TF 57 REPLENISHES AT AREA COOTIE ONE

This film is held by the Imperial War Museum (ID: ADM 525).

Synopsis

I. HA.MS onto focsle decks of two destroyers running abreast on portside of cameraship HMS King George V - the nearer destroyer has the more modern dual-purpose main armament. Ratings heave on a line to bring cargo sling across from destroyer. Two officers make jackstay transfer to the battleship. LS as carrier flashes a signal. Avenger aircraft fly past. US steel ATR passes left to right before turning to close on cameraship - in the background are Swiftsure and Indefatigable and a distant escort carrier.

II. Sequence showing the wedding of Lieutenant-Commander Fowler, RNR (?). LA of mainmast of King George V - a wedding wreath is hoisted up to just below the Type 279 transceiver. Cut to church as bride and bridegroom emerge to guard of honour leading to car. Cut to King George V alongside in Sydney - couple come up gangway and pass round quarterdeck to go below - a light carrier with Barracudas on deck is alongside in next berth.

III. Sequence shot onboard an oiler refuelling the destroyer HMS Undine (D.26), HMS Swiftsure and HMS King George V - note the propeller stowed on deck.

IV. HA.MS onto quarterdeck of HMS King George V anchored at Guam. Sailors assembled on deck give a cheer and RM guard presents arms as Admiral Nimitz emerges from beneath canvas awning - he is accompanied by Vice-Admiral Rawlings, 2 in C, BPF. Nimitz goes down the side into waiting admiral's barge. Marine guard leaves the quarterdeck.

V. Rear-Admiral Brind, CO CS4, transfers from his flagship Swiftsure to cameraship, HMS King George V. Once onboard he goes up to the bridge where he is greeted by Vice-Admiral Rawlings - Rawlings' Chief of Staff, Captain Reid looks on. After conference, Brind transfers back to Swiftsure - in company are Uganda and Gambia.

VI. Continuation of IV. Quarterdeck of King George V at Guam. Ratings receive leave chits at head of starboard gangway and descend into US LCM(3) 282 and ship's motor boat to be taken ashore.

VII. Reel Two. Continuation of V. HMS Swiftsure closes on King George V for transfer of Rear-Admiral Brind - the cruiser's bridge is crowded with men. HMS Howe refuels in the background.

VIII. Sequence shot by cameraman as he makes jackstay transfer from King George V to the destroyer HMS Undaunted (D.25).

IX. HA.MS along portside of King George V to after 5.25-inch turrets as they fire at maximum elevation - flak speckles the sky. HA.MSs to starboard and portside multiple 2-pounder AA firing off, and forward to focsle where smoke from 'B' turret AA drifts away in the breeze.

X. Onboard a Ruler Class escort carrier ferrying Corsairs and Fireflies - possibly HMS Striker of 30th Aircraft Carrier Squadron. Crossing the line ceremony - novices being shaved and ducked, all to much applause. Neptune and his band mount the flight deck from the focsle.

XI. Continuation of III. Cameraship transfers fuel to carrier Indefatigable, while a second tanker replenishes Howe. Cut to MS fine on the starboard bow of HMS King George V as she closes on cameraship. Oiler transfers hose to HMS Swiftsure which has come alongside to starboard - the oilers captain hails the cruiser. HMS Euryalus replaces Swiftsure - her main armament is at the ready for air defence, 'X' turret trained over the port beam at maximum elevation. MLS of a Ruler Class escort carrier, its deck crowded with aircraft, and pan left to Wave Class oiler ahead of the carrier. HA.MS to focsle of cameraship - paravanes are stowed either side of AA pedestal. LS of aircraft practicing an attack against Indomitable. LSs around the replenishment area. MSs aft from cameraship to King George V astern. Sequence showing HMS Undine alongside for replenishment.

XII. Continuation of II. In wardroom on King George V bride and bridegroom cut the cake and drink a toast. The couple pose beneath the guns of after turret.

XIII. Continuation of XI. LA.MS of crow's nest surmounting a derrick post on oiler. HA.MS as crewmen pay out hose over the stern to battleship King George V. Further shots of HMS Undine refuelling on starboard side. MLS aft as two hoses are trailed astern for King George V to pick up.

XIV. Continuation of IV. HMS King George V at Guam. Nimitz comes onboard to be greeted by Vice-Admiral Rawlings and Captain Halsey. After introductions and inspection of the RM guard, Nimitz addresses crew. Cut to sequence showing British sailors at liberty on Guam - they drink beer, attend a 'swing band' concert, and play baseball and horseshoes with their American allies.

 

Titles

  • TF 57 REPLENISHES AT AREA COOTIE ONE (Allocated)
Series Title:
BRITISH NAVAL OPERATIONS IN THE FAR EAST
 

Technical Data

Year:
1945
Running Time:
24 minutes
Film Gauge (Format):
35mm
Colour:
B&W
Sound:
Silent
Footage:
2196 ft
 

Production Credits

Production Countries:
GB
Sponsor
[Admiralty]