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Newer scan at: • " YOUR SHIP IN ACTION " CLEVELAND C...
Presented by the U.S. Navy, this WWIIera color film "Your Ship in Action" shows the construction and launch of a Cleveland class light cruiser, USS Denver (CL58), as well as one of the ship’s missions in the Pacific. Produced by the U.S. Naval Photographic Science Laboratory for the Industrial Incentive Division, this film was shown to the American public as a means to raise money for the WWII war effort. The film takes the viewer through the “life” of the ship from its construction to its deployment in battle against the Japanese in the Pacific.
USS Denver (CL58) was a Clevelandclass light cruiser that launched on 4 April 1942 by New York Shipbuilding Corp. of Camden, New Jersey and was commissioned on 15 October 1942 with Captain Robert Carney in command.
Film opens, opening credits, title page U.S. Navy seal (0:06). USS Denver (CL58) in open water (0:33). Camera pans Camden Shipyard populated by industrial cranes where USS Denver first built in 1942 (1:00). Shipyard employees and builders use crane to swing first keel plate of ship into place, early stages of ship building (1:19). Iron welder working on ship revealed to be "Rosie the Riveter" women war worker (1:26). Timelapse of ship being constructed and launched at completion (1:33). Sea of servicemen in “Full Dress Whites” for commissioning ceremony (2:11). USS Denver (CL58) brought into loading dock, prepared for sea and future combat in the Pacific by taking on stores for long journeys ahead (2:38). Star shells and armorpiercing shells stowed away deep down in ship’s magazines using hoists (2:51). Food brought aboard ship, men seen carrying lamb carcasses over their shoulder while other carry on dried and canned goods (3:11). Gunnery practice drills: Secondary battery crew makes practice runs with dual purpose guns (3:29). Amenities and services onboard: Pharmacy, barber shop, ship’s general store selling everything from sodas to razor blades, machine shop (3:44). Canteen and kitchen: Ship cooks prepare cuts of steak, braise turkeys for holidays, freshly baked pies taken out of oven (4:14). USS Denver (CL58) arrives at Panama Canal, sets off to rendezvous point somewhere in South Pacific (4:40). "Island X" comes into view, small chain of islands seen as “stepping stone” on the way to Japan (4:59). Fighting on island to clear it for use as Army and Navy base; Men traverse jungle terrain with bazooka launchers and ride through on Willys MB Jeeps (5:27). Living conditions on island: Muggy, humid weather, mosquitos, living in pitched tents (6:00). Airborne PBY6A Catalina patrol plane reports enemy position (6:29). Bugle call on trumpet alerts men on ship to get into combat position (6:59). What appear to be Grumman F6F Hellcats take off from landing field on island to intercept enemy bombers (7:16). Ship artillery of 6"/47 caliber Mark 16 gun set off first shots against enemy aircraft (7:27). Most naval engagements fought by ship at night: Night sky punctuated by bright lights of gun fire, detecting devices used to feel for enemy position (8:27). Postbattle damage assessed, Japanese ships burnt and destroyed, corpses of soldiers line sea shore (9:14). After first mission accomplished ship sets sail again, shell cases sorted and stowed away, symbol of victory painted on side of ship (Japanese Rising Sun Flag) (9:34). Burial at Sea ceremony for servicemen that lost their lives during battle (9:55). American flag waves in wind, instrumental of song “America (My Country 'Tis of Thee)” beings to play (10:14). Closing message urging American public to donate (10:25). Film ends (10:37).
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com