald Kenneth

ProductionCompany
IWM

MakerGender
Male

Language
English

RelatedIWMItems
Photograph in

RelatedSoundFile
019389S01.mp3
019389S02.mp3
019389S03.mp3
Cashman-commonwealth.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
17 November 2006

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
IWM copyright

Nationality
Australian

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Sound

IDNO
20592

ProductionDate
24/Nov/1999

ObjectType
IWM interview

IndexObjects
artillery, Italian: L5 Pack Howitzers

IndexPeople
Allen, Max xxx
King, Bob
Riley, Frank
Williams, Peter

IndexPlaces
GB, England
AU
AU & Gilgandra
VT
VT & Saigon
VT & Vung Toi
VT & Mekong Delta
VT & Long Tan
HK

IndexUnits
AU.A & Royal Australian Artillery, Field Regt 1
AU.A & Citizen Military Force
HK.O & Bar, Gas Light

IndexConcepts
Commonwealth

ShortSummary
Australian officer served with 1st Field Regt, Royal Australian Artillery in Vietnam, 1966-1967; served as liaison officer to Thai Army in Vietnam, 1969

FullSummary
REEL 1 Background in Gilgandra, 1936-1966: family; education; National Service and Citizen Military Force. Recollections of operations with 1st Field Regt, Royal Australian Artillery in Vietnam, 1966-1967: background to posting to Vietnam, 5/1966; character of flight from Australia to Vietnam via Philippines; arrival in Saigon; move to Vung Toi in Mekong Delta; washing in monsoon; helicopter transport to Nuidat, Main Task Force base; Vietnamese attack on base, 8/1966; relations with gunners and choice of batman; start of Battle of Long Tan; entertainment provided for troops; character of L 5 Pack Howitzers used; lack of drugs amongst Australian troops; reading material and frequency of mail; attachment of US artillery unit to his unit; visit to Saigon; visit to Gas Light Bar during leave in Hong Kong.
REEL 2 Continues: role as civil affairs officer in Vietnamese village; protection of Australians by villagers; attack on fellow civil affairs officer; memories of Warrant Officer Bob King's departure; problems of political interference in operations; memories of helicopter pilot, Frank Riley; role of Salvation Army; contact with US personnel; danger of frequenting bars in Vung Toi; story of unpopular officer who lost his sidearm; relations between Australian Army and RAAF; removal of commanding officer; supply of cigarettes and alcohol.
REEL 3 Continues: loss of friend Peter Williams; story of soldier bitten twice by scorpions; flight from Vietnam to Australia, 1967 including passing through customs in Australia. Aspects of operations as liaison officer with Thai forces in Vietnam, 1969: background to six weeks posting; opinion of Australian naval helicopter pilots; relations with Thai personnel. Story of welcome home parade organised by Vietnam veterans, 1987. Question of effects of serving in Vietnam. Question of political attitude towards returned veterans, 1960s. Question of psychological and physical effects of service in Vietnam.

ContextDescription
Miltary Operations, 1945-1975: Vietnam, 1945-1975

Duration
90

NumberOfParts
3

OtherFormats
None

MakerName
Allen, Max

ProductionCompany
IWM

MakerGender
Male

Language
English

RelatedSoundFile
Allen-commonwealth.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
17 November 2006

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
IWM copyright

Nationality
Australian

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Sound

IDNO
21555

ProductionDate
1/May/2001

ObjectType
IWM interview

IndexObjects
artillery, British: 60 Pounder
artillery, British: 25 Pounder

IndexPeople
Watts, Eric Eacott xxx

IndexPlaces
AU
AU & Leonora
AU & Euroa
AU & Queenscliff
AU & Adelaide
AU & Perth
AU & Fremantle
AU & Seymour
AU & Darwin
IC
LK
PI
PI & Tel Aviv
LY
LY & Tobruk
LY & Tobruk <Blue Line>
LB
LB & Tripoli
PG
PG & Lae

IndexUnits
AU.A & Coastal Artillery
AU.A & Royal Australian Artillery, Field Regt 1/12
AU.A & Royal Australian Artillery, Field Regt 1/11
AU.A & Victorian Mounted Rifles, Bn 8/13
AU.A & School of Artillery, Hollsworthy
AU.O & Merchant Ship, Stratheden
AU.O & Citizen Militia Force
AU.N & Ship, Waterhen
GB.O & Camp, Qastina, Palestine

