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In 1899 the Warwick Trading Co., by special permission of the Admiralty, shot
a series of films of Royal Navy troops running exercises. Bluejackets' Drill and
Exercises - Volley Firing, an intriguing historical document, was shot at the
Portsmouth Naval Depot and records the exacting marching and firing drills that
the sailors underwent. With the three-deck gunboat 'Duke of Wellington' as a
backdrop, and rifles at the ready, a group of sailors form two ranks. A
surprising moment occurs as the sailors fire; smoke suddenly fills the screen
and for a moment it appears as though they have aimed straight at the camera.
'Bluejacket' was a term given to naval ratings who not uncommonly were required
to fight on land.
This film was made during the time of the Second Boer War (1899-1902),
suggesting that these troops were in preparation for deployment in South Africa.
This is further suggested by a similar film shot by the Warwick Trading Co.,
Bluejackets' Field Gun Drill At Durban, made the same year and featuring sailors
running exercises in South Africa.
Christian Hayes
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Complete film (0:56)
