The freighter, Flying Enterprise, is seen listing some 80 degrees to port in the windswept approaches to the British Isles. After suffering damage from a storm on December 28th, she had been taken under tow toward England,by a succession of ocean-going tugs over a period of 15 days. Her present position is only about 30 miles from the coast of England, but her tow line has parted and she is foundering. Closeups of "Flying Enterprise" and "Isbrandtsen" painted on her hull. (Narrator states that the Captain, Henrik Kurt Carlsen,is still aboard.) Aerial view of several other ships around the stricken vessel. Officers and crew of the destroyer, USS Willard Keith (DD-775), are seen firing a line to the Flying Enterprise. Heavy seas are flowing over the foredeck of the destroyer. Another view of the listing ship. (During these scenes, Captain Carlsen is heard on the radio, in the background, describing the circumstances leading to their present trouble.) More views of the Flying Enterprise, helpless and battered by wind and seas, before eventually sinking (not seen). Narrator states that Captain Carlson was rescued. (Note: This ill-fated trip which ended in the sinking of the old Liberty Ship made world-wide news when it turned out that she was carrying paper money.)
A British catapult systems for aircraft carriers is introduced. Demonstrations include launch of a dead weight, a pilotless plane and then piloted jets from the deck of an aircraft carrier during various stages of tests in England. The pilotless plane has no wing tips to ensure it will not fly far after launch, and crashes into the sea after launch.
P-51 airplane, of the U.S. Army Air Forces 334th Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, piloted by Lieutenant Timothy J "Tim" Cronin of Oconomowoc, WI., taxis and parks on apron, at Debden Airfield in England during World War 2. Six ground crewmen run toward plane and greet the pilot. Scene is repeated close up. Pilot in cockpit of plane uses starter to turn the propeller a bit to make it appear he has just taxied in. Again, the ground crewmen run to and surround his airplane. Lieutenant Cronin standing between two other pilots. One of them, Maj Howard "Deacon" Hively, of Athens, Ohio, holds a wad of British currency, which he shares with the other two. They shake hands. Lieutenant Clifton and Captain David W Howe, of East Hickory, PA., conversing and.Looking skyward determining weather. Lieutenant Clarence L. Boretsky, of Milwaukee, WI, talking and laughing with two other pilots. Captain Carl F. Brown of Huntingdon, PA..shows patch on his leather flying jacket displaying the 334th Logo superimposed on an American Eagle (Alluding to the Eagle Squadron beginnings of the 4th Fighter Group.)
United States General Douglas MacArthur, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz sign during surrender ceremonies in Tokyo Bay following the surrender of Japan in World War II. General MacArthur and Admiral Halsey talk at right. Japanese delegate signs surrender document. Russian officer, Australian or British officer, French officer, and other Allied representatives sign in succession. Japanese delegates sign in succession. Too many photographers in background. (World War II period).
Animated map of Pacific region shows sphere of Japanese influence and potential areas for Japan to control in the Southwest Pacific during World War 2. Majority of scenes are from before outbreak of World War 2. Final scenes of clip include invasion scenes. Clip begins with pre-war views of city life and streets of Manila, Philippines and Filipino people. Scene changes to Hong Kong under British, and scenes of port area and buildings near port. Chinese civilians on busy city streets of Hong Kong. Views of jungle areas in Malaysia. Views of buildings and temple landmarks in Bangkok, Thailand. A car and a rickshaw pass by with temples in background. Thai tanks and Thai soldiers marching through the streets of Bangkok as civilians watch soldiers in Thailand on parade. Aircraft in skies over Bangkok during parade. Scene changes to Makassar on Celebes and people on streets in city of Indonesia. Views of port of Singapore, pre-war. Elevated views of city of Singapore and City Council offices. Buildings and traffic along busy streets in Singapore. View of the General Post Office (GPO or Fullerton Building.) Scene changes to Sumatra with port views and three float planes of flying boat aircraft flying overhead in formation. Final scenes of clip focus on Japanese offensive maneuvers during World War 2: Japanese fleet at sea and Japanese aircraft in skies overhead. Japanese soldiers boarding landing craft from transports. View from inside Japanese landing craft of Japanese soldiers preparing to go ashore on a beach landing. Japanese soldiers invading an area in the Pacific under cover of naval bombardment. Japanese soldiers firing machine guns and rifles. Japanese infantry charging. Animated map of Pacific region. Japanese aircraft bombing Port Darwin in Australia.
German troops defend against invading Allied forces in France, during World War II. German Marshal Erwin Rommel confers with officers about defenses in France. German troops relax prior to an engagement. They string wire for communications and use it for artillery direction. German heavy artillery firing. German armored half tracks on captured UNIC chassis. Devastated British Sherman tank. German troops load and fire artillery and dig foxholes.
CRITICALPAST.COM: About Us | Contact Us | FAQs - How to Order | License Agreement | My Account | My Lightboxes | Shopping Cart | Advanced Search | Featured Collections | Website Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy ©2026 CriticalPast LLC.
License Agreement |
Terms & Conditions |
Privacy Policy
©2026 CriticalPast LLC.