Narrated by Quentin Reynolds, Advance Base is an extremely graphic, unflinching portrait of the war, the film shows the seizure of a Japanese held island by the Marines, and then the activities of the Naval Construction Battalions, or CBs, constructing a massive supply depot and air strip in the South Pacific. The film also shows Japanese Kamikaze attacks on American ships starting about the 23 minute mark. Deemed too disturbing for general release, the film was hidden from view for decades. It remains one of the most powerful, and important documents of the Pacific War.

A Seabee is a member of the United States Naval Construction Forces (NCF). The word “Seabee” comes from initials “CB”, which in turn comes from the term “Construction Battalion”. The Seabees have a history of building bases, bulldozing and paving thousands of miles of roadway and airstrips, and accomplishing myriad other construction projects in a wide variety of military theaters dating back to World War II.

At 12:42, troops are shown using molotov cocktails, rifle fired grenades, and bazookas in combat, and napalm bombs are shown dropped by aircraft.

At mark 15:30 the medical team sprays the insect killing (DDT) that prevents pest and the base should be secure free from disease.

At mark 18:04 American naval aircraft, Dauntless dive bombers, take off from the new American base to strike the Japanese. At mark 20: 20 the First Tank Battalion is seen preparing for invasion.

At mark 21:10, a memorial for soldiers who had died in battle, those who “gave up their lives for ours and also for their nation.” At mark 21:48, the Marine Corps. departs, singing songs and marching on.

At mark 23:30 kamikaze aircraft hit a U.S. supply ship, and an incredibly large explosion rocks the fleet; the ship is completely vaporized. At 24:00, U.S. strafing of Japanese positions and shipping is seen.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com