ShortSummary
Australian NCO served with 2/12th Field Regt, Royal Australian Artillery in Middle East and North Africa, 1941-1942; officer served with 2/11th Field Regt, Royal Australian Artillery in New Guinea and Bougainville, 1944-1945

FullSummary
REEL 1 Background in Leonora and Euroa, 1916-1939: family; education. Recollections of enlistment and training with Coastal Artillery in Australia, 8/1939-11/1940: enlistment in coastal artillery, 8/1939; move to Queenscliff; pattern of training; degree of knowledge about political situation in Europe; parent's attitude to his enlistment; background to promotion to sergeant; question of not wanting to join militia; family's military experiences in First World War; sense of patriotism; attitude towards gunners who refused to volunteer for overseas service. Recollections of voyage from Australia to Egypt aboard Stratheden, 11/1940: embarking at Adelaide; threat of German raider in Indian Ocean; shore leave in Perth; attitude towards service overseas.
REEL 2 Continues: physical training on board ship; reasons for having to take boots off on board ship; alcohol available to NCOs; concerts; reaction to last sight of Australia; ashore in Ceylon; attitude towards Great Britain; arrival in Egypt. Aspects of period with 2/12th Regt, Royal Australian Artillery in Middle East, 1940-1941: status of artillery in comparison with infantry; impressions of Canal Zone, Egypt; precautions against sexually transmitted diseases; disembarking in Palestine; move to Qastina Camp, near Tel Aviv, 17/12/1940; lack of artillery pieces; anxiety that unit would be turned into infantry unit; relations between officers, NCOs and gunners; impressions of commanding officer; opinion of senior officers; character of camp; relations with Jewish settlers; attitude towards route marches, 3/1941.
REEL 3 Continues: attitudes of civilians towards Australian troops in Tel Aviv; recreation in Tel Aviv; punishment for going absent without leave; move to Egypt. Recollections of operations as NCO with 2/12th Regt, Royal Australian Artillery in Tobruk, 5/1941-8/1941: embarking on board HMAS Waterhen in Egypt; types of equipment carried on destroyers; need to quickly disembark from destroyers; initial reaction to arrival in Tobruk; morale in Tobruk; digging gun pits for 60 Pounders; use of Italian artillery; sabotage of Italian artillery shells; importance of holding Tobruk; limitations on amount of ammunition used; loss of HMAS Waterhen; attacks from German Junkers Ju87 Stukas; level of German Air Force attacks on Tobruk; personal morale.
REEL 4 Continues: deployment of unit on Blue Line; role of one gun in unit creating harassing fire; method used by Germans to artillery spot; reaction to knowledge of effect of shell fire; unit observation and communications; method of firing on Axis positions; role of 60 Pounders; technique for camouflaging gun positions; unit casualties from German reconnaissance aircraft; range of artillery; opinion of 60 Pounders; use of anti-tank guns in perimeter; extent of minefields in perimeter and anti-tank ditch; troop's newspaper 'The Tobruk Truth'; use of caves for brigade headquarters; opinion of General Mooreshead and other leaders.
REEL 5 Continues: daily routine; problems with heat; story of near encounter with German aircraft during taking gun for repair; types of problems encountered in operating guns; method of keeping healthy; personal morale; state of Tobruk town; German Air Force raids; memories of padre; reaction to hearing of German attack on Russia and fall of Greece; opinion of British troops.
REEL 6 Continues: German propaganda directed against Australian in Tobruk; importance of mail from home; question of whinging in army; comradeship between gun crew; opinion of unit officers; effects of unit casualties; story of guarding German POWs at El Alamein; failure of Operation Battleaxe, 5/1941; reaction to withdrawal from Tobruk; contrast in state of health of between artillerymen and infantrymen; importance of not over eating on withdrawal from Tobruk. Aspects of period as NCO with 2/12th Regt, Royal Australian Artillery in Middle East, 1941- 1942: move to Palestine; training with 25 Pounders.
