A second "Eagle Squadron" has now been formed as a unit of the RAF Fighter Command.

Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press.

SHOTLIST:

Pan from "Stars and Stripes" to squadron, their British CO Squadron Leader Parnell plays with the dog mascot Rinso. They enter the Spitfires and fly in formation. On returned they report to the intelligence officers who is Sir Duff Asherton Smith whose great grandfather was secretary of State for War during the Crimean War.

The Eagle Air Squadron is American volunteers goes into action, flying Hurricane fighters.

Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press.

SHOTLIST:

Various shots of the men who are all American. They go to their "Hurricanes" and take off. Formation shots. Speech by officer about the part the Eagle Squadron are taking in the war.

The "Eagle" Squadron, commanded by Colonel Charles Sweeney, is in Britain to join the RAF.

Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press.

SHOTLIST:

Interviews with Group Captain Sweeney and Squadron Leader Taylor. The men learn how to handle the Miles "Master" trainers and the machine guns and among them is the famous golfer now P/O Charles Sweeney. (He is a nephew of the Group Captain).

The "Eagle" Squadron has transferred from the RAF to the American Army Air Force. The men now don the uniform of their country but will still wear their RAF wings.

Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press.

Shotlist:

ACM Douglas, General Spaatz and Brigadier General Hunter inspecting Eagle Squadron, Douglas leading. CU Douglas at mike. US Flag hoisted, pan up with flag to RAF Flag already flying. Eagle Squadron marching past, as they pass Douglas, etc., they all salute. CU three squadron leaders standing in front on plane. Angle shot of parade, showing Eagles in RAF Uniform. Douglas inspecting same. CU Squadron Leader Daymond with RAF and US wings pinned on tunic in uniform of US Air Corps. Spaatz pinning on US wings to three Squadron Leaders CU. CU of US flag flying. Douglas speaking into mike, Spaatz in background. Elevated shot of Parade ground. Very good. Douglas inspecting Guard of Honour. Daymond speaking, plane in background, I believe, on his right is Major McCoplin and on his left Major Daley. Pan down from RAF Ensign to paraded Eagle Squadron.

SHOTLIST:

1. Wide shot of ceremony at Angel of Independence

2. Mid shot of veterans

3. Close up officer playing bugle

4. Various of squadron 201 veterans at ceremony

5. Veterans with Mexican flag

6. Banner of a military school

7. Pan shot of bands of several military schools at ceremony

8. Daughter of veteran placing a medal around his neck

9. Medal

10. Captain Miguel Moreno Arreola, pilot of Squadron 201 with Mexican officer

11. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Captain Miguel Moreno Arreola, pilot with Squadron 201:

"The most important medal for me is this one, the one that the Mexican government gave us for our participation in World War II. I also have an air force medal given to me by the USA, also three medals for the liberation of the Philippines, and for our participation in the liberation of Philippines from Japanese forces."

12. Various of ceremony

13. Various of veteran signing visitors record at the Angel of Independence

14. Various of veterans' march towards the Zocalo

STORYLINE:

A dozen veterans of Mexican Fighter Squadron 201 gathered in the centre of Mexico City to commemorate 60 years since they returned from service in the Pacific during WWII.

During the ceremony, the highest-ranking officers of the squad placed a wreath at the foot of monument, the Angel of Independence.

The veterans later led a march towards the Zocalo (central square) accompanied by several military bands.

In early 1942, Nazi U-Boats were sinking Allied ships off the coast of the United States.

As years went on, the Kreigsmarine had expanded its operations to include the Gulf of Mexico, and began sinking Mexican ships as well.

Following the sinking of two oil tankers, Portero de Llano and Faja de Oro, by German forces in May of 1942, Mexico entered the war.

Under President Manuel Avila Camacho, Mexico broadened its relationship with the United States which led to the formation of the Mexican Fighter Squadron 201.

Among the 300 men were 38 pilots and 250 ground crewmen.

Also known as the "Aztec Eagles", the Mexican Fighter Squadron 201 received training in an American air base for a period of five months.

