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These titles are straight off our main list; have a good browse.
PLEASE NOTE: most titles here deal with war and military matters: * * * * *
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GENERAL MILITARY & AVIATION TITLESall now on DVD
Elite Fighting Forces: ROYAL MARINE COMMANDOS . . . DD130445 To be a Royal Marine Commando takes something special. Recruits have to pass the longest infantry training course in the Western world. Royal Marine Commandos takes you inside the world of this elite fighting force as seldom before, following Marines through training and on both Arctic and Jungle exercises, including anti-sniper and ambush manoeuvres. This DVD also tells the story of the Royal Marines, from their earliest days stationed abroad the British Fleet as sharpshooters and landing parties through their first use as commandos during World War Two right up to the Falklands. Today, their present role is as fast reaction elite troops ready to fight anywhere at a moment's notice...
55 mins
... DVD . . . £12.99 + £1.50
p&p Elite Fighting Forces: GURKHAS Since 1815, the Gurkhas have served the British Crown with pride and the fiercest loyalty, from the Northwest Frontier of India to The Falkland Islands and beyond. 
The Gurkha is the ultimate infantryman - fit, tough, fearless, disciplined, aggressive and deadly in hand-to-hand combat. More than anything else, the Gurkha is famous for his Kukri knife, a wickedly sharp blade some 15-18 inches long and ideal for use in close quarters combat. Witnessing a Gurkha attack is an unforgettable experience, according to the British Officers who have fought beside them. The sound of their whirling Kukri blades, mingled with the sounds of gunfire, the screams of the wounded and the chilling sound of the Gurkha battle cry is a truly terrifying thing to hear. Gurkhas is the inside story of the Gurkhas from 1815 to the last days of British rule in Hong Kong, with historical footage of the Gurkhas in action in the First and Second World Wars, plus interviews with both serving Gurkhas and their commanding officers and extensive film of Gurkhas on combat training manoeuvres.
53 mins
... DVD 130446 . . . £12.99 + £1.50
p&p 
ARK ROYAL : Complete History . . . DD087D The story of this great naval name, the third of which was only the second for the Royal Navy to be designed as a flat-top carrier, and whose brief 27-month career saw her rarely out of the news. Atlantic convoys, the Bismarck episode, Force "H", Malta convoys, all came within the Ark's experience before her untimely end in 1941. Having claimed many times that they had sunk her, the German's finally did just that. Built at the great yard of Cammell-Laird, she carried 72 aircraft and was the design icon of her time. Every schoolboy knew all about that Ark Royal. This DVD traces the history of this famous series of fighting ships. Rare film shows the second Ark Royal in action in the First World War with the first Short seaplanes being lowered into the sea for take-off. The Second World War saw experiments with catapult-launched aircraft such as the Walrus and Hurricane. After the improvement of carrier-borne launches, the Ark Royal became a valuable fighting platform able to launch a variety of aircraft such as Blackburn Skua bombers, Fulmar fighters and the famous Fairey Swordfish. Archive footage shows these aircraft in action. And finally, we come to the commissioning of the fourth carrier and the one that saw the introduction of carrrier-borne jet aircraft. Here we see thrilling shots of Sea Hawks, Scimitars, Sea Vixens, Buccaneers and eventually the Phantom. The present day Ark Royal is captured in a dramatic behind-the-scenes look at her providing backup to the UN forces in Bosnia, in active service during the 2003 Gulf War and her moving return to port from the Middle East.
85 mins
... DVD . . . £12.99 + £1.50
p&p SEAFIRE & SEA HURRICANE AT WAR The Spitfire and Hurricane were proven in battle and universally regarded as the best British fighter aircraft of their era - so it was hardly surprising that the Royal Navy were eager to adapt them for service with the Fleet Air Arm. 