REEL 7 Continues: move to Lebanon; contact with civilians in Lebanon; picket duties in Tripoli; training in open sight shooting; sporting activities and craze for catapults; reaction to Japan's entry into the war; failure of secret move from Lebanon to Egypt, c6/1942. Recollections of operations as NCO with 2/12th Regt, Royal Australian Artillery on El Alamein line, 1942: chaotic retreat of Allied forces; taking up positions on El Alamein line.
REEL 8 Continues: building up of defences; reaction to loss of 2/28th Bn at Ruin Ridge, 7/1942; preparing defences on El Alamein line; crashing of RAF pilot in front of lines; types of firing carried out; character of creeping barrage; good ammunition supply; growing strength of Allied forces; impressions of Montgomery; question of morale of German troops; deception plan carried out between 7/1942-10/1942; reaction for recommendation for officer training. Aspects of period training as officer in Middle East, 10/1942- 12/1942: character of officer training course at Accra, 10/1942- 11/1942; move to Egypt; reasons for not being commissioned; reaction to move to Australia.
REEL 9 Continues: Aspects of period with 2/12th Regt, Royal Australian Artillery arrival in Fremantle; attitude to being back in Australia; move to Seymour; arrival at home in Euroa; sense of patriotism amongst civilians; visit to girlfriend in Melbourne and subsequent marriage; description of 'Stork Derby'; reaction to end of disembarkation leave; question of perceived threat of Japanese invasion; degree of interest in European war; commissioning at School of Artillery, Hollsworthy, 9/1943; effects of service in North Africa on some unit members; attitude to those who managed to get out of military service. Aspects of period with 2/11th Field Regt, Royal Australian Artillery, 1943-1944: reception on arrival at unit at Darwin; attitude of senior officers in unit towards his arrival; degree of training in unit; short cuts taken by experienced gun crews. Recollections of operations as Lieutenant with 2/11th Field Regt, Royal Australian Artillery in New Guinea and Bougainville, 1944- 1945: move to New Guinea; opinion of Japanese troops and tactics; situation in base camp at Lae; compassionate leave in Australia; attitude of unit members to lack of action; illegal stills; question of role of Australian forces; opinion of US troops; incident of having man over board on ship between New Guinea and Bougainville; treatment of lack of moral fibre cases and question of self inflicted wounds; role of unit in Bougainville; terrain in Bougainville; problems of operating artillery in jungle conditions.
REEL 11 Continues: situation in Bougainville; contracting dysentery; attempts of encircle Japanese troops, 5/1945; method of firing artillery in jungle; supporting role of unit; personal morale; hospitalisation for denghi fever; officer who suffered blinding; cancellation of operation after dropping of atomic bombs; attitude towards dropping of atomic bomb. Aspects of period with Australian Army in Australia from 1945: seasickness on ship returning to Australia.
REEL 12 Continues: conditions in Bougainville; decision to stay in army; work with disposal commission, 1945-1947; posting as adjutant to armoured unit 8/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles, 1947-1950; civilian attitude towards Australian Armed Forces after 1945; question of adjusting to life in Australia; question of further potential warfare; training national servicemen, 1950-1954; reasons for leaving army and joining Citizen's Militia Force; period with Citizen's Militia Force, 1954-1963. Attitude to having served with Australian Army. Career after leaving Australian Army, 1954.

