Target for Tonight

Last updated

Target for Tonight
'target for Tonight' Art.IWMPST4015.jpg
Pre-release theatrical poster
Directed by Harry Watt
Produced byHarry Watt
Starring Royal Air Force personnel
Edited by S. McAllister
Music by Central Band of the Royal Air Force
Production
company
Distributed by British Ministry of Information
Associated British Film Distributors
Release date
  • 25 July 1941 (1941-07-25)
Running time
48 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Budget£7,000 [1]
Box office£100,000 [1]

Target for Tonight (or Target for To-Night) is a 1941 British World War II documentary film billed as filmed and acted by the Royal Air Force, all during wartime operations. It was directed by Harry Watt for the Crown Film Unit. The film is about the crew of a Wellington bomber taking part in a bombing mission over Nazi Germany. The film won an honorary Academy Award in 1942 as Best Documentary by the National Board of Review. [2] Despite purporting to be a documentary there are multiple indicators that it is not quite as such: film shots include studio shots taken from the exterior of the aircraft looking into the cockpit whilst "in flight"; several stilted sections of dialogue are clearly scripted; on the ground shots of bombing are done using model trains; and several actors appear (including Gordon Jackson as the young rear gunner[ citation needed ]). The film does give a unique insight into the confined nature of the Wellington's interior and some of the nuances of day to day operation such as ground crew holding a blanket over the engine while it starts to regulate oxygen intake.

Contents

Plot

After text cards explaining RAF Bomber Command chain of command, the film begins with an Avro Anson flying over an RAF base and dropping a box of undeveloped film. After developing and analysis, it reveals that a major oil storage facility has been built at Freihausen in the Freiburg region. A squadron of Vickers Wellingtons are allocated to attack it that night. The planning of a mission to reach and hit the target is depicted, detailing how munitions for the task are selected. The two aircraft tasked to lead the attack are to be loaded with incendiary bombs in order to set the wood around the target on fire, whilst the rest of the squadron carry 4 x 500-pound (230 kg) and 1 x 1,000-pound (450 kg) high explosive bombs. One bomb on each aircraft is a delayed-action bomb.

The weather forecast is expected to be good, and the aircrews are briefed. Among the pilots is P. C. Pickard, a real life RAF officer and holder of the DSO. In the film Pickard is "Squadron Leader Dixon", the pilot of Wellington "F-OJ", call sign "F for Freddie".

Once the briefing is completed the crew suit up before being driven to their bomber located on the airfield dispersal. The station groundcrew assist with the starting of the aircraft's engines, before it taxies to the end of the airfield and with clearance obtained from the runway controller, the crew take off into the dusk. The time is 19:51hrs.

Over Germany the target is reached at 23:45hrs with bombs released at 23:53hrs, the first four falling short of the target but the final one scoring a direct hit. As the aircraft clears the target area it is hit by flak, the radio operator suffers a wound to his leg, his set is put out of action and a hit to the port engine means that the aircraft can barely hold altitude. Dixon's crew in "F for Freddie" are the last aircraft to return, by which time fog covers the airfield. Tension builds as he locates the base and brings the damaged Wellington down safely, landing back at "Millerton" at 04:15hrs. No aircraft are lost from the mission and the target was set ablaze, so it is considered a complete success. [3]

Production

The film was shot by the Royal Air Force Film Unit, [4] with location filming being carried out during the last two weeks of March and the first two weeks of April 1941 [5] at RAF Mildenhall. Aircraft used in the filming consisted of resident Vickers Wellington bombers and the crews of No. 149 Squadron which carried the squadron code "OJ". The exception to this was Pickard, who was at that time Squadron Leader with No. 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron. [5]

Filming also took place at RAF Bomber Command headquarters in High Wycombe, with the head of Bomber Command Sir Richard Peirse and Senior Air Staff Officer Sir Robert Saundby appearing in the film. [6] In order to avoid giving information to the enemy, RAF Mildenhall took the fictitious name of "Millerton Aerodrome", and several other aspects of day-to-day operations of the command were altered. Squadron Leader Dickson, who skippered "F for Freddie," was played by Percy Charles Pickard, who went on to lead Operation Biting and Operation Jericho, a raid to release prisoners from the Amiens Prison. During this mission Pickard lost his life, as did his navigator, Flight Lieutenant J. A. "Bill" Broadley. The second pilot in the film was played by Gordon Woollatt. Also appearing (and uncredited) is Constance Babington Smith, who was a serving WAAF officer at the time and was responsible for photographic interpretation of aerial reconnaissance pictures. [7] Appearing in the control room scene is motor racing driver John Cobb, then a serving RAF officer. [8]