The Spitfire - called the Seafire for the naval version - initially proved ill-suited to carrier operations, with its poor pilot visibility and relatively weak undercarriage making carrier landings hazardous. Once modified however, it quickly became the most effective fighter in the Fleet Air Arm. This DVD features extensive rare footage of the Seafire in operation, including supporting the North African landings, undergoing rocket and catapult-assisted tests, escorting convoys and in 'pseudo-American' markings to fool the French Vichy forces.On the other hand, the Hurricane was more immediately suited to carrier operations and the Sea Hurricane required less modification. It is seen here in footage working from HMS Eagle in the Mediterranean on typical convoy escort duties as well as in general service - and there is even a look at 'Hurricats' being rail-launched from merchant ships in 1939. Accompanying the profiles of these two formidable Fleet Air Arm fighters are vivid first hand accounts of training, operations and combat by surviving Seafire and Sea Hurricane pilots, as well as veteran mechanics who kept the aircraft flying off the carriers and extensive colour film of a Seafire demonstrating its role as a target spotter for naval big guns.
82 mins ... DVD 122931 . . . £15.99 + £1.50 p&p ROYAL NAVY at WAR : 1940-1943 THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM COLLECTION features rare and fascinating original films preserved in the Museum's archives. Many have never been released to the public before and are presented here, complete and uncut, for the very first time. These films are of great historical importance and are essential viewing for anyone interested in maritime and aviation history. 
These eight films, all from the early years of the war and relating to the Royal Navy, give both a general overview of the navy's role at the time and an in-depth look at some of its activities. They range in theme from the obvious morale booster, through to straight information and instructional films.COMMISSIONING A BATTLESHIP: Produced by Gaumont British News for the Ministry of Information in 1942, this film shows the preparation of HMS Howe for her first voyage. NAVAL OPERATIONS: Produced by Shell for the Ministry of Information in 1941, this short film combines an analysis of various sea battles of the early war years with descriptions of various classes of warship. CORVETTES: Produced by Spectator for the Ministry of Information and Admiralty in 1941, Corvettes shows a Flower-class corvette in its convoy protection role. MEET THE SHIP: Produced by Verity for the Admiralty in 1943, this naval instructional film follows a Gunnery Petty Officer giving a conducted tour of a cruiser, HMS London, in Scapa Flow. BATTLESHIP: Produced by Verity for the Ministry of Information in 1942, this film offers a comprehensive picture of life on board HMS King George V for the 1500 strong crew. RAISING SAILORS: A look at the early training of Royal Navy recruits, produced by Pathe for the Ministry of Information in 1940. MASTERY OF THE SEA: Produced by Ealing Studios for Associated British Film Distributors in 1940, this is an early morale-booster which sets out to demonstrate that Britain is not beleaguered. Thanks to the Navy, we remain unconquerable. HM NAVIES GO TO SEA: Produced by British Movietone News for the Ministry of Information in 1941, this is an overview of the Empire's navies, in peace and war, designed to emphasise their size and power, worldwide distribution and fighting character.
113mins ... DVD 121480 . . . £15.99 + £1.50 p&p 
BRITISH MILITARY TRADITIONS : In The News This DVD gathers together much rare and never before seen cinema newsreel and television archive footage of historic ceremonies to salute and celebrate British military traditions. These precious films record not only world-famous spectaculars like the Trooping of the Colour but also one-off poignant events such as the victory parade by the crews of HMS Ajax and Exeter after the Battle of the River Plate. Highlights include: • The Trooping of the Colour ceremony from 1939, 1952. 1964 and 1969. • The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace from 1935, 1941, 1943 and 1956, featuring the Royal Marines, Home Guard and RAF Regiment • Victory Parades from 1919 and 1946 • Victory Parade of Ajax and Exeter crews after the sinking of the Graf Spee – 1940 • Passing out parades from Sandhurst & The Royal Naval College. • Highlights from the Royal Tournament • Edinburgh Festival Highlights from 1947 and 1961 • Aldershot Military Tattoo Rehearsal (1935) • The Band of the Royal Marines regiment perform the ceremony of Beating the Retreat in 1950 Region 2 Pal Europe
90 mins ... DVD . . . £14.99 + £1.50 p&p 
NAVAL REVIEWS : In The News A nostalgic collection of newsreels and television reports, celebrating the history and spectacle of the Royal Naval review; traditionally an occasion to show strength during times of war, the reviews became hugely entertaining ceremonial displays. Included here are some historical Reviews dating back to King George V, as well as some notable ones of our 'Elizabethan' age. Region 2 Pal Europe
90 mins ... DVD . . . £14.99 + £1.50 p&p
70 mins ... DVD . . . £12.99 + £1.50 p&p COASTAL COMMAND (1961): A training film made for the Air Ministry, this 1961 colour film stresses Coastal Command's role within NATO, focusing on Shackletons operating out of Gibraltar and at the Christmas Island A-Bomb tests, as well as briefly covering other areas of operation and expertise. FIGHTING TACTICS FOR COASTAL COMMAND (1942): Made for the Air Ministry, this wartime pilots' training film vividly demonstrates the best method of evading attacks by enemy fighter planes, using point of view gun camera footage as well as animations. BOMB HANDLING, FUZING AND LOADING (1945): Made for the RAF, this detailed training film for ground crews shows the correct procedure for 'bombing up' a Sunderland Flying Boat with 2501b depth charges.
