Madagascar - First Pictures

Series

Series Name

Pathe Gazette

Issue

Issue No.

42/45

Date Released

4 Jun 1942

Stories in this Issue:

1. 1Madagascar - First Pictures

Story

Story No. within this Issue

1 / 1

Summary

Warships in an African port wait for the signal to set sail for the occupation of Madagascar. Commando units, RAF and Fleet Air Arm support are also at the ready. The convoy heads out into the Indian Ocean and on board one of the warships the Crossing the Line ceremony takes place. Nearing their destination the ships open fire against shore batteries. Fleet Air Arm planes give support to the troops as they move towards the coast. Within 48 hours of the first landing, the naval base at Diego Suarez is in British hands. The leaders of the expedition were Rear Admiral Syfret, Major General Sturgess and Brigadier General Festing who are seen aboard the flagship. Meanwhile, on shore, Madagascans come out of hiding carrying white flags to show their peaceful intentions, and British troops start to fraternize with them. The remains of French aerodromes and French aircraft are seen. Then beneath a portrait of Petain the surrender terms are signed, with Admiral Syfret presiding for Britain.

Keywords

Aviation; Ceremonies; Navy; Military

Locations

Madagascar

Length of story (in feet)

790

Story extras:

Film clip

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Production Documents

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This series is held by:

Film Archive

Name

British Pathe Ltd

Email

info@britishpathe.com

Web

https://www.britishpathe.com/

Phone

0207 665 8340

Address

3.29 Canterbury Court
1-3 Brixton Road
London
SW9 6DE

Notes

Pathe now also handles the Reuters Historical Collection, which includes the British Paramount, Empire British, Gaumont Graphic and Gaumont British newsreels.

Series held

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