• Short Summary

    RAF Belvedere helicopter lifts spire into position on new Coventry cathedral.

  • Description

    Title reads: "Spire by Copter".

    Coventry, West Midlands.

    L/S RAF Belvedere Helicopter being prepared on the ground alongside new Coventry Cathedral. M/S Squadron Leader John Dowling and Flight Lt. Ron Salt attaching nylon cord to the helicopter. Pan up showing 80 foot bronze latticed spire which the helicopter will place on roof of cathedral. L/S helicopter taking off. C/U radio controller on ground who is in contact with the pilot. Various shots hovering helicopter carrying spire beneath. C/U two Royal Air Force officers watching operation. More shots helicopter carrying spire. C/U flying officer James Martin leaning out of the side of the helicopter. The helicopter moves slowly above the roof of the cathedral. Various shots spire being manoeuvred into position by helicopter, helped team of men on roof. M/S crowds behind barrier watching. L/S cathedral.

    Note: newspaper cutting and other information about operation on file.

  • Tags

  • Data

    Film ID:
    1719.04
    Media URN:
    53374
    Group:
    Pathe newsreels
    Archive:
    British Pathe
    Issue Date:
    30/04/1962
    Sound:
    sound
    HD Format:
    Available on request
    Stock:
    Black & White
    Duration:
    00:01:13:00
    Time in/Out:
    01:03:11:00 / 01:04:24:00
    Canister:
    62/35

Comments (2)

  1. jamied says

    "Squadron Leader Dowling" is John Dowling.

    "Flight Lt Salt" is Ron Salt. He revisited the spire to inspect his work in April 2012!........

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cove
    ntry-warwickshire-17865700

  2. British Pathé says

    Thanks for the first names. It would be great to hear from Ron Salt!

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