DD124133 . . b&w 85 mins .. DVD . . .
£15.99 + £1.50
p&p THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AT WAR: THE UNSEEN FILMS 1940-1944 ... is a unique collection of three, extra-length DVDs chronicling the RAF in service during the Second World War and covering the period 1940-1944. Each remarkable volume contains a wide selection of rare films that have never been released on DVD before and, in many cases, will not have been seen since the war years. 
These carefully selected films cover a truly diverse range of subjects, from procedures for Halifax bomber crews to a celebration of the newly introduced Lancaster and from the instructions for navigators on board Stirlings to the best way to rescue crashed fighter pilots from their cockpits. There are film guides to preventing air accidents, fascinating behind-the-scenes accounts of servicing Wellington bombers and even a look at the RAF Regiment.Taken together, these 24 training and public information films provide a fascinating historical record of the Royal Air Force at the height of the war years, and are a compendium of the next three RAF DVDs down this list.
5hrs 29mins ... DD120380 ... £39.99 THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AT WAR: THE UNSEEN FILMS 1940 ... collects together previously unavailable wartime RAF training and information films for the first time. All six films presented here date from 1940, probably the most important year in the RAF's long and distinguished history. As well as providing an important film record of diverse aspects of the RAF during the Battle of Britain year, the collection also includes film of many of the aircraft types in use at the time. 
BITS OF OUR AIRCRAFT ARE MISSING: A dramatised warning against stealing parts from crashed RAF aircraft.
DISCIPLINE AND MORALE: An explanation of the RAF command structure and why discipline is considered so vital to the effectiveness of the RAF. ENEMY INTERROGATION OF PRISONERS: A dramatised warning to airmen showing the fate that may befall them if captured. GUN TURET DRILL (THE FRASER NASH TURRET): A detailed instruction film for front and rear gunners on Wellingtons, the mainstay of the RAF bomber force in 1940. THE BOULTON PAUL TURRET: This rare instruction film looks at arming, maintaining and operating the turret on the Boulton Paul Defiant fighter. LOCAL BOY MAKES GOOD: Extraordinary cartoon showing the effects of oxygen deprivation on a Hampden crew tangling with Me109s.
125 mins ... DD120118 ... £15.99 THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AT WAR: THE UNSEEN FILMS 1941-1942 ... collects together previously unavailable wartime RAF training and information films for the first time. The 7 films presented here capture the RAF in the middle years of the war. The immediate threat of invasion was over - but victory looked very far away indeed. The RAF was strengthening itself and preparing for a long and bloody hard-fought campaign. The emphasis is very much on bombers and the role of RAF Bomber Command - Britain's only real way of taking the war directly to Nazi Germany in those long years. 
THE FIRST THING: British Films Ltd made this guide to rudimentary drill and rank recognition in the RAF, stressing the importance to keep up standards in the ranks.RE-ARMING A BOMBER: A detailed look at how a Wellington bomber is serviced before a raid, with particular emphasis on the armaments. RAF ACTION: British Movietone News' stirring celebration of the fine history and traditions of the RAF, with a parade of the RAF aircraft types in service in 1941. AIR SENSE: Gee Films Ltd made this guide to avoiding preventable accidents, aimed at elementary flying training schools. FLY AWAY PETER: The story of how RAF aircraft are delivered to overseas postings, featuring Wellingtons, Beaufighters, Hudsons, Blenheims and Liberators. IN THE DRINK: This MOI film features a dramatic reconstruction of a Halifax bomber ditching in the sea and looks at the safety equipment carried on board. SKY GIANT: Movietone's celebration of the powerful new bomber just coming into service with the RAF - the Avro Lancaster.
