CONVOY KMF(A)1 SAILS FOR GIBRALTAR AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATION TORCH

This film is held by the Imperial War Museum (ID: ADM 1214).

Synopsis

I. Reel One. A Sector, Algiers. LCM(1) 73 runs inshore near Algiers carrying troops who wave to the cameraman - they disembark and proceed inland. LS off the starboard bow of Viceroy of India and pan left to Karanja and Marnix van Sint Aldegonde. Cameracraft closes on Viceroy and crosses beneath her bows. MS off port quarter of auxiliary anti-aircraft vessel HMS Pozarica and LA.CU as the cameracraft passes stern to bow along her port side.

II. Convoy KMF(A)1 at sea. LS of HMS Biter amidst the convoy, and MS of the aircraft ranged aft - Sea Hurricanes of 800 Squadron and Swordfish of 833A Flight, one of which is running up. Shots of the LSIs in the convoy, including Orontes, Strathnaver, Sobieski. A Fairmile B ML 338 steams between Orontes and Marnix. Three Fairmiles pass in line abreast through the convoy. LS as Pozarica fires off 4-inch AA.

III. Transports in Algiers. Viceroy of India begins disembarking troops. HMS Bramham (L.51) passes. CU as HMS Archer passes right to left through frame - Sea Hurricanes parked aft.

IV. Reel Two. Convoy at sea. MLS off starboard bow of HMS Largs. LSs of the convoy underway in overcast and low light conditions - among the nearer ships is the LSP Batory, part of the group for Oran. Cameraship closes fine on the starboard quarter of Strathnaver. Commander O M Frewen, SNO of Marnix, surveys the convoy with Captain Hettema. A Dutch Lieutenant (2e Cl) takes a sight. Gunnery officer checks 2-inch rocket PAC canister. MCU of helmsman at the wheel. HMS Biter and HMS Enchantress (U.56) pass Marnix. LS off the starboard quarter of HMS Sheffield. HA and CU sequence showing troop inspection on quarterdeck of Marnix (carrying 5th Northamptons and 6th Royal West Kents) - ship's AA crews watch from their posts. LA of Dutch Ensign - at the foot of the mast is an Oerlikon position. MLS as Enchantress refuels from Sheffield - after completing the operation Sheffield makes off, followed by Enchantress, pitching heavily in the long swell.

V. Algiers. HA.MS as troops descend scramble nets into LCM 73 and a LCP(R) alongside. LCM 73 moves off, crowded with men - US pattern LCP(L) passes in the background. Final shot from smallcraft to LCM 73 and starboard quarter of Marnix.

Scenes in A Sector, Eastern Task Force, Algiers, and in convoy KMF(A)1. Cameraship is Marnix van Sint Aldegonde.

 

Titles

  • CONVOY KMF(A)1 SAILS FOR GIBRALTAR AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATION TORCH (Allocated)
Series Title:
MEDITERRANEAN OPERATIONS OF THE ROYAL NAVY
 

Technical Data

Year:
1942
Running Time:
17 minutes
Film Gauge (Format):
35mm
Colour:
B&W
Sound:
Silent
Footage:
1504 ft
 

Production Credits

Production Countries:
GB
Sponsor
[Admiralty]
[cameraman]
[Sekies, Ron]