Film by an American cameraman showing a Fairmile B motor launch beached on the Kaleindaung river, in the Arakan coastal region of Burma.

A motor launch, ML 419, beached; a crew member jumps down to the sand and another uses a rope. Wider shot beached launch. More crew climb down. The captain of the launch, barechested but wearing his hat, plants a White Ensign on a pole into the sand and grinningly doffs his hat to it. Close-up White Ensign. The captain chalks a sarcastic message on the hull: Passengers are requested not to use the W.C. when the ship is in a station. Closer shot: Regs Wreck. Inspecting the keel. Close-up of the keel at the bow. Looking up at crewman on deck. Wide shot of the beached launch.

Notes

The Kaleindaung river is the estuary that opens to the sea south of Ramree Island. This launch was to be on patrol in the Pyin-Wan area, presumably in support of the landings at Letpan by 26th Indian Division.

A short film, but one which illustrates well the difficulties of naval operations in inshore or riverine areas.