The Northern Advocate, Thursday January 15, 1948. Film Missing From Ship; 1 Reel Found On Beach

Northern Advocate, 15 January 1948, Page 6

The Northern Advocate, Thursday January 15, 1948.

Film Missing From Ship; 1 Reel Found On Beach

WELLINGTON, Thur. (P.A.) —A film of the French Resistance Movement, “Behind These Walls,” based on the famous exploit of Royal Air Force squadrons, including New Zealand airmen, in bombing the Amiens prison, cannot be found on the Empire Star, by which it was despatched to New Zealand to be in time for showing on February 18, the fourth anniversary of the raid. One reel of the film, however, was found by a boy on the Oriental Bay Beach. The complete film of 842 ft fills 10 reels.

When the film left England it was packed in one case addressed to the New Zealand distributor and marked “Celluloid." This gave some indication of the fact that the case contained film, which would be useless to pillagers. A cablegram has been sent to London to 'despatch a fresh copy by air mail.

Among the New Zealanders who top part in the raid were Wing Commander I. S. Smith (Auckland), Flight Lieutenants W. Hampson and F. O. W. Gabites (Hawke’s Bay), and Pilot Officers M. L. S. Darrall (JVlorrinsville) A, C. Dunlop, D. R. Fowler (Arrowton), M. M. Sparks and N. F. S. Stevenson (Auckland). The leader of the operation. Group, Captain P. C. Pickard. D.S.O. and two bars, D.F.C., was lost. He will be remembered as the pilot of “F for Freddy” in the film "Target for Tonight.”

The first screening in Wellington next month was to be a gala one, with distinguished guests, the proceeds to be divided between the Royal Society of St George, for food parcels and CORSO. The film was being made available to the sponsors of this gala night", the French Legation, under the direction of the Charge. d'Affaires (M. Henri Rollett). It would later be exhibited generally. The French authorities have been trying to locate all New Zealanders surviving who took part in the raid and to invite them to the gala showing. M. Rollett said the raid which was known as “Operation Jericho,” was held in grateful remembrance by the people of France. The purpose of the- raid was to free 50 French hostages and British prisoners or war who had been condemned to die.