A Bandeira da Esquadrilha

This is a propaganda film made in 1942,at a time when people needed help to believe in a successful end to the war at a time when not a lot was happening.It has to be said that the best British propaganda films were those that poked fun at the Nazis.Those,like this film,which were deadly serious probably didn't hit the mark because they could not at that time show exactly what was going on as the audiences would have found it too horrific.As has been previously mentioned there is not a great deal of action.It isn't as good as One of our aircraft is missingt or 49th Parallel No doubt this film would have bolstered people's faith in our Belgian allies.

Only last night I saw people being coerced by the use of torture into treading upon Christian icons and imported items being brought into 17th Century Japan inspected for concealed crucifixes in Martin Scorsese's 'Silence'; and today I saw the significance still given to inspirational objects such as the Belgian flag that men (and women) were still prepared in the 20th Century to risk their lives to preserve and smuggle to safety.

Boasting an evocative title; although clearly made very quickly and cheaply in a variety of formats ranging from obvious back projection and models to beautiful sylvan location work - and with both Belgians & Germans mainly speaking in received English - the obvious sincerity lying behind this film and the moving music "specially composed" (as the credits put it) by Ralph Vaughan Williams makes the whole thing touching to watch. It's also doubly poignant to see the lovely Jane Baxter in a rare wartime role making one of her final film appearances.

Made during the second world war when people were really suffering the pain (not just remembering it), this low budget simple tale of high ideals and patriotism is more powerful than many a later battlefield re-enactment. A tense commando operation is blended with touching personal scenes such as a mother and son meeting in occupied territory but too afraid to recognize each other. All combine to bring home the horrors and heroism of the wartime experience in a way that truly tugs the heart strings. Listen for the musical score by famous English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.

This film was written and directed ? by my great aunt Jill Craigie,who sadly i never met.I would like to purchase this film,if possible on DVD,and would appreciate any information,as to where i can purchase this film.Kind regards,Mark Craigie.I see that an Ian has posted his view on the film from Australia,and wondered if he is my Uncle,who had a brother Malcolm(my father)and a sister Lynn,my Auntie.My great Aunt Jill was married to the labour politician Sir Michael Foot and lived in London up until her death.It would be nice to hear from any relative,however distant,to catch up on life and times of your lives.However,i understand some people may be reluctant,to disclose details of their private lives,but any input would be much appreciated.Again Kind Regards,Mark Craigie.