After completing training on the P-47 planes, they were assigned to the Pacific Theatre of operations.

The operations in the Gulf of Mexico were the first combat assignment for "Squadron 201", a unit that later went on to join the United States' 5th Air Force as part of the 58th Fighter Group in the Philippines.

This cooperative venture with the United States' military is Mexico's only foreign deployment of combat forces in its history.

Twenty men from Mexican Fighter Squadron 201 received US Air Medals as well as the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation from the Filipino president in 1952.

Other medals awarded were the Mexican Medal of Valour, World War II Victory Medals, and the Mexican Medal of Valour.

Those medals are still treasured today by the veterans.

Relations between the United States and Mexico strengthened during the second world war with the implementation of agreements such as Squadron 201.

World War II marked the first time the two countries had combined both their industrial and armed forces to fight a common threat.

Sir Patrick Dollan opens Eagle House.

Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press.

SHOTLIST:

Sir Patrick Dollan, the Lord Provost of Glasgow opens "Eagle House", the HQ of the 62nd Air Squadron. He also unfurls the Squadron's Flag. The boys, whose average age is 17, march past. There is also a CU of the boys.

Mr Wolfenden headmaster of Uppingham School, is to be Director of the new Air Training Corps.

Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press.

SHOTLIST:

Sir Patrick Dollan, the Lord Provost of Glasgow opens "Eagle House", the HQ of the 62nd Air Squadron. He also unfurls the Squadron's Flag. The boys, whose average age is 17, march past. There is also a CU of the boys.

Story 2

342 USAF 23772 Reel 1- The Army Air Corps and Civilian Aviation in the Newsreels, B/W Sound 1935

01:11:43 Caption "WINGS OF THE EAGLE. PATHE NEWS.

01:11:52 CU newspaper headline: BRITAIN ADDS $19,750,000.00 TO ARMY BUDGET."

Newspaper headline reading: BRITAIN TO INCREASE AF. ANNOUNCES PLANS TO ADD 25 SQUADRONS TO FLEET DURING 1935 AND 1936.

01:12:01 Newspaper headline reading: BRITAIN TO INCREASE ARMS, LOSS OF FAITH IN PACT SEEN. WHITE PAPER CITES WEAKNESS OF SECURITY TREATIES -- GERMAN PERIL AND REARMING OF JAPAN AND UNITED STATES -- date of newspaper March 5, 1935.

01:12:08 Map of Europe with dotted lines between London, Berlin and Paris and flying time written on the dotted lines -- the map is transposed over scenes of Naval vessels underway and bi-winged airplanes in flight.

01:12:28 LS low angle, large flight of P-12's in flight.

01:12:35 Map of the US showing location of Langley Field transposed over scenes of parked aircraft and aircraft in flight.

01:12:53 Several scenes of B-3 and B-10 aircraft in flight -- scenes are transposed over figure of an eagle.

Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press.

SHOTLIST:

Quick march "Eagle Squadron". Slow march "Queens colours". Quick march short sequence. "Pomp and Circumstance Various. Rifle display. Precision drill - marching to beats. Men and women's RAF band rehearsing for the royal tournament.

Among those honoured at a Buckingham Palace Investiture were Pilot Officer Badham, Flying Officer Triggs, Lt Colonel Petersen and Lt Fitzgerald.

Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press.

SHOTLIST:

Cut story - CUs of Pilot Officer Badham DFC & Flying Officer Triggs MBE, DFC together & individually of the RAAF. Lt Colonel Peterson (Late Eagle Squadron) with his wife, also by himself. GV some of the "Thrasher" crew in forecourt of Palace. CU Lt Fitzgerald DFC. CU Petty Officer Gould VC, also with his wife & holding his baby son Keith in his arms.

Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press.

SHOTLIST:

Sir Archibald Sinclair, Winnant, and members of the EAGLE SQUADRON are present at the ceremeony. Also exterior shots to the Cathedral. (St. Pauls.)

LEADIN:

The F-22 Raptor, thought to be the world's most lethal stealth fighter jet, has been displaying its acrobatic abilities at South Korea's ADEX defence exhibition near Seoul.