Film brochure

A 30-page pamphlet with photos and text from the 1941 propaganda film "Target for To-Night". Target for To-Night - Publicity Tie-in Booklet for the 1941 Film.jpg
A 30-page pamphlet with photos and text from the 1941 propaganda film "Target for To-Night".

A 30-page brochure entitled The Book of the famous film Target for To-Night and sub-titled The Record in Text and Pictures of a Bombing Raid on Germany was released in 1941. It covered various scenes from the film along with photographic stills and was sold for 6d (six old pence). It was adapted from Harry Watt's screenplay by Paul Holt of the Daily Express.

Reception

According to Warner Bros the film earned that studio $229,000 domestically and $18,000 foreign. [9]

A possible identity of "F for Freddie" is Wellington Mk 1c OJ-F ("P2517") which was serving with No. 149 Squadron from November 1940 to September 1941. [10] [11]

At the end of the war Harry Watt, the film's director, noted with regret that most of the flight officers and crew who appeared in the film did not survive the duration of the war. [12] For example, the front gunner in the film was played by Flight-sergeant Joseph Ronald Bird who lost his life on the 27/28 August 1942 flying as rear gunner of a Short Stirling aircraft whilst on a bombing mission to Kassel, Germany. [13] [14] [15]

"Allo Allo!"

The January 1987 episode of 'Allo 'Allo! , "Pretty Maids All In A Row", contains a scene where the rescue of two British airmen by plane is hampered by the fact that all spare British aircraft are currently being used for a movie named F For Freddie.

The Word at War

Scenes from the film were included in the British World War II documentary The World at War , in the episode "Whirlwind".

The Winds of War

Novel

Herman Wouk, in his novel The Winds of War , included a Wellington bomber coded F-OJ and christened "F for Freddie" in an episode of the story. The lead character, American naval captain Victor 'Pug' Henry, flies onboard "F for Freddie" as an observer during a bombing mission over Berlin. Wouk's fictional narrative evokes portions of the real "F for Freddie"'s mission log: one of their bombs hits their target squarely and flak damages the plane and injures one of their crew members in the leg (in the novel, the rear gunner rather than the radio operator). They have trouble holding altitude but make it back after a long, tense flight over hostile territory.

Miniseries

Additionally in episode 4 of the 1983 miniseries, The Winds of War, 'Pug' Henry joins the crew at their operational briefing, where he is introduced to the Wellington's crew members (however the names of each differ from those used in the documentary film being; Flt. Lt. Killian (pilot), Sgt. Johnson (second pilot), Sgt. Reynolds (navigator/bomb aimer), Sgt. Peters (wireless operator) Sgt. Carter (front gunner), Sgt. Baden (rear gunner)). Prior to take off for the target, "F for Freddie's" navigator, Reynolds, states that; "conditions should be the same skipper as our op to Freihausen" (the fictional target in the Black Forest used in the documentary film). [16]

Commando Comics

Commando Comics issue #977 “O-For-Orange” possibly involves a reference to Target For Tonight with the crew of the titular aircraft and the aircraft itself, a Wellington, becoming famous after starring in a propaganda film.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vickers Wellington</span> British twin-engined, long-range medium bomber

The Vickers Wellington is a British twin-engined, long-range medium bomber. It was designed during the mid-1930s at Brooklands in Weybridge, Surrey. Led by Vickers-Armstrongs' chief designer Rex Pierson; a key feature of the aircraft is its geodetic airframe fuselage structure, which was principally designed by Barnes Wallis. Development had been started in response to Air Ministry Specification B.9/32, issued in the middle of 1932, for a bomber for the Royal Air Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RAF Mildenhall</span> Royal Air Force station near Mildenhall, Suffolk, United Kingdom

