Two-part film showing (1) the arrival of Lieutenant-General Joseph Stilwell, US Army, in Delhi and (2) the use of carrier pigeons, and a mobile pigeon loft, for Indian Army communications.

Part 1, shot by Kerntiff: Lieutenant-General Stilwell steps down from an aircraft and is greeted by American officers. Various shots of Stilwell in conversation. Lieutenant-General Brehon Somervell (?) steps down from an aircraft and is greeted by Stilwell. Various further shots. [217 ft] Part 2, shot by Beauchamp: A table with various small pieces of equipment on it; a sergeant with a pigeon in his left hand steps to the table. Closer shot shows him putting a ring on the pigeons leg (one of the items on the table is a tin of Pulvex fleakiller). Releasing pigeons. Pigeons land on the roof of a loft and go inside. A lorry; Indian troops inside jump out and lift out a pigeon box. Setting up a mobile pigeon loft in the field. Pigeons are transferred from the box to the mobile loft. Pigeons flying from a brick-built pigeon loft. A flock of pigeons going back inside. [380 ft]

Notes

The dopesheets for this film suggest their ought to be a third item under the number MWY 12, showing Mountbattens arrival in Delhi, however this is missing.

Series note: The MWY series of films is believed to be part of a ‘pool’ of film received by the Government of India from various sources, including South East Asia Command, the Indian Inter-Service Public Relations Directorate, the Ministry of Information, and from Allied governments. This footage would have been considered for editing and release through the Indian Newsreel Parade; see INR series.