A montage of scenes related to British and French military readiness to face the threat of Nazi Germany at the onset of World War 2. An animated map depicts the disposition and status of belligerents on either side of the Maginot Line. Panoramic views of the Maginot Line. French troops double-time march out of the 'Caserne-Maginot' (Maginot Barracks) to take up their duty stations inside the Maginot Line forts. The soldiers are carried to their respective positions by subway cars underground. They are seen at work underground, tending one of the engines supplying electric power to the forts; stacking artillery shells; using pneumatic message devices and other communications; and preparing food. Some sing and dance Russian-stye. A slate in French reads: 'We Shall Win Because We Are The Strongest'. An animated map depicts France's and Britain's Colonial empires and their collective participation in defense of the Allies. British, French and Colonial troops parade in displays of military readiness. Some are seen parading before the Arc de Triomphe (Arch of Triumph) on the Champs Elysees in Paris, France.
United States Army 3rd Infantry Regiment also known as 'Old Guard' during the military funeral of General Jacob Devers at Fort Myer in Virginia, United States. Horse drawn caisson carriage enters the gates of the Arlington National cemetery. The Old Post Chapel at Fort Myer visible behind. U.S. 3rd Infantry Regiment pallbearers fold the American flag over the casket. An officer presents the flag to the widow of General Jacob Devers. A sign on a gravestone reads 'Devers'.
Launch of Wright plane in North Carolina on 17 December 1903 and in Virginia on 09 September 1908, United States. Wibur Wright places wheels beneath wing on Kill devil hill, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, United States. Wright plane takes its first flight after launch. Flight of plane in France. Two men pull props through on the Wright aircraft. Frenchmen stand and watch Wilbur Wright who makes adjustment on aircraft engine. Launching tower at right. Wright plane launches by catapult in France. Civilians and officers attend the air show. Wright plane passes overhead. Flight of Wright plane in United States. Orville Wright and Lieutenant Lahm sits on control section of the plane. Wright plane launches by catapult launch track at Fort Myers in Virginia on 09 September 1908. Plane in flight at Fort Myers. Spectators watch the plane. Army personnel move the Wright plane across open terrain they remove hangar doors from storage building. Army personnel grouped around the Wright aircraft. President Taft stand along the spectators. President Taft walk through spectators.
Sand table animation shows plan of attack on Liege. Point of application for initial thrusts is Fort Eben Emael on border of Belgium and Netherlands. Map illustrates bombardment fron the air by the Luftwaffe (German Air Force). River Meuse and the Albert canal in the city. Bridge on the river. First line-the Ijssel position, second line-the Grebbe position, third line-the the Meuse position, fourth line- the Peel position. Fifth line-the Willem canal fortification and sixth line-the Albert canal fortification. Soldiers move in trucks on the street. German assault and shock troops use rubber boats with ladders to cross river Meuse under fire. Mechanized German infantry and bicycle contingents cross river Meuse over bridges not destroyed. Houses and buildings alongside the street. Soldiers fire guns in field. Smoke arises due to the firing. Soldiers at a boat in the waterway. Destruction of Werk 4 bunker fortification at Fort Eben-Emael. Wreckage from bombardment. Heavy smoke arises from firing and bombardment. Captured Dutch and Belgian Prisoner of War soldiers walk on the street under guard of German soldiers during German occupation. (World War II period).
Senator Joseph McCarthy, Chairman, Senate Subcommittee, investigating Army Signal Corps Subversion and Espionage at Fort Monmouth, during a press conference at the Federal Building in New York City. He is accompanied by Major General K.B Lawton, Commanding General of Fort Monmouth (in civilian clothes). Journalist asks Senator McCarthy about the outcome of the investigations into leaked information. McCarthy discusses suspensions of employees at Forth Monmouth due to communist activities and involvement with communism and espionage.
Some 2000 Germans, interned at Fort Oglethorpe and Fort McPherson, are being repatriated after the end of the war, in 1919. They arrive by train at the port in Charleston, South Carolina, where they assemble with their personal belongings. They are assisted and supervised by U.S. Army soldiers. They board the USS Martha Washington transport ship. Another large ship is seen behind her at the pier. U.S. Navy officers and sailors are seen watching as the passengers board. Among the passengers are civilians who had been detained as suspected spies. They are boarding the ship with members of their families. A small child and a babe in arms are seen as well as other children. After boarding, passengers and crew line the deck of the ship. "USS Martha Washington," is clearly displayed on her side. She is seen moving slowly away from the pier and getting underway. to Germany.