Lieutenant-General Raymond Wheeler US Army, is invested as an honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire (KBE), while Lord Louis Mountbatten receives the American Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) at South East Asia Command (SEAC) headquarters.

The badge, star and ribbon of the KBE lying on a cushion. Wheeler's citation for the KBE being read. Wheeler is decorated. Officers at the salute though out of focus. Citation for Mountbatten's DSM is read out. Wheeler decorates Mountbatten. Wide shot, conductor leads a band. Officers saluting. Guard marches past. Mountbatten and Wheeler pose for the camera. Series of high shots looking down over the parade ground as officers take their positions for the investiture. Wide shot of guard of honour presenting arms. Mountbatten and others taking their place. Mountbatten presents Wheeler's KBE. They inspect the guard. View along a line of British troops; they slope their arms before presenting them. View through the band to conductor. American troops saluting with British troops at the present arms; the British slope arms and the Americans revert to the attention. American colour party wheeling before marching off. Line of officers, apparently including some women (Women's Royal Naval Service/Wrens?), waiting to greet Mountbatten and Wheeler. Very overexposed shot of Wheeler and Mountbatten shaking hands and saluting the various officers.

Notes

Wheeler was Deputy Supreme Allied Commander to Lord Louis Mountbatten from February 1944, having previously served as Chief Administrative Officer at SEAC.

Dopesheet does not specify if the location is SEAC's wartime HQ in Kandy, Sri Lanka, or Singapore.

This piece shot by American cameramen of the SEAC Film Unit (US). Additional coverage by British cameramen at JFU 335 - see related items.