Released during WWII, this restricted newsreel consists of various segments. They include at :58, the debut of the battleship USS North Carolina. At 2:50, in a segment called “Tell My Boy”, a letter writing campaign is seen — started by Estelle Becker of the Civilian Volunteer Defense Office in the Bronx, New York. It is aimed at people who do not speak English but want letters written to their sons at war. At 5:45, a profile of boxer Barney Ross is seen. Ross was an American professional boxer and became a world champion in three weight divisions and was a decorated veteran of World War II. The film shows Ross’ description of the fighting at Guadalcanal. In retirement in his early thirties, Ross enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in April 1942. The Marines wanted to keep him stateside and use his celebrity status to boost morale. Most of the athletes of the era, like heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey, had ceremonial roles in the military, but Ross insisted on fighting for his country.
At 10:50, the U.S. Army’s efforts to use civilian dogs is shown. Adorable images of dogs being drafted and then trained for use by the military police! Kennels are seen at 14:25, with dogs being trained for arctic conditions.
The film ends with a look at the island of Malta, which is under siege by the Axis and one of the most bombed spots in the entire war. Luftwaffe footage is seen of German aircraft including Stukas making bombing raids on the bese
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