A Fighter has Crashed:
Quite a movie. David Farrar of the Powell-Pressburger films Black Narcissus and The Small Back Room advises some unhappy locals in a pub. They tried to rescue a downed pilot unconscious in his plane, but succeeded only in bashing him with an ax before the plane caught fire and he burned up. Bad show, that. Farrar explains how to trigger the cockpit latches and access doors on a number of planes and suggests the best way to remove injured pilots. The film is a testament to English trust in its citizens -- American military films would never suggest that a civilian approach a plane no matter how desperate the situation. At the end Farrar says that he doesn't mind trying to give some pointers and advice -- the pilot somebody saves may be him!
Missed Date:
A cute, sinister little film narrated in rhyme. Some airmen relaxing in a pub make a date with two cute locals -- realistic young women, not picked starlets -- and then foolishly brag about "big doings" back at the aerodrome. Come Saturday night, the boys have been killed in an air raid instigated by info from their own foolish mouths. Effective propaganda, especially because the airmen -- friendly, ordinary guys with bad teeth -- are obviously the real thing.
Nought Fleet:
A movie about navigation, spelling out the detailed map reading, landmark spotting and course correction skills needed to keep on course during low level raids on enemy territory. The route being investigated is in England, because "the enemy wouldn't cooperate". The movie makes navigating seem both exacting and nerve wracking, and some of the low flying looks very scary.
R.A.F. Regiment:
Another training film, this time for R.A.F. ground personnel and soldiers who defend the aerodromes from a German invasion, a possibility apparently not ruled out until late in the war. The training footage emphasizes the idea that these rear guard troops are vital as well.
Towards the Offensive and We Attack:
Both of these titles are morale builders stressing the message that England is no longer holding on by its nails but visiting a deserved retribution on the Germans. We see French, New Zealanders and Americans with Alabama accents joining in the round-the-clock bombing melee. Plenty of flying footage and extended aerial scenes of Berlin in flames. The returning fliers checking in with debriefers seem barely out of their 'teens.
Front Line Air Force:
An interesting look at a North African air unit relocating to Salerno, and all the effort and planning that's involved. The point is stressed that airstrips need to be reestablished immediately so that the fighters can support the ground offensive. Interesting scenery and hardware, and good filmmaking.
Night Flight:
Another morale booster showing how the R.A.F. bombers take the night shift to keep Germany under bombardment 24-7. Clearly assembled to give the civvies something to cheer about during wartime rationing.
Extra: Newsreel - With the Airforce
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Ready to Watch The Royal Air Force at War The Unseen Films 1940 1944, Season 1, Episode 3?