103 mins ... DD120099 ... £15.99 ROYAL AIR FORCE: The Unseen Films : 1943-1944 The eight films presented here collect together previously unavailable wartime RAF training and information films for the first time. Far from being on the defensive - as it had been during the early years of the war - the RAF was now firmly on the offensive, taking the war to the enemy with a vengeance and looking forward to its role in the invasion of Europe that was certain to come. Of particular note in this collection is rare footage of the Stirling, a Bomber Command aircraft all too often overlooked in favour of the Lancaster. 
A FIGHTER HAS CRASHED: Made by Selwyn Films, this information film shows the best way to rescue a pilot from a crashed Spitfire, Typhoon or Beaufighter.MISSED DATE: A stark but poetic warning to RAF personnel that you never know who may be listening in your local pub. RAF REGIMENT: A rare look at the supporting role of the Regiment, with dramatic combat scenes from the North African Campaign and rare RAF Kittyhawk footage. WE ATTACK: A stirring celebration of the RAF on the offensive, comparing the war to tactics on a soccer pitch. NIGHT FLIGHT: This re-created raid by Stirling bombers emphasises the role of the Navigator in the success of the mission.
101mins ... DD120097 ... £15.99 ROYAL AIR FORCE: The Unseen Films : 1945-1947 Features 6 films, covering 1945 to 1947. Included are 'Glad to be Back', made to encourage RAF personnel to stay in the RAF and enjoy the benefits of the new 'jet age'; 'No Alibi', on dealing with air accidents; 'Flying with Prudence' portrays the new attitudes required for peacetime flying. There's three further rare films from the archives. The immediate post-war years saw the RAF both deservedly looking back at their hard-won victory over Nazi Germany and trying to re-adjust to a world at peace. The 6 films presented here perfectly capture that era of transition. 
GLAD TO BE BACK: As the war ended, most RAF personnel couldn't wait to get back to 'Civvy Street'. This COI film, made for the Air Ministry in 1947, was designed to encourage personnel to stay with the RAF and enjoy all its benefits in the new 'jet age'.NO ALIBI: In this Merton Park production, made in 1947, an RAF pilot and his wife discuss the reasons accidents happen, with dramatic footage of different crashes involving an Oxford, Mosquito, Proctor and two Spitfires. FLYING WITH PRUDENCE: Peacetime flying required a different attitude to the 'Tally Ho!' spirit of wartime and the RAF became concerned that complacency would set in amongst pilots and crew. This extraordinary dramatised film, made in 1946 for the Air Ministry (and which was edited by the acclaimed documentary maker John Krish), set aboard an Avro York en route to India, sees a pilot lectured by a beautiful woman on safety procedure. Her name? Prudence. IT ALL DEPENDS: A short film made in 1945 showing Stirlings and explaining how, even in post-war Britain recycling, our waste helps make the RAF strong. THE AIR PLAN: Eric Portman narrates this 1945 retrospective account from the RAF Film Production Unit, celebrating the RAF's role in the Normandy campaign, with outstanding footage of RAF Typhoon's blitzing targets with salvos of rockets and cannon fire. TARGET GERMANY: Made in 1945 for the Ministry of Information, the RAF looks back to the war years, with accounts of night raids on Nazi Germany by Stirlings and Lancasters featuring vivid bombing run footage and sobering daylight reconnaissance film of the damage inflicted.
117 mins ... DD122073 ... £14.99 ROYAL AIR FORCE: The Unseen Films : 1948-53 Includes the following 8 short films in B&W : THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM COLLECTION features rare and fascinating original films preserved in the Museum's archives. Many have never been released to the public before and are presented here, complete and uncut, for the very first time. These films are of great historical importance and are essential viewing for anyone interested in RAF and aviation history. 
