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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
68 of 68 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The wartime colour film of Lancasters used in in this now re-mastered DVD is the only known to exist. It was de-classified under the "Thirty Year's Rule" in 1978 and so was not available for use in earlier documentary programmes such as "The World At War". Since release, parts of the film have appeared in other Video/DVD's and used on TV. For example, footage was shown by BBC TV last December in their "RAF at 90" programme.
Viewed as a whole, the film reflects a full day of activity at a front line RAF Bomber Base. It shows ground crew changing a Merlin engine, replacement of a rear turret with twin 0.50 inch machine guns rather than four 0.303 inch guns and then the fuelling and bombing up of aircraft. Bombs of various sizes are shown being manhandled on to trolleys then moved by tractor from the bomb dump to have fuses attached before being taken to aircraft and winched up into the bomb bay. Aircrew are shown being fully briefed and getting into flying gear prior to taking off "for a mission to Berlin". The latter section appears "staged" but still reveals what it was like to be in a Lancaster and the near impossibility of getting out if an aircraft was hit by shell or cannon fire from anti aircraft guns or night fighters.
The quality of the footage is astonishing given that the bulk was filmed using a 16mm camera. The interior shots of a fully operational Lancaster (and perhaps the reason for the ban on release until 1978) show the use of all the electronics that became available later in the war for navigation and early warning of night fighter attack.
The commentary is informative and the DVD also has some wonderful extra's that highlight the life of the late Air Commodore H I Cozens who made the film at his own initiative in 1944. In doing so, a moment of history was preserved for those involved and for future generations.
Essential viewing for those seeking to better comprehend the sheer scale of effort and resources behind the RAF's bombing campaign against Nazi Germany in World War Two.
Viewed as a whole, the film reflects a full day of activity at a front line RAF Bomber Base. It shows ground crew changing a Merlin engine, replacement of a rear turret with twin 0.50 inch machine guns rather than four 0.303 inch guns and then the fuelling and bombing up of aircraft. Bombs of various sizes are shown being manhandled on to trolleys then moved by tractor from the bomb dump to have fuses attached before being taken to aircraft and winched up into the bomb bay. Aircrew are shown being fully briefed and getting into flying gear prior to taking off "for a mission to Berlin". The latter section appears "staged" but still reveals what it was like to be in a Lancaster and the near impossibility of getting out if an aircraft was hit by shell or cannon fire from anti aircraft guns or night fighters.
The quality of the footage is astonishing given that the bulk was filmed using a 16mm camera. The interior shots of a fully operational Lancaster (and perhaps the reason for the ban on release until 1978) show the use of all the electronics that became available later in the war for navigation and early warning of night fighter attack.
The commentary is informative and the DVD also has some wonderful extra's that highlight the life of the late Air Commodore H I Cozens who made the film at his own initiative in 1944. In doing so, a moment of history was preserved for those involved and for future generations.
Essential viewing for those seeking to better comprehend the sheer scale of effort and resources behind the RAF's bombing campaign against Nazi Germany in World War Two.
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is all orginal colour film taken mostly at RAF Hemswell, Lincolnshire in 1944, home of 150 and 170 Squadrons flying Lancasters.
It is based around the preperation and execution of a raid on Berlin. We see Lancs being repaired, refuelled and bombed up. We also see some of the admin behind the planning of an operation, not just at Hemswell but at Group HQ. We then meet one particular pilot, called Flight Lieutenant Harris (later we find his real name is Bob Chandler) and his crew as they attend the pre-flight briefing.
The film then goes with Harris/Chandler in his Lanc on the Berlin raid and his return, late, and de-briefing.
At the end, it is revealed that Harris/Chandler was 22 years old at the time of this raid. I am always stunned at how young these fellows were.
It's a bit polite perhaps but if you want to get a small feel of what it was like to go on a bombing raid in WW2 this film is as good as any (I doubt us land lubbers can ever fully comprehend the experience).
Fascinating!
It is based around the preperation and execution of a raid on Berlin. We see Lancs being repaired, refuelled and bombed up. We also see some of the admin behind the planning of an operation, not just at Hemswell but at Group HQ. We then meet one particular pilot, called Flight Lieutenant Harris (later we find his real name is Bob Chandler) and his crew as they attend the pre-flight briefing.
The film then goes with Harris/Chandler in his Lanc on the Berlin raid and his return, late, and de-briefing.
At the end, it is revealed that Harris/Chandler was 22 years old at the time of this raid. I am always stunned at how young these fellows were.
It's a bit polite perhaps but if you want to get a small feel of what it was like to go on a bombing raid in WW2 this film is as good as any (I doubt us land lubbers can ever fully comprehend the experience).
Fascinating!
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Suggested to me by my uncle who was there 1940 -1943, an RAF bomber pilot. He says this is the only record he has seen which successfully reflects what it was really like. I found it gripping, well written, good narration. I highly recommend.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Night Bombers
If you are interested in WWII history and haven't seen this video then buy it NOW! It is absolutley brilliant! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Stephen Fryer
Night Bombers - A brother's review.
This is a brilliant account of the preparation involved for a night raid on Berlin, from the briefings of the crews, the arming of the Lancaster, the attack on Berlin and the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Peter
A great documnetary.
This is a great documentary. Completely authentic, with no heroics or acting. It is educational and yet easy to watch. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Reader
Best and most authentic around
I feel this film is all you need to understand what it must have really been like for the poor beggars who flew these missions. The colour adds that final touch. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Lawrence Maunder
Night Bombers- Essential Viewing
The documentary, 'Night Bombers,'is an absolute must for any person interested in RAF Bomber Command's activities in 1943-4. Read more
Published 4 months ago by P. J. Clarke
Different Times
Nightbombers (1943) makes a tremendous contrast with Target For Tonight (1941), and not just because it is in colour. Read more
Published 7 months ago by A. Perry
real life heroes
Something like a fly on the wall documentary on a lancaster bomber base during world war 2, this programme is a wonderful representation of a slice of life for real heroes during... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Geralt of Rivia
Unique colour film
Its all been said already but just a few more comments. The quality is in the editing. Briefings are covered sufficiently, but briefly. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Mr. R. E. J. Hyson
Excellent except for one thing
This is a great compilation of vintage footage done in a cohesive presentation. The only thing that would make it better would be to offer it in a DVD format that would permit USA... Read more
Published on 12 Dec 2009 by dale356cars
Night Bombers [VHS] [1981]
Night Bomber is an accurate picture of life at R.A.F Hemswell 150 Sqdn. in 44/45 I was there as a P.F.E (pilot/flight engineer). Read more
Published on 8 May 2009 by Mr. Clifford Freeman Leach
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