Battle of Heligoland Archive Newsreel
British Military Personality
Royal Air Force Wellington Bombers after the
World War 2 Battle of Heligoland
The footage, shot on 21st December, 1939, is of the 149 squadron after their return from the Battle of Heligoland 18th December 1939.
Most of these brave men were killed in action within three months of the shoot.
The following images are stills from the newsreel.
(above) Harry Gillott is standing over the two men crouched over their kit.
(above) Compare this picture and the ‘thumbs-up’ ones below, with the photographs in
The War Illustrated (link coming soon)
(the ‘thumbs-up’ sign in English culture means ‘all is well!’)
The War Illustrated (link coming soon)
(the ‘thumbs-up’ sign in English culture means ‘all is well!’)
(above) 149 squadron Vickers Wellington Bombers returning after the Battle of Heligoland
(above) Harry Gillott to the left of the foreground
(above) The flight leader, in white flight gear, swoops his arm to presumably demonstrate an aircraft manoeuvre to his men.
(above and below) The flight leader and his men giving the ‘thumbs-up’ sign after the ‘success’ of the Battle of Heligoland.
The film freezes on Uncle Harry at the end.
VIEW THE ARCHIVE NEWSREEL NOW
VIEW THE ARCHIVE NEWSREEL NOW
The film must serve as a dedication to Harry, his crew members and my late father, Harry’s brother Leslie Gillott who sadly died before the film was found. Also remembering Harry and Lavinia Gillott, Harry’s parents, and Jack, Ada, Mary and Vina, Harry’s siblings.
We will remember them!
If you recognize any of these men, or can volunteer any additional information, **PLEASE PLEASE** email me
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