At start of film, several American transport ships are seen manuevering in waters surrounded by some of their landing craft (Higgins Boats) on a foggy day off Slapton Sands, England during World War 2. They are participating in Exercise Fabius I, a rehearsal for the invasion of Normandy. Several Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) are seen approaching the shore. Troops of the U.S. Army 16th Infantry Regiment have already landed and are making their way inward on the beachhead. Higgins boats maneuver about as well. One, from the transport ship, USS Samuel Chase (APS-26) is seen approaching the shore. Views of troops leaving beached LCIs and Higgins Boats at the shore. Troops boarding a Higgins boat. It heads toward the shore.
Film begins showing closeup of the American transport ship, USS Anne Arundel (AP-76) anchored off shore at Slapton Sands, England. A landing ship (LCI-590) passes by her and several Higgins boats maneuver in waters nearby. Stern view of the Anne Arundel from an LCI. Closeup of an LCI pulling up next to the transport ship. Next, troops of the 16th Infantry Regiment are seen descending rope net from the transport ship and boarding the LCI. Closeup from the LCI of the troops reaching the deck of the LCI and walking forward. The number on the LCI is "88." Several views from different angles of the troops descending the rope net from the transport ship. View of the USS Anne Arundel with Higgins boats moving all around her. Closeup of LCI moving away from a transport ship. More views of troops descending from a transport ship to a Landing Craft Infantry.View from an LCI headed for the beach, where many troops have already landed. The LCI continues and beaches. Troops and various exercise markers are seen in the background Troops leave the LCI via her side ramps and join many others already ashore.
U.S. Army paratroopers of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, bivouacked at British RAF Greenham Common, England, prior to the Operation Market Garden invasion of Holland. Two paratroopers of 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (hearts on their helmets), 101st Airborne Division, clown for the camera with foreign currency. A Lieutenant performs a good-natured inspection of his platoon, for the camera. Paratroopers prepare boxes of demolition charges for air drop. Another Lieutenant of the 502nd PIR inspects members of his Platoon. Soldierss clown around and have fun giving and receiving haircuts. Troopers seated under a tent, sharpening their personal knives and testing the edge by shaving hair on their arms. Group of U.S. Army paratroopers being briefed outside tents and reviewing orientation techniques while one holds a magnetic compass.
Allied troops and equipment being loaded on landing craft for the invasion of Normandy, France, during World War 2. A Landing craft tank (LCT) Number 153, with ramp down alongside Stone pier,Castletown, Portland, England. A halftrack backs onto the LCT. "That's all Brothern!" written on side of the halftrack. Soldiers aboard an LCT, watching vehicles load. "Berlin" and picture of girl with words "Ma-Cherie" written on side of the craft, which also displays and American flag and C-232. LCT 214 with her ramp down. Troops standing and waving from an LCT as her ramp is being raised.Several landing craft maneuvering in the harbor. View of a transport ship and a Coast Guard 83-foot cutter alongside.
Seen from inside the airplane, a "stick" of U.S. paratroopers jumps from open door of a C-47 during a World War 2 practice exercise in England. Aircraft crewmen retrieve their static lines after they jump. An aerial view from adjacent airplane, of paratroopers jumping from a C-47. View of the formation flying South to North over RAF Ramsbury in Wiltshire (home to the 437th Troop Carrier Group between Feb 44 and Feb 45). Numerous hardstands can be seen on the airfield, below, as paratroopers jump from aircraft. A U.S. paratrooper captain leads his men in a jump. A formation of C-47s overhead with parachutes deployed below them. Close views of paratroopers hitting the ground after the jump. Camera focusing on a single paratrooper, as he descends, hits the ground, flips over, and is dragged by his still open chute.
Douglas C-47 Skytrain Military transport planes air drop special containers by parachute over Newbury, Berkshire, England during World War II. The parachutes with supplies gently descend and on a field. Military Jeeps driving to the drop site. Parachutes and supplies lying on the ground. A soldier rolls up a parachute. Two men retrieve the supplies and parachutes. 101st Airborne division troops load them into a trailer. The Jeep move around field to collect air dropped supplies.