Royal Canadian Air Force Development of Arctic Air Routes “Wings for Victory” 45594 (1942)

Synopsis

This brief drama film created during WW2 depicts the Arctic Sea Lanes and shows the Canadian conquest of the northern frozen tundra section of the country through air power. It features the northern route to Europe and Asia, isolated weather stations, outposts in the northern tundra, as well as bombers being fortified to Europe. It is presented by Official Films (:07) and is dedicated to the pioneer flyers whom had originally blazed the air routes of the northern route (:23). Pilots are seen stepping from under a sign reading West Division Air Corps (:37). British and US forces knew the rising strength of air power was to be vital to win the war (:73). Prior to the start of WW2, the Northern Atlantic sky was already in use as a trade route (:57) and once the war began it became a steady supply line of bombers to Britain (:57). Aerial footage of Iraq and Sudan follows as crafts fly through this route (1:09). RAF planes are seen heading to cities of India across the Irrawaddy River (1:11). The foresight of Canada to establish these air routes for reasons of defense and development aided in the wartime efforts. Since it’s earliest days of settlement Canada’s major issue was communication as it was spread over a massive area on the third largest country riddled with natural obstacles (1:34). Canada sought to overcome these boundaries as a railway cuts through the northern section of the country (2:13). Dog sled teams moved over the tundra which was rich in mineral resources…

Uploader's description on archive.org

Details

Running time

9 minutes

Collection

Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

• 1942
• Canadian Air Force
• Arctic Air Routes
• Stock Footage