WING TO WING: This fast-moving Crown Film Unit production, made in 1951, takes stock of the RAF of the day, with Meteor squadron scrambles and massed formations, early film of the Swift, B1067 and Valiant, Canberras and B-29s in RAF markings.BERLIN AIR-LIFT: The story of the RAF's role in bringing relief to a blockaded Berlin in 1948, with featured aircraft including Sunderland flying boats and the York, Viking, Halifax and Dakota. ROYAL CORONATION REVIEW - BRITAIN 1953: A truly astounding film record of H.M. The Queen inspecting 300 static aircraft at Odium Airfield in Hampshire - and enjoying a 650 aircraft flypast that includes Varsitys, Valetta, Lincolns, Swifts, Meteors, Canberras and a Victor and Vulcan. WINGS OF DEFENCE: A Central Office of Information report made in 1950 on the Royal Auxiliary Air Force - the 'Weekend Air Force' - and their Meteors and Vampires. FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE: An extraordinary Central Office of Information colour cartoon, made in 1950 by Halas and Batchelor, in which RAF airmen dream about the evolution of flight and the development of RAF aircraft. A real curiosity piece. FUTURE IN FLIGHT: Made by the Central Office of Information in 1950 for the Air Ministry, this film follows a typical RAF recruit through training to become a pilot. OPERATION ICELIFT: Made for the Air Ministry in 1952, this wonderful colour film follows a flight of Sunderland flying boats from 230 Squadron on a mission to retrieve an expedition from the frozen arctic wastes of Greenland. FIGHTER TACTICS AGAINST B.29: The biggest danger facing Britain in this era was posed by Russian bomber fleets heading over the North Sea. Once rated 'Confidential', this unique film, made for the RAF in 1948, shows RAF Vampires and Meteors actually practicing aerial intercept tactics on B-29's of USAF's 92nd Bomber Group.
80 mins ... DD122075 ... £15.99 ROYAL AIR FORCE: The Unseen Films : 1954-60 Includes the period of Suez, and other rare films. Film records of RAF aircraft, units and activities; also an invaluable `behind the scenes` look at life in the RAF. This collection features no less than eleven films. GREENLAND EXPEDITION HOME (1954 : B&W): Movietone's film account of the return of the two-year RAF expedition to Greenland, with rare film of RAF Sunderlands in formation. 
KING HUSSEIN AT BIGGIN HILL (1955 : B&W): King Hussein of Jordan inspects RAF Vampires in this short Movietone report.THE JAVELIN IN SERVICE (1956 : B&W): A Movietone report on the Javelins of 46 Squadron, which includes both air-to-air film and four ship formation footage. BY JET TO THE SUN (1957 : Colour): A real treat for Canberra enthusiasts - a glorious film record of 139 Squadron's visit to the West Indies and 9 Squadron Canberras visiting West Africa during 1955-6. ALL WEATHER FIGHTER (1959 : Colour): A short film record of refuelling and rearming a Javelin fighter, with air-to-air cannon test firing sequences. APPRENTICES OF THE RAF (1959 : B&W): The training of RAF apprentice technicians at RAF Halton. The film includes unusual footage of Vulcan servicing, three ship formations and Swifts being loaded with air-to-air missiles. RAF RECRUITMENT TRAILER (1960 : B&W): A short recruitment piece for the RAF, featuring interviews with service personnel. RESCUE AT SEA (1960 : Colour): A simulated air-sea rescue mission by a helicopter of RAF 22 Squadron. ADVENTURE WITH SKILL (1960 : Colour): A recruitment film for the non-flying branches of the RAF, offering a fascinating insight into the training of RAF mechanics. CALL OUT (1960 : B&W): A dramatised documentary showing a typical incident tackled by the volunteer RAF Mountain Rescue Service. THE RAF 42ND ANNIVERSARY (1960 : B&W): A celebration of 42 years of the RAF, packed with rare and unusual footage of RAF aircraft from beginning to end - including the Siskin and Black Arrows.
93 mins ... DD123591 ... £14.99 ROYAL AIR FORCE: The Unseen Films : 1960-61 more rare films of RAF operations during the heady days of the Cold War. Includes film of the Avro Vulcan. With an understated classic 'English' voice-over, this presentation is so quintissentially 'British'. DELTA 8-3 (1960): A real find .. and an absolute must for Vulcan enthusiasts. Filmed at RAF Waddington, it follows the progress of the new crew of Vulcan Delta 8-3 (XA 911) from their arrival to their first flight. Highlights include roll-outs, taxiing, take offs and landings, air-to-air film, three ship formations, cockpit footage and an 83 Squadron scramble. 
