Animated map shows the course taken by Douglas World Cruiser aircraft of the U.S. Army Air Service in their round-the-world flight in 1924. It also highlights mishaps, such as the location of Major Fredrick F Martin's crash in mountains off Alaska and where Lt. Wade was forced down and wrecked near Iceland. Animation shows route from England to Newfoundland to Greenland to Labrador to east coat of United states and aerial route across states. The expedition was completed by 2 of the 5 original Douglas World Cruiser aircraft, namely: the "Chicago," crewed by Lt. Lowell Smith and Lt. Leslie Arnold; and the "New Orleans," crewed by Lt. Erik Nelson and Lt. Jack Harding. They are seen being congratulated by their Expedition Commander, Major Frederick F. Martin at the completion of the mission, on September 28, 1924, in Seattle, Washington.
Canadian and Newfoundland dignitaries in a meeting with a map of Canada in the background. Old man and woman seated on bench with a pet dog. Two men talking on the porch of a house. Poster on wall reads 'Newfoundlanders vote for Confederation'. Views of other pro-confederation campaign posters. ‘Vote Responsible Government’ written on brick wall of Sydney Coal. Anti-confederation activist Peter Cashin. People enter a building to vote on the measure.
Film opens showing a U.S. Air Force C-124 taxiing in the snow, on four engines at Ernest Harmon Air Force Base in Canada. It has flaps set at takeoff position. Next, the aircraft takes off somewhat obscured by snow. Hazy view through snow of several C-124 aircraft parked on the airfield ramp. Glimpse of one aircraft taking off toward the camera. More aircraft parked on the snowy ramp. Two C-124s being serviced on the ramp. Air crew gathered beneath one. Change of scene to air crews being briefed in an auditorium.
A group of men roll the Bellanca high wing monoplane, "Columbia,"from a hangar at Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, Canada. Pilot,Captain Erroll Boyd, and navigator,Harry Connor, stand in front of the airplane, discussing their aeronautical chart. Camera focuses on the airplane's rudder, displaying: "NR 237" A picture of of a woman dressed in the U.S. flag, and the word: "Columbia." vertical stabilizer displays a stylized diamond forming letters: "CAL." With engine running, a well wisher shakes hands with Erroll Boyd through the plane window and then steps back as the "Columbia" taxis ahead. The aircraft begins takeoff on a rough, rocky field. (It didn't succeed and they had to try again with manual help to keep the airplane's tail from digging into the ground.) Scene shifts to the aircraft airborne overhead. (Note: fuel problems forced them to make an emergency landing at Tresco, the Scilly Islands, off Cornwall, England, before finally arriving at Croydon.)
Atlantic Conference during World War II. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill conferring with British officers and officials during a meeting aboard Royal Navy battleship Prince of Wales. They look at a map as Churchill smokes a cigar.
Atlantic Conference during World War II. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill walks on the deck of Battleship HMS Prince of Wales. Sailors lined up on the deck of USS Augusta. Winston Churchill descends gangway of Prince of Wales to transfer to the USS Augusta where he boards and meets Franklin D Roosevelt. He is formally greeted by the U.S. ship's company. Other military officers in the background. Roosevelt and Churchill exchange a paper and salute.