PROCESSION, AIR SHOW AND FOOTBALL MATCH AT COLUMBO, CEYLON (11/11/1944)

This film is held by the Imperial War Museum (ID: ABY 46).

Synopsis

High angle shots from roof of Secretariat building of procession moving though Columbo with civilians all around. Twelve Spitfire Mk VIII's in four three-aircraft 'vics' fly over the camera. One aircraft breaks to the left and peels off. Spitfires firing at a target a short distance offshore, with plumes of water from impacts. Spitfires in arrow formation. Shots of the crowd, with locals and British servicemen intermingled. Sixteen Chance-Vought Corsairs of the Fleet Air Arm seen in a triple-arrow formation. Another crowd shot. Corsairs firing at offshore target. Crowd shot showing boy holding union flag with British serviceman. Scenes of a joint RAF and Fleet Arm Air aircraft exhibition at Galle Face Green, with Fairey Barracuda and Corsair on display. Crowd shots.

Football match - England versus 'the rest'. Various shots of crowd. Shot of Commander-in-Chief Admiral Sir Geoffrey Layton watching the match with other senior military and civilian dignitaries. More game footage, then presentation of the cup to England, the winners. Dopesheet remarks that the England team included six RAF men, including the captain (Todd of Wolverhampton Wanderers).

City scenes showing banners declaring 'National Savings Week 11th - 18th November 1944'. Pan down to street with naval officers walking about.

Footage of a procession through Columbo, capital of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) followed by an air display and football match.

Notes

Dopesheet adds 'It has been remarked that [this film] ...demonstrate[s] the friendly relationship between us and the Ceylonese and their keen interest in helping [the] war effort'.

Date from slates. Dopesheet dated 6/12/1944.

 

Titles

  • PROCESSION, AIR SHOW AND FOOTBALL MATCH AT COLUMBO, CEYLON (11/11/1944) (Allocated)
Series Title:
ROYAL AIR FORCE OPERATIONS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
 

Technical Data

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

Production Credits

Production Countries:
GB
Sponsor
Air Ministry Directorate of Public Relations
cameraman
Hughes, H R (Flight Sergeant)
Production company
Royal Air Force Film Production Unit
 

Countries

 

Production Organisations