Manila - 1945 | Movietone Moment | 24 February 2023

On this day in 1945, Manila was freed by Americans. Here is a British Movietone report showing various highlights from aerial shots to the local population welcoming troops. Manila, capital of the Philippines, has been captured by the Americans. The local population was out on the streets to welcome the troops and handed out refreshments. General MacArthur formally handed over the civil administration to President Osmena. Cut story - Various aerial shots of Manila, during progress of battle. Amphibious craft out of water into jungle, along rivers. Equipment goes forward, lorries, guns, etc cross bridge, with Jap shells falling very close. Lines of Negritos, tribesmen of Luzon brought in, single file. In Manila crowds of people wave, cheer jump with joy, etc. Yanks march through, one handed bottle of mineral water, passes same on to friend. Near the palace fighting in progress, Yanks lie on ground near sign “Picking Flowers Prohibited“. Centre of the city, large fires burn, warehouse, buildings, etc. Fighting fires, then water ran out, throwing pails & bowls of water on huge fires. Inhabitants salvage their belongings, pass through streets, explosions in background as more fires start. Fierce street fighting on Intramuros (Manila’s walled city), silhouettes of Yanky soldiers sniping. Collaborators brought in by Filipinos. General MacArthur through archway with President Osmena, to whom he formally hands over the civil administration. Both shakes hands. Various shots of US flag, with zooms of Guam, Guadalcanal, Manila, (superimposed) & “On to Tokyo“. Finishing on shots of US flag. Previous shot is of few Yanks standing before the Stars & Stripes. Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press. You can license this footage for commercial use through AP Archive - the story number is BM45632. #manila #wwii #UStroops Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: Tumblr: ​​ Instagram: