HISTORY OF THE WAR: EMPIRE TROOPS

Rights Information
Year
1917
Reference
F232642
Media type
Moving image
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Rights Information
Year
1917
Reference
F232642
Media type
Moving image
Place of production
United Kingdom
Categories
Newsreel
Production company
Pathe Freres Cinema

DOCUMENTARY. A history of World War I. "Canadians to Salisbury Plain, England. Indians to Marseilles, France. New Zealanders and Australians to Egypt." (1). Pan along line of Canadian (?) troops with regimental colours. In the background are pitched tents (11). XLS of Australian troops performing keep fit exersises in a large square fomation (20); closer view of same (29). Highland soldiers in kilts cheer on a comrade who dances a jig. In the background are pitched tents (43). The soldiers pose (49). XLS of Indian troops disembarking at Marseilles (?) docks (59). HAS of Indian troops marching down street in Marseilles and cheered by a group of by-standers (108). Australian mounted troops on parade pass camera (117). Australian troops on parade marching (125); artillery passes (135). Pan left of army camp, a number of ambulances are seen (144). Australian troops march along tree-lined road (170). Australian troops beside their tents (193). Pan left of open air kitchen with Egyptians in fez hats cooking. In the background is the army camp and the Pyramids (218ft). (Shotlist) A history of the Great War, focussing on troops from the Empire. An opening title outlines the scenes depicted within the film - 'Canadians to Salisbury Plain, England. Indians to Marseilles, France. New Zealanders and Australians to Egypt' - and opens with shots of Canadian troops in Salisbury holding a regimental flag. This is followed by a long shot over the plains showing a military exercise, as a group of soldiers thrust their guns back and forth. The next sequence shows troops relaxing and performing for the camera - one performs a Scottish dance, while his friends laugh, clap and wave their hats - before the men line up informally for a photograph. The next sequence is in Marseille, as carts and Indian soldiers march through the town. Crowds and children watch as they pass. Finally the film shows scenes from Egypt, with Australian troops riding and marching together in a variety of shots. This is followed by shots of the camp, showing the ambulances and tents, as the men relax and finally prepare food and drink as evening falls. (Synopsis). Catalogue entry from British Film Institute: http://collections-search.bfi.org.uk/web/Details/ChoiceFilmWorks/150462430