Part of a British production, circa 1940, highlighting the work of the Royal Air Force during World War II, and discussing the history of the RAF while showing World War I Royal Flying Corps (RFC) images. The Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom. The flag of the Royal Air Force (RAF) on a mast. RAF personnel from all parts of the commonwealth march in a mass formation during World War II, including mainland Great Britain pilots and Indian RAF pilots and crews. A line of aircraft stationed on an airfield in the UK. History of RAF is discussed by narrator, with images from World War I of Royal Flying Corps (then part of British Army) airmen and their aircraft. Views of several World War I aircraft on an airfield and taking off, including the Sopwith Camel, the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5, the Bristol F.2 Fighter. Royal Flying Corps pilots and crews gathered for group photos.
Flight operations at Torokina Air Strip on Bougainville Island during World War 2. Pilot of Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Curtiss P-40 aircraft signals that he is going to start engine. He dons goggles and goes about starting engine. A group of RNZAF pilots conversing near one of their P-40s. Most of the pilots light up cigarettes. Camera focuses on New Zealand shoulder patch on one of the group. Scene shifts to active runway, where an RNZAF F4U Corsair aircraft takes off followed by an RNZAF Grumman TBF Avenger aircraft landing.
Flight operations at Torokina Air Strip, Bougainville Island during World War 2. An airman refuels the drop tank on a P-39 Airacobra fighter aircraft. He closes the lid of the fuel tank. Airmen place the hose back on fuel truck.. Brief glimpse of a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) F4U Corsair aircraft taxiing past. A United States Army Air Forces Lockheed P-38 Lightning aircraft taxiing.
Military policeman standing guard in front of a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-40 aircraft, on the Torokina Air Strip, at Bougainville, in World War 2. A convoy of fuel trucks driving along edge of the airfield. A caterpillar tractor towing a large fuel tanker trailer. A fuel truck stops in front of a P-39 Airacobra and airmen begin to refuel its drop tank. Seabees unpack sections of pierced steel plank (Marsden Matting) and lay it down on the airstrip.
Flight operations at Torokina Air Strip on Bougainville Island during World War 2. U.S. Marine First Lieutenant Marshall, and another airman stand and smoke by the tail of the bullet-riddled F4U Corsair aircraft that he just landed on Torokina airfield. The aircraft, Corsair number 25 (BuNo 17736) is from Lieutenant Marshall's unit, VMF-216. They examine the damage on the aircraft. Lt. Marshall, who suffered head injury from cockpit shrapnel is being given first aid in an army tent. Views of damage to the aircraft, including tattered wing, flaps shot up, holes in the fuselage, and huge pieces shot out of the rudder. ( This mission took place on 19 Dec 1943. After flying cover for B-24 bombers over Rabaul, Three U.S. Marine Corps F4Us flown by Capt. Lawrence 'Cloudy" Faulkner, and First Lieutenants Marshal and Guv Kemper, were surprised and engaged by 20-30 Japanese Zekes (Zeros) diving from behind clouds . Lieutenant Marshal was the sole survivor of the encounter.)
Interior view from right side of an aircraft taking off from Torokina Air Strip on Bougainville Island, during World War 2. Numerous aircraft are seen parked near trees beside the runway, including U.S. Marine Corps F4U Corsairs; P-38 Lightnings; RNZAF P-40s; and USAAF Piper L-4 Grasshoppers. F4U Corsairs are taxiing beside the runway. Aircraft interior backward view from the departing aircraft's tail, shows the runway below and behind, with water on two sides. Next, the narrow airstrip is seen as the camera airplane flies overhead, just offshore, parallel to the runway. The camera continues to focus on the airfield as the plane climbs to higher altitude. Aerial view of small islands below, with small boats leaving wakes as they speed across the water. Next is view at lower altitude as the camera plane flies offshore parallel to the airstrip runway, as if on a downwind leg for landing. Next scenes are from above nearby Piva Yoke fighter airstrip, and parallel Piva Uncle bomber airstrip, which appears to be under construction. It is cut out of jungle and no aircraft are seen on it. The camera airplane's right rear horizontal stabilizer is seen momentarily as it flies slowly over the site. Some smoke rises from the area. Views of mountain and a river, as the flight continues. The final view is from offshore, over the sea.
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.