Pathe Gazette Special - Madagascar First Pictures (1942)

Titles read: “MADAGASCAR - FIRST PICTURES“. Various shots of British warships and troop transporters lying in North African port awaiting the order to move. African waterborne fruit seller comes alongside one of the ships; M/S of sailors eating bananas. C/U map of India showing Madagascar. The convoy of ships carrying troops for the combined action on Madagascar heads out into Indian Ocean. Guns on some of the warships are prepared for a practise shoot. Naval guns in action. In a portable swimming pool on the deck the sailors splash about. C/U of small puppy, the ship’s mascot. On the warship during crossing the line celebrations we see the whole crew taking part in the customary festivities. The convoy nears its destination off Madagascar and dusk falls. Night barrage from naval ships. Fighter planes taking off from Royal Navy carrier. M/S more guns firing. Landing craft are prepared carry commandos, and marines towards the coast (no shots of them landing). Warships enter the main ha