THE FAVOURITES (1960): A look at life at RAF Akrotiri, following the life of an electronics technician based there. Aircraft featured include Lightnings (seen here refuelling and on a night scramble), Javelins and a simulated night emergency landing by a Canberra.TRANSPORT COMMAND (1961): A unique look at RAF Lyneham in the early 1960s, with its fleet of Transport Command Britannias and Comets. The film includes an extensive look around inside Lyneham's Operations Block and Passenger Reception areas, as well as following typical flights from Lyneham to Gan, Aden (where Beverleys are much in evidence) and Nairobi's RAF Station Eastleigh. HIGH ENCOUNTER (1961): This film follows a training flight by an RAF Valiant bomber non-stop from England to South Africa. The flight, which is being made by XD182, is recorded with interior filming and rare night air-to-air filming, and includes mid-air refuelling over Africa with a second Valiant - XD186. TRUE BEARING (1961): This is a dramatised documentary looking at life in the RAF in the Far East, with the Britannias, Comets and Beverleys of RAF Transport Command much in evidence. A Shackleton is also featured as are RAF posts in the Maldives, Singapore and Changi. JUNGLE LIFE-LINE (1961): A gripping account of RAF operations in the Far East, with Transport Command Beverleys, Britannias, Belvederes, Whirlwinds and Hastings all seen in troop support roles. Canberras, V-Bombers, Firestreak-bearing Javelins and Hunters provide the potential for air cover and air-to-ground strike missions.
93 mins ... DD123592 ... £14.99 LANCASTER VOICES The Lancaster bomber was the mainstay of RAF Bomber Command during WW2 and flew deep into Nazi Germany on some of the most hazardous missions of the entire war. Of the 7,377 Lancasters built, almost 4,000 were lost in combat. 
This truly unique DVD provides riveting first hand accounts of what it was like to fly and fight in a Lancaster bomber from surviving veterans, as well as from Lancaster test pilots and the Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster pilot, Ed Straw. Their testimonies include vivid recollections of some of the most famous bombing missions of the war, including the Dambusters, Tirpitz and Eagle’s Nest raids.Their extraordinary stories are illustrated by original archive film of the Lancaster at war, as well as with superb footage of the last Lancaster still flying in Europe as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. INTERVIEWEES: ‘Rod Rodley – Pilot : Lawrence ‘Benny’ Goodman – Pilot : Edgar Lee – Naval observer seconded to RAF : Les Munro – Pilot : George ‘Johnny’ Johnson – Bomb aimer : Alex Henshaw – Test pilot : Peter Ayerst – Test pilot : Ed Straw – BBMF pilot"
92 mins ... DD131439 ... £14.99 THE GLASS MOUNTAIN Please forgive us for introducing fiction to this page, but please believe me when I say it is worth it. 
This is a 1948 film with stunning music by Rota, a heart-rending wartime romance, a real RAF love story bar none in a similar vein to "The Way to The Stars" or the original "Love Story" of 1944. Featuring the devastatingly pretty Dulcie Gray and her equally handsome husband, Michael Dennison, as an RAF pilot shot down in the Italian Dolomites whilst on a mission to be rescued by Partisans. The singing of an Italian male choir and the voice of Tito Gobi, let alone the stunning mountain scenery, make this a memorable film for all who saw it. Amazed this true classic weepie is not better known.
86 mins ... DD130442 ... £9.99 BRITISH JET AGE : The Early Years Features 5 films: Britain's Jet Planes (1950); Britain's New Aircraft (1950); This Jet Age (1953); Wing to Wing (1951); On the Beam (1951)
FA206D . . B&W 54 mins .. DVD . . .
£16.95 + £1.50
p&p BRABAZON - the Beautiful Dream A look at the history of the Bristol Brabazon Mk 1 from its conception in 1943 to its demise 10 years later, using archive footage & photographs.
70 mins . . . FT103D . . . £14.99
BRISTOL BRITANNIA STORY Uses archive footage & stills to chart the development of the Britannia aircraft.
60 mins . . . FT112D . . . £14.99
BRISTOL AIRCRAFT : A century of flight Rare archive film, fascinating photographs and informed comment this film celebrates the city's aviation heritage.
