Train Busters

Illustrating Britain's preparations for air attack, scenes show destruction wrought by enemy planes, efficiency of retaliation by the Royal Air Force, and precautions taken in Canada against possible air attack.

A classic presentation of the strategy of the Battle of Britain, the film shows, with penetrating clarity, the relationship of the various forces that went to make up the island's defenses. Here is the Royal Air Force in its epic battle with the Luftwaffe, the Navy in its stubborn fight against the raiders of sea and sky, the coastal defenses, the mechanized cavalry, the merchant seamen, and, steadfast behind them all, Britain's tough, unbending civilian army. The first NFB film to win an Oscar.

After the outbreak of World War II Canada was transformed into a fighting machine. The production of war materials multiplied; the recruiting and training of fighting men were pushed to the maximum; and twenty-four thousand miles of coast line were guarded. In addition, Canada became the foremost training ground for Allied airmen. In a spirit of democratic cooperation Canadians responded to the needs of war.