TURKISH MISSION VISITS THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN FLEET

This film is held by the Imperial War Museum (ID: ADM 570).

Synopsis

A party of Turkish military officers are shown around the battleship HMS Nelson and the carrier HMS Formidable.

(i) The Turkish Naval Observer, Commander Orbay, comes aboard HMS Nelson in Gibraltar harbour, followed by General Omurtag and his party. They are greeted by Vice-Admiral Willis and Flag Captain Russell. After the usual review of the RM guard of honour, the party is shown around the ship. A L Class destroyer is alongside the battleship. MS of HMS Nelson taken from the departing visitors' launch. Cut to scene onboard HMS Formidable as the Turkish party and accompanying naval officers ride up (with the cameraman) on the after lift. General Omurtag reviews the RM guard. At sea, the Turkish party are given a static demonstration by one of 885 Squadron's Seafire IICs which has been parked facing the edge of the deck so that the 20mm cannon can be safely fired. General Omurtag has been provided with cotton wool for his ears. The Turkish officers look up - presumably at a fly-past. Cut to nearby explosion - a bomb or depth charge. MS as the two 8-barrelled 2-pounder guns before the island fire to starboard. LS off port bow of Formidable seen from departing visitors' launch - the carrier has HMS Lookout (G.32) alongside. The film then reverts to the earlier sequence to show the Turks leaving HMS Nelson. (ii) Flag ceremony in a French North African city (?). RM band and sailors march through the streets watched by crowds of locals. RM detachment presents arms and the national flags of Great Britain, the United States and France are slowly lowered. Vice-Admiral Willis and an American officer take the salute.

Notes

Summary: the purpose of the ceremony in episode II remains obscure. Perhaps it was to mark the end of direct military rule and the return of a civil administration

 

Titles

  • TURKISH MISSION VISITS THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN FLEET (Allocated)
Series Title:
MEDITERRANEAN OPERATIONS OF THE ROYAL NAVY
 

Technical Data

Year:
1943
Running Time:
5 minutes
Film Gauge (Format):
35mm
Colour:
B&W
Sound:
Silent
Footage:
448 ft
 

Production Credits

Production Countries:
GB
Sponsor
[Admiralty]