75 mins . . . FT114D . . . £18.95
DC-3 - A Living Legend An in-depth look at the iconic DC-3, which has been in service for well over 50 years. This classic 1930's aeroplane from the Douglas stable became the airliner of choice for many operators up to World War 2. It was during that war, however, that the DC-3 really came into its own in military service, whether dropping supplies behind the lines in the jungle, or troops by parachute, towing invasion gliders or more mundane tasks like mine-laying. All these, and more, were tasks that the DC-3 carried off with great aplomb. And so loved by pilots and ground crews alike, we'll meet some of them on this DVD.
TTT . . 56 mins ..
DVD . . . £12.99 + £1.50
p&p  SOMME . . . Here Comes Kitchener's Army. The Battle of the Somme has a particular place in British social history. The opening day of the campaign on the 1st July 1916 is remembered as the worst day in British military history. As the mainly untried recruits of Kitchener's New Army went over the top, they were annihilated by the waiting Germans. There were more than 60,000 casualties, nearly 20,000 of them dead. It was a campaign that began in the sweltering heat of summer and ended four and a half months later, bogged down in a sea of mud. This programme details the opening phase of the battle and explains why so many young men volunteered. As the battle ground on through the summer the losses among the troops became critical. This was the result of Field Marshall Kitchener's policy of 'attrition', this literally meant throwing thousands of troops against the German lines in the hope that sheer numbers would effect a victory. This policy has been a matter of controversy ever since. Many of the surviving troops found it difficult to forgive Haig, as have many historians and researchers since. This programme charts the final stages of the battle, as the British army slogged its way across the devastated ground. Only a few miles had been gained for the loss of untold thousands of lives
TTT . . 56 mins .. DVD . . .
£12.99 + £1.50
p&p  YPRES - The Salient The city of Ypres in northern Belgium was destined to become the most fearsome killing ground of the Great War. Known universally to the troops as the Salient (this to describe any feature which jutted out from the series of trench lines, which ran 600 miles from the North Sea coast to the Swiss border). Soldiers who were posted here approached Ypres with a sense of dread. They knew the chances of their surviving were remote. This programme deals with the formation of the Salient in 1914 as the rapidly advancing German army swept all before it. They were faced by the regular soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force. Only 100,000 strong, they were the world's finest soldiers. Created as a kind of superior police force, it had been their job to protect the Empire. Now, they faced a well trained and disciplined German force flushed with a string of victories. The subsequent bitter fighting around the city resulted in the British maintaining their foothold, one that they maintained for the rest of the war. The Battle of Messines was the first great Allied victory of the war, a masterpiece of planning.
TTT . . 56 mins .. DVD . . .
£12.99 + £1.50
p&p
Shipmates' Links
 HMS Gambia Association An award-winning and informative site to an obviously happy ship. A great deal of interest here on this smart Colony Class Cruiser of World War II, and a site well worth a visit. Site run by Bill Hartland, a self-confessed ex-Bootneck Bandy, and naturally, site has the best music to introduce it .. . HMS Cavalier .. the Royal Navy's last World War II destroyer, now preserved at the old dockyard, Chatham. A superb site, lots of photos, and a must for any matelot, whatever ship he served on. HMS Edinburgh . . . page created and maintained by David Orton for this memorable cruiser, famously lost en-route to Russia. HMS Howe .. & sisters ..... old shipmates now have a website, run by ex AB Gerry Burtenshaw, now in Canada. The link takes you to the first of 9 pages of thumbnails. This is a particularly fine set of some several dozen pics of battleships Howe, KGV, POW, and Anson. Sea trials, convoys, Suez Canal, foreign ports and march pasts, a really lovely collection of memories of what I think were the smartest and sleekest warships ever built for the Royal Navy. We'll not see their like again. World War Cruiser Operations . . . a superb site, even if the name is a bit of a misnomer. For the site covers everything naval, from carriers down to destroyers and subs ... an amazing number of good quality pics, dozens of video clips, many sound clips of veterans telling their own experience, and a full indexing facility to search for any ship or action. At over 300 pages, it's one of the most comprehensive on the web. I spent a fascinating hour there, and only saw a fraction of what there is. I only forced myself to leave because it was the middle of the night and I needed some sleep! So be warned, it's compulsive viewing for naval buffs. I also get a lot of family history enquiries re warships, so will be referring same to this site frequently, as well as looking in again for my own interest.
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