Royal Air Force Mildenhall, or more simply RAF Mildenhall, is a Royal Air Force station located near Mildenhall in Suffolk, England. Despite its status as a Royal Air Force station, it primarily supports United States Air Force (USAF) operations, and is currently the home of the 100th Air Refueling Wing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No. 12 Squadron RAF</span> Flying squadron of the Royal Air Force

Number 12 Squadron, also known as No. 12 (Bomber) Squadron and occasionally as No. XII Squadron, is a flying squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF). The squadron reformed in July 2018 as a joint RAF/Qatar Emiri Air Force squadron. It is currently based at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, and operates the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, while temporarily integrating Qatari air and ground crews in order to provide training and support as part of the Qatari purchase of 24 Typhoons from the UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Allen Ward</span> Recipient of the Victoria Cross

James Allen Ward, VC was a New Zealand aviator and a recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest award for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that could be awarded at the time to personnel of the British and Commonwealth forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No. 149 Squadron RAF</span> Defunct flying squadron of the Royal Air Force

No. 149 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force Squadron between 1918 and 1956. Formed 1918 in the Royal Flying Corps as a night-bomber unit, it remained in that role for the rest of its existence which spanned three periods between 1918 and 1956.

No. 90 Squadron RAF is a squadron of the Royal Air Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Percy Charles Pickard</span> Royal Air Force officer

Group Captain Percy Charles "Pick" Pickard, was an officer in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He served as a pilot and commander, and was the first officer of the RAF to be awarded the DSO three times during the war. He flew over a hundred sorties and distinguished himself in a variety of operations requiring coolness under fire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RAF Polebrook</span> Airport in Northamptonshire, England

Royal Air Force Polebrook or more simply RAF Polebrook is a former Royal Air Force station located 3.5 miles (5.6 km) east-south-east of Oundle, at Polebrook, Northamptonshire, England. The airfield was built on Rothschild estate land starting in August 1940.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No. 420 Squadron RCAF</span> Former Royal Canadian Air Force squadron

No. 420 "City of London" Squadron RCAF was a squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) which existed from late December 1941 forwards. The Squadron's nickname was "Snowy Owl". Their motto was Pugnamus Finitum, Latin for We Fight To The Finish. No. 420 Squadron is no longer active.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No. 304 Polish Bomber Squadron</span> Military unit

No. 304 Polish Bomber Squadron was a Polish World War II bomber unit. It fought alongside the Royal Air Force under their operational Command and operated from airfields in the United Kingdom, serving from April 1941 as a bomber unit in RAF Bomber Command, from May 1942 as an anti-submarine unit in RAF Coastal Command and from June 1945 as a transport unit in RAF Transport Command.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No. 214 Squadron RAF</span> Military unit

No. 214 Squadron is a former unit of the Royal Air Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No. 44 Squadron RAF</span> Defunct flying squadron of the Royal Air Force

Number 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron was an aviation unit of the Royal Air Force. It was active between 1917 and 1982. For most of its history it served as a heavy bomber squadron.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No. 466 Squadron RAAF</span> Royal Australian Air Force squadron

No. 466 Squadron RAAF was a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bomber squadron during World War II. Formed in the United Kingdom in late 1942, the squadron undertook combat operations in Europe until the end of the war, flying heavy bomber aircraft. Following the conclusion of hostilities with Germany, the squadron began retraining to undertake operations in the Pacific against the Japanese, but the war came to an end before it left the UK. In late 1945, the squadron was disbanded.

Squadron Leader Henry Melvin "Dinghy" Young, was a bomber pilot in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of the Heligoland Bight (1939)</span> First major aerial battle of WWII

The Battle of the Heligoland Bight was the first "named" air battle of the Second World War, which began the longest air campaign of the war on 3 September 1939, the Defence of the Reich. After the declaration of war, RAF Bomber Command began operations against Nazi Germany but limited their attacks to those targets that were purely military and had little risk of civilian casualties. This largely limited their efforts to attacks on the Kriegsmarine warships in German ports to prevent their use in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Werner Baake was a night fighter pilot fighter ace and recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross who served in the Nazi German Luftwaffe during World War II. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognize extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Baake claimed 41 nocturnal aerial victories in 195 combat missions. He was the 36th most successful night fighter ace of World War II, and of aerial warfare. Baake's total surpassed that of all Allied night fighter pilots; Branse Burbridge being the highest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peter Stanley James</span>

Wing Commander Peter Stanley James, was a pilot in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War, flying in RAF Bomber Command with No. 35 Squadron, No. 78 Squadron and No. 148 Squadron.

