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

View looking down a main road in Rangoon; sentries line the route and motorcycles lead a motorcade. Dorman-Smith's vehicle (a Dodge Command Car) passes close by the camera en route to a thanksgiving service. Dorman-Smith's limousine arrives at Government House. He gets out and is followed into Government House by Lady Dorman-Smith and various officers. Close-up of a naval sentry of the Burma Royal Naval Reserve presenting arms; the word 'Burma' can be seen on his cap. Dorman-Smith mounting a saluting base outside Government House. He removes his hat for the salute. He inspects the naval guard of honour. He inspects a contingent of the 4th Bombay Grenadiers escorted by a major wearing the patch of 2nd Division (crossed keys). Dorman-Smith on the saluting base as the guard of honour marches off.

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.

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