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Civil Defence in Action: The Rest Centre

1961

Cat no. 215534

Dramatising the work of a Civil Defence Corps Rest Centre, the documentary uses a flowing narrative to explore the function of a centre established to care for survivors in the aftermath of a nuclear attack.

With rest centre sites in schools, cinemas, large halls and public buildings earmarked in advance, each is run by a 'Detachment Leader' who - with the assistance of a 'Welfare Team' - orchestrates the rehabilitation of those left homeless. Providing shelter and protection, the centre distributes food and clothing, registers new arrivals and reunites families, provides information to victims, and orchestrates evacuation and billeting. The centre is also organised to encourage victims to help each other as much as possible, with many involved in the operation of sick bays and first-aid cubicles, whilst a leader is appointed from amongst the homeless.

Keywords

Civil Defence; Nuclear Attacks

Other Places

Middlesex

  • Sponsor : County Council of Middlesex Civil Defence Corps

  • Production company : SJB Film Unit

  • Director : Brian Grainger

  • Script : Derrick Trueman

  • Script : Brian Grainger

  • Camera : Blair Nisbet

  • Editor : Ron Prime

  • Commentator : Frank Sieman

  • Assistant director : Derrick Trueman

  • Other : Jim Royer

  • Other : Anne Webb

Manifestations

Civil Defence in Action: The Rest Centre

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