Unseen colour video released of London blitz

[n2doc]

New colour footage has been released showing the widespread devastation caused by the German bombing attacks on London 70 years ago. One historian tells Channel 4 News how the attacks changed the face of the capital.


The amateur footage shows streets and buildings destroyed by the bombings, including the burnt out John Lewis store on Oxford Street.

Despite being reduced to a shell, the film shows signs which declare the store 'open for business'.

The film also features Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill inspecting civil defence workers in Hyde Park.

The 20 minute video, which covers a series of events from 7 September 1940 to 10 May 1941, was shot by Marylebone's Chief Air Warden, Alderman Coucher.

more

http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/uk/unseen+colour+video+released+of+london+blitz/3761077

[Warpy]

1. While I could have done without the nerve wracking music

which I'm sure was meant to be heroic, I doubt there is any way you can't be moved by the last shot panning upward to show the extent of the damage.

I had a coworker who worked in London during the Blitz who said when she took her holidays at home in Dublin, she couldn't sleep because it was so quiet. People got used to sleeping in the subway tunnels and just going home to eat, bathe, and change clothes, if home was still there the next day. Often it wasn't.

Anyone who waves the flag and shouts for war, claiming victory is inevitable because their god has already chosen sides, is a fool.

[slackmaster]

2. Film, dammit

The 20 minute video, which covers a series of events from 7 September 1940 to 10 May 1941, was shot by Marylebone's Chief Air Warden, Alderman Coucher.

No, he shot the scenes on film.

[Guilded Lilly]

3. nothing is ever Black and White...

yet when we see so much of historic footage, the black and white tends to desensitize the happenings.
We see it, but through a gray shade so sometimes it doesn't appear totally real and we can put it into the back of our minds while we go out and face a more colorful (not to be confused with a more perfect) present-day.

Seeing color added to the destruction brings the horror so much closer to one's conscience.

[liberal N proud]

4. Interesting account

Thanks for posting

[Fumesucker]

5. Looks a bit like Baghdad after Shock 'n Awe..

The difference being of course that those who orchestrated the Blitz paid a price for their aggressive war.