Nuclear weapon tests during Operation Crossroads at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. An atomic bomb explosion. A cloudy sky. Formation of a mushroom cloud due to the explosion. A close view of the mushroom cloud.
Baker nuclear test (part of Operations Crossroads) detonates 21-kiloton bomb MK III, “Helen of Bikini”, on Aomoen Island (Bikini Atoll). A clock is seen on the lower right side of the screen. Baker target ships for the explosion (such as the USS Saratoga) are docked on Bikini Atoll. The Baker test detonates 90 feet (27 m) underwater, halfway to the bottom in water 180 feet (55 m) deep. A column of hot gas bubble forms after detonation. Thicker clouds of hot gas falls, covering Bikini Atoll and ships. Lower clouds around the area dissipates.
United States Commodore Ben Wyatt, the military governor of the Marshall Islands, sits under a tilted coconut tree as he addresses the natives of Bikini Atoll. James, Commodore Wyatt’s interpreter, speaks to the locals about U.S. planning for nuclear weapon testing in Operation Crossroads. “Alright now James tell them that the United States government now wants to turn this great destructive force into something good for mankind” Commodore Wyatt asks his interpreter. King Juda, the leader of the native tribe, stands up and talks to his people. The interpreter speaks to Wyatt. King Juda gives his answer that his tribe will gladly move to Rongerik Island, as advised by the United States Navy. United States Navy personnel using clapboard before shooting scenes. Children sit near a United States Navy personnel and James the interpreter. A boy sits on top of an oil barrel. King Juda stands and talks to the tribe. The interpreter speaks to Commodore Wyatt. Commodore Wyatt stands and said “Tell him that’s fine, everything being at God’s hands it must be good”. King Juda nods in agreement. Interpreter speaks to the locals. Commodore Wyatt tells his interpreter that they will proceed with the plans for the relocation.
A man and a woman carry their belongings as they evacuate Bikini Atoll during U.S. preparations for nuclear weapon testing under Operation Crossroads. Their young children follow behind them. Native women carrying sacks and boxes on their shoulders. A man pushes a canoe loaded with boxes in the water. Bikini Atoll coast. A boy paddles with a small canoe. Native man pushes outrigger in shallow water (loaded with belongings). A moving DUKW. Belongings of island natives are gathered on the beach before evacuation. United States Navy personnel on LST (LST 1108) wait for natives.
United States Commodore Ben Wyatt, the military governor of the Marshall Islands, addresses the natives of Bikini Atoll through his local interpreter James during “Operation Crossroads” (U.S. nuclear weapon testing program). Locals of Bikini Atoll sit down and listen to Wyatt. Other United States Navy personnel are present in the meeting. Interpreter speaks to the natives. A group of United States sailors gather outside a hut. They hold a sign that reads “CROSSROADS TAVERN”. Natives carry belongings and banana or pandan leaves toward LST. A woman carrying a large sack on her shoulders. Natives bring their belongings into a United States LST (Landing Ship, Tank). An outrigger loaded with boxes floats near the LST.
Natives moves a canoe on the beach during the evacuation of Bikini Atoll before U.S. nuclear weapon testing program “Operation Crossroads”. Native man pushes outrigger in shallow water. A naked boy pulls rope from canoe. Native boys pulling a canoe in shallow water. Native men and boys loading outriggers onto LST by means of sling and crane. Crane attempts to lift an outrigger. Outrigger falls back into water. Native men fasten the canoe with ropes. Men jump out of the outrigger while being lifted by a crane from the LST LST (Landing Ship, Tank).