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.
Following the Armistice ending World War 1, several German submarines are seen pulled up beside a ship. Washed clothes from crew members is seen drying on the decks. One of the submarines is U-91, commanded by Paul Koenig, which surrendered to the French on November 26, 1918. A large ship is crowded with men displaying Italian flags with cross and crown on them.
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.
Opening scene shows French Nieuport airplanes returning to their base from a mission, during World War 1, circa 1918. They fly over their hangar. The French tricolor flag flies from a flagpole nearby. A crashed airplane sits, nose to the ground and tail in the air, near the hangar. An airplane taxis close to the hangar, as mechanics work on airplanes in various stages of damage and repair. Next shown are a succession of formations containing aircraft from different periods of time. A loose formation of biwing aircraft fly overhead, toward the camera. They are followed by a loose formation of twin engine biplanes. Next is seen a large loose formation of American Army training biplanes from the period between the World Wars. Finally, a formation of U.S. 1950 era B-36 bombers is seen in formation.
French Army troops boarding a troop ship to deploy overseas. They are in full iniform including blouse and tie, and carrying their military kit and weapons. One soldier carries a French MAT-49 submachine gun. A man at gangplank gives each soldier a piece of paper. View of the full troop ship leaving the dock. Friends and family waving goodbye.
French officer briefs pilots of his organization about a flying mission. Writing on blackboards in the briefing room. Image of airfield on wall. The pilots take notes. French pilots walk out to their Sud-Est 535 jet aircraft parked on airstrip. They climb aboard, start engines, taxi and takeoff. Officers watch as planes depart.
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