This film is part of Free
Parade of Troops with Band and Crowds Following
For Britons during the Boer War, a welcome opportunity to support the troops - and march alongside them
Overview
You can sense the support of the British public for the men who were fighting in South Africa in this parade film from the Boer War era. A military band and civic officials march in front of the soldiers and police help to clear a path. Some members of the crowd show their enthusiasm by joining in the march themselves - look out for the man in the dark coat and hat. The young lads taking a keen interest here would no doubt be old enough to fight in the Great War.
While these parades were a good way for the public to show their gratitude, films of such events could reach a far wider audience. The first shot here gives an unexpected close-up view of the marchers, while other compositions take in the surroundings, giving a now-fascinating survey of busy Victorian streets.
Related
Lord Roberts Presenting Medals to Boer War Volunteers in Liverpool (1901) Lord Roberts Presenting Medals to Boer War Volunteers in Liverpool (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 9 mins Silent Location: Liverpool
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces recognises war heroes old and new in front of crowds on a wet day in Edwardian Liverpool.
Royal Scots Regiment at Edinburgh Castle (1901) Royal Scots Regiment at Edinburgh Castle (1901)
Non-Fiction 1901 5 mins Silent Location: Edinburgh Castle
Troops play up for the camera in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle.
Ambulance Crossing the Modder Ambulance Crossing the Modder
Non-Fiction 1899 1 mins Silent
A surprisingly languid scene shot far from the Boer War battlefields.
H.M.S. "Powerful" Arriving in Portsmouth Harbour H.M.S. "Powerful" Arriving in Portsmouth Harbour
Non-Fiction 1900 1 mins Silent Location: Portsmouth
A mighty naval cruiser returns home to Britain, covered in glory - and Nelson's ship is there to welcome it
Wooden Walls of Old England Wooden Walls of Old England
Non-Fiction 1899 1 mins
Panorama of two wooden battleships, both by this time used as training ships for naval cadets
Coldstream Guards Embarking on Troopship Gascon Coldstream Guards Embarking on Troopship Gascon
Non-Fiction 1899 1 mins Silent Location: Southampton
This close view of departing troops gets up close and personal with soldiers off to the Boer War.
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.