Spitfires over Berlin

Accession Number F02557
Collection type Film
Measurement 3 min 54 sec
Object type To be confirmed
Physical description 35mm/b&w/silent
Maker RAF Film Unit
Place made Germany: Berlin
Date made 2 October 1945
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright unknown

Description

The honour of being the first squadron to represent Britain and the Empire in Berlin has fallen to No. 453 Squadron RAAF, flying five-bladed Spitfires XIV's. Picture shows pilots at Gatow airfield, Close ups include 403319 Flight Lieutenant (Flt/Lt) Robert Gerald (Bob) Clemesha DFC of Sydney (Fight Commander) no cap, 409396 F/Lt Bruce James Dumbrell of Deniliquen NSW, 413170 Flight Officer (F/O) John Thomas Connolly DFC of Boggabri NSW, and 413247 F/O Keith Robert Pendrick of Wagga Wagga NSW. The pilots stand to their machines. Shots of starting up. Taxing to the take off. Gatow airfield was the Cranwell of the German Luftwaffe. The take-off. The Berliners will have the opportunity of seeing the Australians in formation over the city. Various shots taken over Berlin, some show the 453 Spitfire Squadron over the blitzed City. Shots show Charlottenburg, Tiergarten, Reichstag, Charlottenburg Chasse, the War Memorial, the Telefunken Tower, etc. The River Spree. The Black Tower in the Zoo grounds. The Wann See etc. [Adapted from the film dope sheet]

  • Video of Spitfires over Berlin (video)