Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith, the pre-war Governor of Burma, returns to Government House, Rangoon, after years of government-in-exile.

Guards lining the route of Dorman-Smith's motorcade present arms; the Sule pagoda can be seen in the distance. Motorcyclists pass followed by Dorman-Smith's open car (a Dodge Command Car); camera pans to follow as the car makes a left turn and shows a traffic policeman standing on a podium. The rest of the motorcade follows. Views from the roof of Government House; a Union flag is unfurled. On the saluting base officers salute and Dorman-Smith doffs his hat for the royal salute. Dorman-Smith inspecting the guard of honour. A line of military officers and civilians. Dorman-Smith walking off towards Government House. Guard marching off while the band plays. Troops marching away. A judiciously chosen closing shot shows Union flag flying at the mast.

Notes

Dorman-Smith had been forced to evacuate from Rangoon in February 1942 and again from Myitkyina to India later that year, spending the war in Simla. This film therefore represents a pivotal moment, with Britain regaining the civil administration of a country lost in such embarassing circumstances in 1942, though one which would be independent in a little over two years.

Given the importance of these proceedings, they were extensively covered by British and Indian Army cameramen. See related items.