ContextDescription
Military Operations, 1939-1945: North Africa, 1940-1943

Duration
350

NumberOfParts
12

OtherFormats
None

MakerName
Watts, Eric Eacott

ProductionCompany
IWM

MakerGender
Male

Language
English

RelatedSoundFile
Watts-commonwealth.mp3

Weighting
750
900

SubThemeTag
Together

WebStatus
Published

UncatTransferDate
17 November 2006

URLEncodedDeptName
Sound

Access
IWM copyright

Nationality
Australian

DigitalAsset
Y

DeptName
Exhibits

IDNO
OMD 3727

ProductionDate
1943

ItemName
Victoria Cross & VC

ObjectType
medal

IndexPeople
Parkash Singh (Havildar)

IndexPlaces
Mayu Peninsula

IndexUnits
IA.A & Punjab Regt, Bn 8

FullSummary
Parkash Singh (31 March 1913-25 March 1991) enlisted in the Indian Army in 1936 and saw action on the North West Frontier. During the Second World War he took part in the Burma campaign. The 1942-43 winter campaign in the Arakan region was one of the most bitterly fought of the whole war in the Far East. In early January 1943, the 14th Indian Division, including Parkash Singh's regiment, was held in a narrow gap between the sea and the jungle at Donbaik on the Mayu Peninsula. On 6 January Parkash Singh, driving a Bren-gun carrier, went out into the open under heavy fire and successfully rescued the crew of two disabled carriers who were being attacked by Japanese troops. On 19 January, he repeated this feat twice, on the second occasion connecting a towing chain to a disabled carrier containing two wounded men and directing it to safety, at all times under heavy anti-tank and machine-gun fire. The announcement of the award of the VC to Parkash Singh appeared in the London Gazette of 13 May 1943. Parkash Singh received his VC from the Viceroy of India, Lord Linlithgow, in Delhi the following July. He was commissioned as a captain and remained in the Indian Army after Independence, retiring with the rank of major in 1968. Major Parkash Singh died on a visit to London in March 1991.

ProductionCompany
Hancock & Co Ltd, London

RelatedIWMItems
OMD 3724-3726 : OMD 3728-3735 : EPH

Weighting
1

SubThemeTag
Together

UncatTransferDate
30/06/2006 11:14:35

URLEncodedDeptName
Exhibits

FormatDescription
The design of the Victoria Cross, comprises a cross pattee in bronze metal: The obverse design depicts a crown surmounted by 'lion gardant', beneath the crown a scroll bearing the motto ` FOR VALOUR'. The whole in the centre of the cross, having raised borders outlining its shape. Reverse design, a circle, at centre of plain reverse (raised borders outline cross shape). The suspender bar is straight bar, laurelled, with integral 'V' lug the reverse of the suspender bar is plain. The ribbon is red (the term used in the original warrant) although this description of the colour is often qualified by the use of terms such as claret, maroon, dark red. The bar (when awarded) is a straight bar, laurelled. This example is engraved as follows : No 14696 HAVILDAR PARKASH SINGH. 8TH PUNJAB REGIMENT INDIAN ARMY. The recipient's name and service details are inscribed on the reverse of the suspension bar, and the date of the action, 6TH and 19TH JANUARY 1943, is inscribed on the reverse of the medal in the central boss.

Access
On display at IWM London

DeptName
Exhibits

IDNO
MOD 118

ProductionDate
1949

ItemName
25 pdr SP, tracked, Sexton

ObjectType
model

IndexUnits
GB.A & British Army

FullSummary
The Sexton was introduced into service in 1943 and was used by British artillery in a support role, chiefly with the armoured divisions.
It was essentially an 'anglicised' version of the American M7 (Priest), and was developed to meet a British requirement for a self-propelled gun with all the mobility and characteristics of the M7, but with the standard British 25pdr field howitzer in place of the American 105mm weapon. As a basis, the Canadian Ram chassis (fundamentally an American M3 medium tank chassis) was used. Layout was similar to the M7, but the driving position was on the right, and the gun offset to the left, as the Ram chassis had the driver's position on the right. Production commenced at the Montreal Locomotive Works in early 1943, and continued until after the end of the Second World War, by which time 2,150 had been produced. The Sexton carried a crew of 6, namely a driver, gunner, gun-layer, loader, wireless operator and a commander. Weighing about 57,000lb, it had a maximum cross-country speed of 20mph, and a radius of action of 125-145 miles. Sextons remained in service with British and Canadian services for many years after the War.

ProductionCompany
James Walker Ltd

Weighting
1

SubThemeTag
Together

UncatTransferDate
30/06/2006 11:14:35

URLEncodedDeptName
Exhibits

FormatDescription
This is a well executed model, albeit with a simplified crew compartment, and made from metal and wood. It is built to a scale of 1/12, and is 21 in x 9.5in x 8.5in high.

