Aircraft are prepared for operations in support of the Dieppe Raid.

Firstly shots of Bostons are shot in good air to air views. Close ups are taken of the shoulder flashes of crews from various countries, namely Australia, Canada (note lanyard), Newfoundland, a USA volunteer, and Rhodesia. Crews pick up their equipment and move out of the briefing room. A Hurricane has made a belly landing and is now seen supported on its undercarriage. There are good shots of the considerable damage resulting from the landing and enemy action. After an air to air view of a Boston, Spitfires of 118 Squadron are seen being directed to their dispersal for rearming etc. Crews gather and chat excitedly as their aircraft are refuelled in a good close shot. Bostons are similarly 'flagged' in. In the open 20mm cannon drum magazines are reloaded on a table and .303 ammunition belts are 'wound' through a gauge to make sure they are lined up properly. Filled drums are then placed into a small utility vehicle for dispatch. The next sequence shows a bomb train and fins being fitted to 500lb bombs. After more shots of 88 Squadron Bostons, there follows a good sequence of the bomb train arriving amongst 174 Squadron Hurricanes and of one Hurricane being bombed up with a 250lb bomb. The guns are also being checked and cleaned. A Boston is stared up and moves off. Pilots standing in a group look at their watches and move off to their aircraft. The closest puts on his parachute hitherto placed on the wing and climbs into his Hurricane named 'MAURITIUS IV'. Other pilots are likewise filmed in their cockpits getting ready, one gives a thumbs up sign. Scenes follow of 340 Squadron and appear to be repeats from previous reels. A Boston pilot gets into his cockpit helped by an Airman. A crewman enters by the lower for hatch and aircraft move off. The reel ends with a view from the mid upper position of a landing.

Notes

Summary: Some very good scenes of ground activity, especially the bombing up of a Hurribomber. The USA shoulder flash is rare as is the curious use by one of the pilots of a canvas 'tropical' flying helmet in the last scenes of the reel.