the GEN NO 10

This film is held by the Imperial War Museum (ID: GEN 10).

Synopsis

I. "Jail Breakers." Scenes from TARGET FOR TONIGHT introduce the story of Group Captain Pickard's last exploit - the Amiens prison raid. A model of the stockade is used to explain details. Two Mosquito Squadrons take off. Aerial sequences are followed by film taken after the raid, indicating its success. Pickard's grave discovered after liberation of Amiens.

II. "A City Freed." Dakotas fly over Brussels, delivering supplies for troops in Holland. Superficially, Brussels seems "normal," but film of wrecked trains, railway yards and factories suggests "the hangover of war." Communist workers march, their banners demanding "Du Travail pour la Victoire;" the black market flourishes, and people queue for bread. But Belgians can now listen to the radio, sit in cafs, talk freely, read uncensored newspapers, go to the library or watch a football match - as they choose. Wrecked tanks in the streets, remains of German HQ, Nazi posters, and the deserted concentration camp at Breendonk are grim reminders among the public celebrations (attended by the Mayor) following liberation.

III. "Burma Front." 'Blimpish' commentary describes a. Techniques of waterproofing vehicles for jungle patrols. b. Hurricane bombers used to spray mosquito breeding grounds. c. Map reading. d. Hurricanes bomb jungle village.

IV. "The Last Operation." Rehearsal of the routine for demobilisation, each stage of an individual's discharge shown in some detail.

Notes

Summary (item IV): the principal actor in this item is LAC Thomas Kingsland Bennett, who served at Little Rislington and later Uxbridge. Information provided in a letter from his son, J M Bennett.

 

Titles

  • the GEN NO 10
 

Technical Data

Year:
1944
Running Time:
15 minutes
Film Gauge (Format):
35mm
Colour:
B&W
Sound:
Sound
Footage:
1474 ft
 

Production Credits

Production Countries:
GB
Production company
RAF Film Production Unit