An old bearded Russian Cossack stands in the midst of a contingent of Soviet cavalry, seated on the ground, during World War 2. Closeups of some in his audience. Next, the old man is seen riding at the head of a troop of cavalry. They pass close to the camera, and then are seen from above, as they proceed along a dirt path. Marshal of the Soviet Union, Semyon Audyonny, is seen consulting with other officers. (Narrator states he is involved in training home guard cavalry.) Cavalry mounting up and heading out, past a fence where several rural people wave to them. A troop of Cossacks in Papaha (black Cossack hats) is put through their paces by their commander. He directs one of his troop to charge on horseback, brandishing his sword. The Cossack charges through a series of wooden stakes, swinging his sword at each as he passes. Closeup of one cut clean through. Final scene shows the entire troop charging in formation
A map shows countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. German army and Italian army motorized units occupy Southern France during World War 2. German and Italian soldiers, tanks, and artillery move along on a road. Many German Quad 20mm anti aircraft guns (Flakvierling 38) in the Port of Marseilles, including some by the Marseille Basilica, high above the port . Ocean liners in the port. German soldiers sit around a truck. Sailors prepare equipment and guns. French officers explain the port facilities to German officers. Civilians in the city. Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians on the streets. Sign for the town of Cerbere. Motorized columns including German tanks proceed to the border with Spain. German and Spanish troops fraternize. Soldiers greet each other and interact. Fortifications are constructed on the South France coast. Axis soldiers camouflage artillery on the beach.
A unit of the Vichy Legion Tricolore -- also known as the Legion of French Volunteers, or LVF, officially known to the Germans as Infantry Regiment (Infanterieregiment) 638. They are being reviewed in German-occupied Paris France before heading to the Russian front. Soldiers at attention. A crowd gathered to watch the inspection. A dignitary (possibley Paul Touvier?) reviews the troops. He greets the officers and soldiers. Soldiers parade outside a building. The dignitary and Vichy French officers watch the parade. (World War II period).
A unit of the "Legion of French Volunteers" gathered at the Velodrom d'Hiver in Paris, German occupied France, under the Vichy government. Banners hung at various places. Officers and soldiers seated. Official at podium gives Nazi salute. A band plays at the ceremony. French politician Jacques Doriot takes to the podium and addresses the troops. (World War II period).
A map shows the Eastern front. Hungarian units near Stanislavov in the Soviet Union. Soldiers rest, eat, shave, and clean themselves. Horses and chicken around the soldiers. A train passes by. An officer meets the troops. The officer salutes while seated on a tank. Carpathians: German and Hungarian troops advance. Infantries march on the road. Soldiers on horses. An officer talks to a soldier. German tanks and artillery halt a Russian thrust. Soldiers load and fire artillery. Grenadiers recapture a village. They advance into the village with tanks. Fire and smoke from burning huts. Officers consult a map. A burning truck by the road side. Soldiers on horses carriages. 5th SS Volunteer Strumbrigade Wallonien Colonel Lucien Lippert reviews and decorates troops.
U.S. Army General George S Patton visits France. French soldiers stand guard. General Patton is greeted by the Military Governor of Paris General Paul Legentilhomme in Paris. American and French officers around the Generals. General Patton presents Colors to a French Unit. Soldiers come forward and accept the colors. General Patton and the soldiers salute. Photographers click pictures of the ceremony. (World War II period).
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