Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith, the pre-war Governor of Burma, returns to Government House, Rangoon, after years of government-in-exile.

Wide shot with naval officers on the quayside in the foreground and the Dido Class cruiser HMS Cleopatra moored in the Rangoon river firing a 17-gun salute. A launch ties up on the quayside. At the docks Dorman-Smith takes a salute and inspects a guard of honour. He meets civil officials at Government House. Cars arriving at Government House. Wide shot of guard of honour on parade outside Government House (some noticeable camera judder here). Long lens view, somewhat fogged, of Dorman-Smith inspecting the guard. Naval guard of honour (of the Burma Royal Naval Reserve) marching off. Rest of the guard marching off. Dorman-Smith and entourage walking along a driveway (?) lined with sentries.

Notes

Dorman-Smith had been forced to evacuate from Rangoon in February 1942 and again from Myitkyina to India later that year, spending the war in Simla. This film therefore represents a pivotal moment, with Britain regaining the civil administration of a country lost in such embarrassing circumstances in 1942, though one which would be independent in a little over two years.

Dopesheet identifies the units of the guard of honour as the Burma Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, 4th Battalion Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment (which served with distinction at Kohima) and 4th Bombay Grenadiers.

Given the importance of these proceedings, they were extensively covered by British and Indian Army cameramen. See related items.