British Pathe

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....

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 harbour of Madagascar; with them is a hospital ship. They enter peacefully and drop anchor. Aerial shots of the harbour and surrounding area. M/S of the combined forces' leaders who led the occupation seated around table, Rear Admiral Syfret, Major General Sturgess and Brigadier General Festing.

After the troops land there is a parade and an inspection by the officers. Various shots of the Madagascans who have come out of hiding, walking about with white flags to show their peaceful intentions. Madagascan troops who were the defenders of the island before the occupation. British troops lounge on the ground in the shade for a rest. Several shots of bombed aerodrome on the island; the hangars and the remains of planes are just piles of twisted metal. Brief shots of the official surrender beneath a portrait of Petain. Officiating for Britain is Admiral Syfret. M/S of the crew of one of the warships as they pose for camera.
Note: the fall of Madagascar took place on 5.5.42.