This 1945 War Department film shows traffic control and logistics during the famous Allied invasion of Normandy, Occupied France during World War II, on June 6th, 1944. It also shows the traffic control work of military policemen (MPs). The film follows a convoy as it moves from English bivouac area to the marshalling areas and later to the beach landings. This film was originally classified as restricted (:12). It was produced by the Army Pictorial Service (:25). Opening scenes are from June 6th as a three pronged attack from land, sea and air began (:45). Soldiers move from LST’s to the shoreline (:54). Supplies follow them in (1:00). The large caravan moves down the road as ground troops move up a hill (1:10). Military Police were in charge of trafficking this massive caravan (1:16). Plans for this movement were set into place in the London, England traffic headquarters (1:37). The British Isles were chosen as the best route to move through the southern tip of England to cross the English Channel into France. Crates of rations (2:18), fuel tanks (2:20) and ammunition must be transported (2:22). A unit prepares to move out of an English bivouac area (2:26). The markings on the back of the vehicle (2:31) correspond to the number of the LST which was to take the vehicle across the channel. MP’s are seen in small cars (2:45) moving the group for the marshalling areas. Supply trucks and tanks roll forward (3:01). Reconnaissance (3:09), jeeps and motorcyclists follow (3:17). An MP rides a motorcycle (3:30) allowing a tank to pass. Civilian traffic was only allowed in specific allotments of time which would not interfere with the caravan’s movement (3:36). Two MP’s are stationed at ground positions (3:47). The convoy is stopped to receive last minute instruction (4:00). A MP shows a carefully designed hand signal (4:27). The unit moves through town (4:39). Cattle interrupt the caravan as it bubbles around them (5:25). Road signs were employed to assist in areas where MP’s may not be available (5:33). Another MP stands at a traffic post (5:40) communicating over radio to the headquarters. The convoy approaches the marshalling area (6:10). The movements are displayed on an animated map (6:24). Soldiers spread camouflaged nets over supplies and vehicles (7:01). MP’s were to guide the group from the marshaling areas to the parking lanes (7:33). Concrete blocks were set upon the beach (8:03). LST’s are loaded (8:14) with the back end first (8:29). From here, the destination was Omaha beach (8:40). Soldiers on this beach in France await the convoy (8:50). These men are of the 1st Engineer Special Brigade (8:50); the amphibious forces which had been developed during this war. Supply trucks loaded with equipment roll ashore (9:00). An army jeep moves out from a LST (9:08) as a blimp floats above. Amphibious vehicles leave water for sand (9:11). The vulnerable caravan is moved rapidly inland with heavy cover (9:20). Men regroup at assembly areas (9:28). An amphibious tank is readied for action (9:38). A map notes the location of the assembly areas in relation to the fighting front (9:45). Groups will reorganize in the assembly areas prior to moving to the front. Once in the combat zone, traffic control rests upon MP’s assigned to tactical units (10:18). A shot is provided of one of the specially prepared maps which these combat MP’s used (10:26). Duplicators work to get schedules and routes out (10:40). Men group and discuss areas for which they were to cover (10:49). Troops move to their convoy (11:20) guided by MPs. A sign follows showing maximum speeds for single vehicles versus the convoys (11:32). This sign also warns the MP’s the convoy is now in the forward area of the combat zone as enemy combat fire booms ominously (11:41). MP’s continue to guide the way (11:47) with bright white sleeves. The convoy moves through crumbling buildings as they near combat (11:57). An MP conducts slow hand signals with the roman numeral of 19 hanging around his neck (12:04). This convoy would soon provide much needed support for the push inland.

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, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com