Access
Access by prior appointment

DeptName
Exhibits

IDNO
OMD 2387

ProductionDate
1918

ItemName
Victoria Cross & VC

ObjectType
medal

IndexPeople
Cartwright, George (Private (726))

IndexPlaces
(North Eastern) France & (North of) Peronne & Road Wood

IndexUnits
AU.A & AIF, 33rd Australian Infantry Battalion

FullSummary
George Cartwright was born in Kensington, London 1894. He emigrated to Australia and, later enlisted in First Australian Imperial Forces in December 1915. He arrived in France in November 1916 with 33rd Australian Infantry Battalion. He was wounded in June 1917 wounded and gassed in April 1918, but recovered in time to rejoin his unit in June of that year. The citation for Cartwright's VC, published in the London Gazette on 14 December 1918, reads: 'For most conspicuous bravery on the morning of 31 August 1918, during the attack on Road Wood, south-west of Bouchavesnes, near Peronne. When two companies were held up by machine-gun fire from the south-western edge of the wood, without hesitation Private Cartwright moved against the gun in the most deliberate manner under intense fire. He shot three of the team and, having bombed the post, captured the gun and nine enemy. His gallant deed had a most inspiring effect on the whole line, which immediately rushed forward. Throughout the operation Private Cartwright displayed wonderful dash, grim determination and courage of the highest order.' Cartwright was wounded again in September 1918, and following hospital treatment in England was sent home to Australia. He was demobilised in July 1919. Cartwright later joined 4th/3rd Battalion (Australian Rifles) of the Citizen Forces becoming a Lieutenant in 1932. He retired in 1944 with the rank of Captain. George Cartwright died in February 1978, aged 83

ProductionCompany
Hancocks (London) Ltd

RelatedIWMItems
one of a bar of 9 court-mounted medals, by Christies of Sydney, OMD 1287-2395 in presentation case ; letters of congratulation from Generals Sir Henry Rawlinson and Sir William Birdwood ; photograph and documents relating to recipient, see records Department of Exhibits

Weighting
1

SubThemeTag
Together

UncatTransferDate
30/06/2006 11:14:35

URLEncodedDeptName
Exhibits

FormatDescription
The design of the Victoria Cross, comprises a cross pattee in bronze metal: The obverse design depicts a crown surmounted by 'lion gardant', beneath the crown a scroll bearing the motto ` FOR VALOUR'. The whole in the centre of the cross, having raised borders outlining its shape. Reverse design, a circle, at centre of plain reverse (raised borders outline cross shape). The suspender bar is straight bar, laurelled, with integral 'V' lug the reverse of the suspender bar is plain. The ribbon is red (the term used in the original warrant) although this description of the colour is often qualified by the use of terms such as claret, maroon, dark red. The bar (when awarded) is a straight bar, laurelled. This example is engraved as follows : 726 PTE.G.CARTWRIGHT 33rd.Bn. AUS.IMP.FORCE.The recipient's name and service details are inscribed on the reverse of the suspension bar, and the date of the action, 31.AUG. 1918 on the reverse of the medal in the central boss.

Access
On display at IWM London

DeptName
Exhibits

IDNO
UNI 11357

ProductionDate
1943

ItemName
helmet, cork, pith, South African Air Force

ObjectType
headdress

IndexPeople
Milne, S J W (543350 Sergeant)

IndexUnits
ZA.A & South African Armed Forces & SAAF
ZA.F & South African Air Force & SAAF

FullSummary
Sergeant Stanley Milne served as a Sergeant with the SAAF, as ground crew on operations and in intelligence from 1 May 1942 until 14 August 1945. He was issued with the pith helmet prior to his posting to Egypt with the Desert Air Force in October 1943.

Weighting
1

SubThemeTag
Together

UncatTransferDate
30/06/2006 11:14:35

URLEncodedDeptName
Exhibits

FormatDescription
khaki cloth covered South African military pattern pith helmet with cloth pagree band. On each side of the crown four ventilation holes and a khaki-covered top piece. The helmet has a brown leather sweatband and is lined in khaki-drill coloured cotton material. The chinstrap is secured by two metal loops, one at each side. The cap badge is brass and fixed through the front of the helmet with two lugs secured with a split-pin. Handprinted, in ink inside helmet is, 543350 S.J.W.MILNE S.A.A.F. Embossed on the South African Air Force cap badge is S.A.A.F . S.A.L.M.