Wing Commander David William Holford was a Royal Air Force officer who was the youngest bomber squadron commanding officer in RAF history. He was killed after crashing his Lancaster in thick fog near Kelstern following an operation to bomb Berlin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">RAF Bomber Command aircrew of World War II</span> Military unit

The aircrews of RAF Bomber Command during World War II operated a fleet of bomber aircraft carried strategic bombing operations from September 1939 to May 1945, on behalf of the Allied powers. The crews were men from the United Kingdom, other Commonwealth countries, and occupied Europe, especially Poland, France, Czechoslovakia and Norway, as well as other foreign volunteers. While the majority of Bomber Command personnel were members of the RAF, many belonged to other air forces – especially the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Under Article XV of the 1939 Air Training Agreement, squadrons belonging officially to the RCAF, RAAF, and RNZAF were formed, equipped and financed by the RAF, for service in Europe. While it was intended that RCAF, RAAF, and RNZAF personnel would serve only with their respective "Article XV squadrons", in practice many were posted to units of the RAF or other air forces. Likewise many RAF personnel served in Article XV squadrons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everett Ernest Blakely</span> World War II hero and career officer in the USAF

Everett Ernest Blakely was a career officer of the United States Air Force. He was a highly decorated B-17 pilot with the “Bloody Hundredth” Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force in Europe during World War II. He received eleven medals for his service including the Silver Star for “gallantry in action”, the Distinguished Flying Cross for “heroism or extraordinary achievement during aerial flight” and the Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters. Blakely and the crew of his plane “Just A Snappin” long held the record for the most enemy aircraft shot down on a single mission. The crew of Just A Snappin was credited with 9 enemy aircraft shot down. He also received his Pilot Wings with 3 stars from the Colombian Air Force.

References

  1. 1 2 "Australia's film future lies in documentaries". The Argus . Melbourne, Victoria: National Library of Australia. 14 August 1944. p. 6. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  2. ↑ "Target for Tonight (1941)". BFI . Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  3. ↑ "Target for Tonight (1941) Synopsis". BFI . Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  4. ↑ Connelly, Mark (2001). Reaching for the stars a new history of Bomber Command in World War II. London: I.B. Tauris. pp. 59–61. ISBN   1-86064-591-7.
  5. 1 2 "Target for Tonight (1941) - IMDb". IMDb .
  6. ↑ Johnston & Carter (2002), p. 141.
  7. ↑ Babington Smith, Constance (1957). Evidence in Camera: The story of Photographic Intelligence in World War II. London: Chatto & Windus. OCLC   7366816.
  8. ↑ "John Cobb". Flight . LXII (2280): 439. 3 October 1952. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  9. ↑ Warner Bros financial information in The William Shaefer Ledger. See Appendix 1, Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television, (1995) 15:sup1, 1-31 p 22 DOI: 10.1080/01439689508604551
  10. ↑ "Bomber Command No.149 Squadron". Royal Air Force. 2015. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  11. ↑ "Vickers Wellingtons of 149 Squadron, 1940". The Air Tactical Assault Group. 2015. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  12. ↑ Ashcroft 2013.
  13. ↑ "Roll of Honour". No. 218 (Gold Coast) Squadron 1936-1945. 3 September 2013.
  14. ↑ NZ National Archive/Aukland Star newspaper, December 24, 1942/Article 'Luck and Skill' (the memoirs of Pilot Officer A. T. Rowe).
  15. ↑ "Home". backtonormandy.org.
  16. ↑ "The Winds of War IV (Episode 4) Defiance sa prevodom". YouTube . 5 July 2015.

Bibliography

  • Ashcroft, Michael A (2013). Heroes of the Skies. Headline Book Publishing.
  • Johnston, John & Carter, Nick (2002). Strong by Night: History and Memories of No. 149 (East India) Squadron Royal Air Force, 1918/19 – 1937/56. Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK: Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN   0-85130-313-7.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.