Admiral Johann Albert Raeder visiting coastal defenses at the Atlantic Wall in World War 2. German Grossadmiral (Grand Admiral) Erich Johann Albert Raeder steps from a Junkers 52 transport plane and exchanges salutes and handshakes with the Vizeadmiral (Rear admiral upper half) who is welcoming him. Closeup of sailors shouting greetings of "Heil." Next, Raeder is seen walking swiftly, accompanied by a Navy Captain and an Army officer. They climb an embankment along the French coastline, where German heavy guns are installed. Closeup of Admiral Raeder standing in front of sandbagged bunker. Next scene shows him, in the company of several Army officers, examining a chart depicting the disposition and status of the coastal defenses. He and the Captain walk past a huge hardened and sandbagged coastal gun, as an accompanying Army officer points out its features. Next a coastal gun under camouflage netting is seen elevating its barrel. From a position next to another gun, the camera displays a broad view of the coastal defenses, including obstacles stretching down the hill to the sand and waterfront below. Gunners helmets and packs are arranged in readiness to be accessed instantly. A German warship is seen offshore. Scene shifts to nearby French village where effects of British bombing are seen. Local people pose, looking at the damage to their homes. Several men are clearing up debris near garages containing automobiles.
German troops in a French town during World War II. A large group of German soldiers gather at the front of a steel barricaded store front on a commercial street in a French town. As a group of soldiers gains entrance to the shop, others examine an opening from the sidewalk to the basement of the shop. One soldier brandishes a pistol and another holds a hand grenade, ready to throw into the opening. German soldiers force civilian occupants out of their apartment in town. Town square includes building (hotel?) with S.Raphael painted on its side.Smoke from burning buildings seen in background. German motorcycles parked on street near a town park.
Germans employ psychological warfare by broadcasting music and news to French troops, via loudspeakers and banners, during World War II. German troops set up huge loudspeakers and German band plays at a river separating German and French forces. German officers look towards other side of water. A banner being set up on field. German soldiers send propaganda balloons, carrying messages to French troops.
Early historic aviation footage focusing on French aviation pioneers like Gabriel Voisin and Alberto Santos-Dumont. An early French float plane taking off and landing. Multiwing box-like aircraft. Two early French monoplanes. Early aircraft that set performance records. 1919 picture of Raymonde de Laroche, Baroness de la Rouche, world's first woman flyer. Additional scenes of historical French aircraft and a scene with American pilot Glenn Curtiss.
Soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) marching informally, on the cobblestone streets of a town on the Belgian—French border during the so-called "Phoney War," at start of World War 2, in 1939. Some local residents watch and wave to the troops. Some children are seen, including a small girl held in her mother's arms. Soldier on bicycle and a canvas-covered utility vehicle are seen along with the marching infantry. The atmosphere is relaxed with no hint of hostilities.
View of bridge across the Marne River destroyed by retreating German soldiers. View shifts to U.S. Army XX Corps troops, trucks, jeeps, halftracks and tank destroyers crossing a pontoon bridge erected by Army Engineers nearby, at the bridgehead captured on 27 August 1944, during World War 2. French civilians watch from the bank of the river and wave as troops pass through their village. Using this crossing, the XX Corps continued its advance on Rheims.
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