Access
Access by prior appointment

DeptName
Exhibits

IDNO
EPH 3334

ItemName
framed scroll, Gifts to the Imperial Government from the Empire in 1914

ObjectType
souvenir

FullSummary
A framed scroll entitled Gifts to the Imperial Government from the Empire in 1914 which shows the amount of food, clothing and money donated from all over the Empire.

RelatedImageFile
EPH_003334.jpg

Weighting
1000
900

SubThemeTag
Together

UncatTransferDate
30/06/2006 11:14:35

URLEncodedDeptName
Exhibits

Access
On display at IWM North

DigitalAsset
Y

IWMImageOwned
Y

DeptName
Exhibits

IDNO
UNI 11593

ProductionDate
1944

ItemName
jacket, blue service dress, Corporal, Royal Air Force

ObjectType
uniform

IndexPeople
Christian, Euton George ( 713847 Corporal)

IndexUnits
GB.F & Royal Air Force

FullSummary
Euton George Christian was born in Jamaica and joined the RAF aged 21. He travelled to the UK via the USA arriving at Liverpool on 1 June 1944. He was posted to Filey for initial training, then Rugby and Weston-Super-Mare on an aircraft finishing course. Corporal Christian served throughout the UK and was finally demobilised in December 1952.

ProductionCompany
Price's Tailors Ltd

RelatedIWMItems
OMD 5511-5512: UNI 11594-11595: (Misc - US Army issue RC New Testament)

RelatedImageFile
UNI_011593.jpg

Weighting
1000
900

SubThemeTag
Together

UncatTransferDate
30/06/2006 11:14:35

URLEncodedDeptName
Exhibits

FormatDescription
blue serge single-breasted four pocket service dress jacket other rank's Royal Air Force. On either sleeve, the Royal Air Force Eagle badge below which are sewn the rank stripes of a Corporal. Above the left breast pocket undress ribbons for the Defence Medal 1939-45 and the War Medal 1939-45

Access
On display at IWM North

DigitalAsset
Y

IWMImageOwned
Y

DeptName
Exhibits

IDNO
UNI 11812

ItemName
hat, khaki `Lemon Squeezer', New Zealand Forces

ObjectType
headdress

IndexPeople
unknown

IndexUnits
NZ.A

FullSummary
At the beginning of the First World War, the New Zealand troops wore a uniform very similar to the Australians even down to the distinctive 'slouch' hat, although members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force wore a red band around the crown. It seems that it was Lieutenant Colonel William George Malone, Commanding Officer of the HQ Wellington Battalion, who decided that it was time to change the shape of the hat worn by his men to make it more easily distinguishable from those worn by the Australians. He therefore instructed his men to put 4 'dents' into the top of the hat and the result was the so-called 'Lemon Squeezer' shape that is still worn by the New Zealanders today. Colonel Malone, who was born in England in 1859, was killed in action (it is thought by 'friendly fire') on 8 August 1915 at Chunuk Bair on the Gallipoli Peninsula, aged 56.

ProductionCompany
unknown

Weighting
1

SubThemeTag
Together

UncatTransferDate
30/06/2006 11:14:35

URLEncodedDeptName
Exhibits

FormatDescription
New Zealand Army `Lemon Squeezer' hat in heavy duty khaki felt cloth. The pugaree band is in khaki wool with a red `arm of service' band in the centre. The brown leatherette sweat band is impressed with the inscription `N.Z Forces. REGT. COY. BATTN. REGT NO' with space for the owner to mark the relevant information beside each heading. The leatherette sweat band also has the no 1097 handwritten on it in indelible marker.

Access
Access by prior appointment

DeptName
Exhibits

IDNO
FIR 279

ItemName
Smith & Wesson .38/200 Military & Police

ObjectType
pistol

IndexUnits
CA.A
CA.F

FullSummary
During the Second World War the United States provided large quantities of small-arms for the Allied war effort. Initially these were purchased by the Allied governments. Later they were delivered under the "Lend-Lease" scheme.

One type of American gun acquired in large numbers by British and Commonwealth forces was the Smith & Wesson "Military & Police" model revolver - chambered for the British .38/200 service pistol cartridge.

