AFRICAN WORLD WAR COMFORTS SERVICE

This film is held by the BFI (ID: 61640).

Synopsis

"AFRICA WORLD WAR COMFORTS SERVICE. Pleasure trips on the Thames. June 1918 (10). Wounded Springboks at Windsor and Eton College (13). The 'Sunbury Belle' arrives at Windsor Wharf. Typical scenes on board. Little friends entertain our gallant wounded" (21). A crowded barge comes alongside (30); medium close up of soldiers on board (41); a young girl passes round a box of sweets (49); barge continues to come alongside (60); a rope is thrown over and two men push the boat square (70); young girl with a tambourine dances near a lock (extensive nitrate damage to 81) (93); medium close up of passengers aboard barge (96); man standing on deck makes a speech (damaged section) (106); passengers begin to disembark (116); close up of three men in civvies talking (126); medium shot of men standing round at quayside (134).

"AT ETON COLLEGE. The headmaster holds the "Roll Call". Soldiers of four Empire Dominions in the Quadrangle. Cheers for "The KING" and "ETON COLLEGE"" (145). Soldiers file through an archway into Eton College quadrangle (152); Eton boys (156); the headmaster heads an officer and party of injured veterans (176); medium close up of headmaster and soldiers gathering round a railed statue in the quadrangle (181); one man in a group clowns for the camera (190); Eton boy talks to soldiers (197); close up of man who was clowning in earlier shot, holding out a tin to the camera (258); soldiers file past (262) and gather in the quadrangle (275); they raise their hats as they cheer (280).

"River scenes on "Old Father Thames". Punting at Shepperton Beach. Tug "Botha" and a smart rescue by skiff" (286). Two groups of four in punts about to go out (292); punts on river (293). "Our boys entertained by friends. At Halliford-on-Thames. A jolly afternoon tea party" (299). Scenes at a tea aprty, soldiers at table, women serving (301).

"Homeward bound for Richmond Park and Grove Road hospitals after a "A Perfect Day"" (307). Men boarding bus (314); medium shot of bus driving towards camera, men on open top deck waving, a second bus follows (322ft).

 

Titles

  • AT ETON COLLEGE (Alternative)
  • AFRICAN WORLD WAR COMFORTS SERVICE
 

Technical Data

Year:
1918
Running Time:
5 minutes
Film Gauge (Format):
35mm Film
Colour:
Black/White
Sound:
Silent
Footage:
322 ft
 

Production Credits

Production Countries:
Great Britain
 

Countries