BRITAIN’S ARMY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 253, 23 September 1940, Page 8

BRITAIN’S ARMY.

MOCK BATTLE ON SCREEN.

Through the courtesy of the management of the Meteor Theatre, the Territorials of F Troop, 4th Field Battery, New Zealand Artillery, who are at present undergoing training in Palmerston North were this morning shown a film, ‘‘Britain Shoulders Arms,” depicting the training methods of the British Army, more particularly that of the artillery section. The film, which was made with tlie co-operation of the Paramount Company and the British Army and released by British Empire Films, was produced quite recently.

Opening with scenes of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, the film goes on to show the methods of artillery action of the last war and also scenes from the famed -Aldershot Tattoo, which marks the progress of the British Army from the days of Richard the Lion Heart. A contrast between the training and equipment of the present day soldier and the soldier of years ago is featured in the next scene, where the soldier of the last wails seen in his uniform with bright buttons and the present-day combatant in his battle dress, which although not so neat, is by far more suited for the new warfare. Mr Chamberlain’s fateful speech on the day of the outbreak of war is heard, after which various phases of the training undergone by the British soldier since the outbreak of war are depicted. The mose spectacular portion of the film deals with a mock battle. In this are depicted in action all the latest machines of war, tanks, howitzers, anti-aircraft guns, anti-tank guns, Bren guns, etc. The precision with which the British soldier does his job is most noticeable throughout. The final scenes show the British Expeditionary Force embarking for France, the men all smiles and confident of success ill whatever undertakings they are launched upon.