Historic 1942 Footage: U.S. Bombers Arrive in Australia | WWII Documentary

In this United News reel, we witness the diligent preparations for war by men, women, and industries, alongside the valiant efforts of pilots defending Australia against a Japanese invasion. (ARC 38911)

In Part 1, we observe the departure and arrival of U.S. bombers at an Australian air base, with a notable appearance by Gen. Ralph Royce. Part 2 highlights Mrs. Roosevelt's presence at a ceremony dedicated to honoring the brave nurses who served in the Pacific. This segment showcases women engaged in various activities, including operating a lumber mill, conducting tank tests, and manufacturing guns. Part 3 provides an insight into the mining of iron ore, its loading onto trains and freighters, and its subsequent delivery to various steel mills. In Part 4, we witness Don Budge's victory over Bobby Riggs at Forest Hills, Long Island, securing the National Professional tennis championship. Part 5 offers a glimpse into a test flight of the Navy's flying boat, Mars, while Part 6 captures Canadian submarine chasers dropping depth charges.

This captivating reel was created by the Office for Emergency Management, Office of War Information, Overseas Operations Branch, New York Office, within the News and Features Bureau, during the period spanning from December 17, 1942, to September 15, 1945.

Transcript (PDF): https://www.archives.gov/files/social-media/transcripts/transcript-us-bombers-blast-japanese-bases-38911.pdf