This particular pistol is one of a batch purchased by Canada in 1940. It bears the Canadian ownership mark: a "broad arrow" inside a "C".

ProductionCompany
Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA

RelatedImageFile
FIR_000279.jpg

Weighting
1000
900

SubThemeTag
Together

UncatTransferDate
30/06/2006 11:14:35

URLEncodedDeptName
Exhibits

FormatDescription
grips are chequered walnut with silver S&W medallion, finish is commercial bright blue

Access
On display at IWM North

DigitalAsset
Y

IWMImageOwned
Y

DeptName
Film

IDNO
IWM 514

ProductionDate
6/1918

ItemName
BRITAIN'S EFFORT : drawings by Lancelot Speed [Main]

IndexEvents
31/3(41)

IndexObjects
propaganda, British - inspirational
propaganda, British - inflammatory

ShortSummary
Cartoon of the British military and industrial contribution to the Western Front up to the end of 1917.

FullSummary
The film starts with a cartoonist drawing figures which then animate themselves. The Kaiser sharpens a knife to carve up the world, the figures "1914" flying from the sparks. He and Franz Josef gloat over a pile of weapons. While John Bull sleeps in England the two monarchs, as vampire bats, plot to seize Serbia as a path to India, and also Belgium. At this Britannia wakes John Bull and blows her battle horn. Across the world, in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India and Canada armed men arise. In Britain an aristocrat, a farmer, a clerk, a fisherman, a miner and a railwayman become soldiers, a single figure representing the army of 1914. A Canadian encouraged by a moose, an Australian with a kangaroo, a South African with a springbok, a New Zealander with a kiwi and an Indian with an elephant join in. By 1918, shown as single soldiers, the South African and Indian forces on the Western Front are as large as the British force of 1914, these are less than the two figures of Canada and ANZAC, and are dwarfed completely by the giant figure of the British Army by whose boot they stand. In comparison of output, British Artillery in 1914 is a small field gun and in 1917 a giant howitzer. A British soldier calls to the Home Front and a lady with a dog is transformed into a munitions worker. Whereas "woman power" in 1914 is a microscopic figure, in 1917 she engulfs the screen. Munitions production in 1914 is a single shell, in 1917 a massive shell dump, pouring from Britain onto the Western Front, to the delight of John Bull and Lloyd George. Saint Paul's Cathedral will fit inside the Great Pyramid, 480 feet high, but British military artefact production in 1917 forms many larger pyramids. Ship production in 1914 is a small steamer, dwarfed by that of 1917. John Bull in a gunboat chases the Kaiser around the German colonies of the world, driving him (to the relief of the natives) back to Kiel with his fleet. For finance the cartoonist draws the figure 1,000,000 followed by a series of marks in rapid succession "at this pace, working eight hours a day, it would take a week to make a million marks". One day's British war expenditure in 1914, represented by John Bull on a gold pile, was four million pounds, and in 1917 six million pounds. To the end of 1917 total war expenditure was 6,951,852,472 pounds, which "in sovereigns edge to edge would circle the earth more than three and a half times". The earth transforms into an unhappy, battered Kaiser declaring "I should like Peace! - a German peace!" represented as John Bull in chains. "But this is the peace we mean to have!", Britannia victorious, guns transformed into new factories, a laurel wreath over all and the British family safe at home.

ContextDescription
Remarks: the method of presenting complex statistics as pictures in this manner is misleading: one figure may be twice as large as another, but the image by which it is represented will also appear twice as wide and twice as long, or eight times as large altogether. This dramatises statistics in a manner which is misleading. Similarly, complex political issues are reduced to the crudest possible images in this film

Duration
17 mins

Format
P 1/35/A

Colour
B&W

Sound
Silent

NumberOfParts
1

Dimensions
1002 ft

ProductionSponsor
Ministry of Information

ProductionCompany
Lancelot Speed Films

ProductionTeam
Speed, Lancelot: producer

ProductionCountry
GB

Language
None

LanguageMainTitles
English

LanguageSubtitles
English

OtherReferences
Huff, Darrell : 1980 : How To Lie With Statistics : Pelican : pages 64-71
shotsheet

