The IWM Film Archive is the oldest film archive in the UK, holding over 20,000 hours of film, video and digital material and covering the two World Wars and all conflicts involving British or Commonwealth Forces since the start of the Twentieth Century to the present. Our collection also reflects aspects of civilian life in wartime, military life in peacetime, military exercises and operations.
This film is part of Free
They Fight by Night
An account of the many ways people contributed to the war effort on the home front, focusing on the work that went on through the night.
From the collection of:
Overview
The cover of darkness offers a different perspective on life in wartime Britain, emphasising how the strain of conflict ensured Britain would have to work around the clock to achieve victory. The clever use of light in the film helps reinforce this point and overcomes the challenges of filming at night, a process that was technically difficult at this time.