ARMY AIR FORCE WWII FILM “WEEKLY DIGEST NO.44" OQ-2 TARGET DRONE 14th AIR FORCE CHINA 14744 (1944)

Synopsis

This film from WW2, released in late August of 1994, shows the demolition of the Army Air Force Base in Hengyang, China as Japanese forces were closing in, the OQ-2 drone used for target practice in Guadalcanal as well as the construction of a tar paper airstrip in Normandy. It was prepared by the Army Air Forces Combat Film Service (:28). It opens with the demolition of the air base in Hengyang, China in June of 1944 (:44). Japanese forces moved towards the area on the Hankow railway (:45). Anticipating an attack, the headquarters of the 14th Air Force (:57) was mobilized to destroy and evacuate all installations. Forces move equipment outside of the base (1:12) and load them into planes (1:22). Men begin digging holes (1:32) and prepare bomb fuses for explosives which were to further ruin the field (1:35). Half pound blocks of TNT were fitted into the noses of shells in order to detonate the thousand-pound bombs (1:48). Explosions erupt on the grounds (1:53) and a few days later American bombers finished the job (1:58). The quartermaster and air service command buildings along with hospitals, radio tower and other installations were set aflame (2:07). Troops and supplies headed to a road which was to lead them to safety (2:38). 79 miles southwest in Lingling Air Field, preparations were made to evacuate and destroy everything if necessary (2:47). Bombs were buried in the runway (3:00). Remaining explosives and oil drums were carted to the river (3:06). The Japanese…

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Details

Running time

21 minutes

Collection

Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

• Stock Footage