Weighting
500

SubThemeTag
MythsAndHeroes
Together
LegaciesOfWarReconstruction

UncatTransferDate
30/06/2006 09:20:43

URLEncodedDeptName
Film

Access
IWM

DeptName
Film

IDNO
CAU 242

ProductionDate
12/1941

ItemName
AUSTRALIA MARCHES WITH BRITAIN [Main]

IndexObjects
agriculture, Australian - animal
agriculture, Australian - arable
aircraft, Australian - light military: CAC Wirraway
aircraft, British - transport: Avro Anson & [Australian]
aircraft, British - combat: Fairey Battle & [Australian]
industry, Australian - munitions

IndexPeople
George VI, King

IndexPlaces
Australia

IndexUnits
Royal Australian Air Force
Royal Australian Navy
Australian Army

ShortSummary
A documentary about Australia's contribution to the British war effort.

FullSummary
START 10:00:09 The film opens with titles - "The War Effort of Australia, assuming wider proportions with every passing week, is sincerely dedicated to the People of England." Over shots of marching Australian soldiers, sailors and airmen and workers leaving a factory at the end of their working day, the commentary proclaims, "Australia marches with Britain - from her fighting men to her army in overalls!" The contribution Australia makes to the British war effort is illustrated with scenes showing the production of wheat, beef, wool, milk, butter, poultry, eggs and timber - "Land of plenty.....and of untold resources - all placed gladly, willingly, at the feet of Mother England!" The film also pays tribute to the great strides Australian industry has made since the outbreak of war in September 1939 - "the giant wheels of industry whir under the terrific impetus of conflict" - by illustrating iron and steel production, the manufacture of steel helmets and gas masks.
10:07:21 More Australian war industry scenes show the manufacture of Universal carriers, shells, torpedoes, small-arms ammunition, Bren guns, Lee-Enfield rifles, aircraft (Gypsy Moth trainers and Wirraway fighter-bombers) and small naval vessels - "Ships, aeroplanes, guns, munitions, food - every ounce that can be spared goes to the far-flung Empire!" Last shown is the contribution made by Australian all-volunteer fighting men in this war, illustrated with shots showing RAN light cruisers ar sea, RAAF aircraft and Australian soldiers preparing to go overseas. Australian soldiers and RAAF airmen are seen boarding large troopships bound for distant battlefields - "The Anzac army is on the march - a surging khaki tide comes out of the south and flows up the world!" To the strains of 'Land of Hope and Glory', the end sequence mixes through from the Australian flag to the Union Jack, over which is superimposed a cameo portrait of King George VI. The commentary rousingly concludes, "And so we send our sons, proud of our manhood. Whatever the future may bring, however hard the road, there will be no falter in the abiding faith of Australia in one united people, one all-embracing flag, one glorious Majesty! God Save the King!"
END 10:15:20

ContextDescription
Remarks: A technically well-made film, with many fine sequences - especially the ones showing sheep-shearing, the production of gas masks and the embarkation of Australian soldiers for duty overseas. It also features cameo interviews with a woman working in the Egg Marketing Board, a male lathe-operator, a young trainee pilot and a soldier heading overseas. The latter sums up Australian devotion and loyalty to the mother country by saying "Keep your chin up, England! Australia will be there!" With few exceptions, the Australian war effort as illustrated here is an exclusively all-white, all-male affair.
Summary: An extraordinary expression of imperial loyalty and devotion. Belief in the durability of Australia's connection with the 'Mother Country', so confidently articulated in the commentary, would shortly afterwards suffer deep and lasting damage as a consequence of the Japanese conquest of Malaya and the surrender of Singapore in February 1942.

Duration
15mins 20 secs

Format
35mm

Colour
B&W

Sound
Sound

NumberOfParts
2

Dimensions
1420 ft

ProductionSponsor
Department of Information, Australia

ProductionCompany
National Films Council, Australia

ProductionTeam
Hill, K G: producer
Shepherd, William: editor
Bathurst, Peter: commentary

ProductionCountry
GB

Language
English

LanguageMainTitles
English

LanguageSubtitles
None

Weighting
1

SubThemeTag
Together

UncatTransferDate
17/06/2008 05:50:19

URLEncodedDeptName
Film

Access
IWM