Also taking to the skies, five F-15K's from the host nation.

STORYLINE:

Roaring into action, this F-22 Raptor is starring at South Korea's ADEX defence exhibit.

The fifth-generation stealth fighter is boasting its state-of-the-art ability through an energetic 5-minute flight display.

Pilot, Major Daniel 'Rock' Dickinson, claims its speed and agility are what separates the F-22 from other fighter jets.

"So, F-22 Raptor is the Unites States Air force's premier combat fighter," he explains.

"It's primarily an air-to-air fighter. However, it's got an air-to-ground role as well. And it's our premier fifth generation fighter and what that means is it brings a lot of advanced capabilities to the fight, such as super cruise, avionics are highly integrated with the fusion that works between them.

"And of course, the speed and agility, the agility you'll see here at the ADEX for the next couple days it's what that jet brings to the fight."

The United States Air Force is also displaying its other state-of-the-art stealth fighter, the F-35.

It's scheduled to be acquired by South Korea's military next year.

Also feature dhere, a flight display by the South Korean air force's F-15 fighter jets and award-winning airshow group the 'Black Eagles.'

ADEX, is set to officially open to trade visitors on 17 October and will welcome members of the public 21-22 October.

The defence exhibit is hosting hundreds of exhibitors from 33 countries for six days.

Seongnam, South Korea - 16 October 2017

1. Wide of F-22 Raptor from the United States Air Force on runway at ADEX (Aerospace and Defence Exhibition)

2. Close of F-22 moving on runway

3. Wide of F-22 moving, getting ready for take-off

4. Wide of F-22 taking off

5. Various of F22 flight display

6. Wide of F-22 parking on runway

7. Close of pilot opening F-22 cockpit, takes off helmet

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Daniel 'Rock' Dickinson, Major, F-22 pilot:

"So, F-22 Raptor is the Unites States Air force's premier combat fighter. It's primarily an air-to-air fighter. However, it's got an air-to-ground role as well. And it's our premier fifth generation fighter and what that means is it brings a lot of advanced capabilities to the fight, such as super cruise, avionics are highly integrated with the fusion that works between them. And of course, the speed and agility, the agility you'll see here at the ADEX for the next couple days it's what that jet brings to the fight."

9. Wide of F-35 Lightning from the United States Air Force

10. Close of F-35 Lightning

11. Wide of F-35 Lightning

12. Wide of five F-15Ks from South Korea flying in formation

13. Wide of F-15K flight display

14. Various of 239th Aerobatic Flight Squadron 'Black Eagles' flight display

LEADIN:

The F-22 Raptor, thought to be the world's most lethal stealth fighter jet, has been displaying its acrobatic abilities at South Korea's ADEX defence exhibition near Seoul.

Also taking to the skies, five F-15K's from the host nation.

STORYLINE:

Roaring into action, this F-22 Raptor is starring at South Korea's ADEX defence exhibit.

The fifth-generation stealth fighter is boasting its state-of-the-art ability through an energetic 5-minute flight display.

Pilot, Major Daniel 'Rock' Dickinson, claims its speed and agility are what separates the F-22 from other fighter jets.

"So, F-22 Raptor is the Unites States Air force's premier combat fighter," he explains.

"It's primarily an air-to-air fighter. However, it's got an air-to-ground role as well. And it's our premier fifth generation fighter and what that means is it brings a lot of advanced capabilities to the fight, such as super cruise, avionics are highly integrated with the fusion that works between them.

"And of course, the speed and agility, the agility you'll see here at the ADEX for the next couple days it's what that jet brings to the fight."

The United States Air Force is also displaying its other state-of-the-art stealth fighter, the F-35.

It's scheduled to be acquired by South Korea's military next year.

Also feature dhere, a flight display by the South Korean air force's F-15 fighter jets and award-winning airshow group the 'Black Eagles.'

ADEX, is set to officially open to trade visitors on 17 October and will welcome members of the public 21-22 October.

The defence exhibit is hosting hundreds of exhibitors from 33 countries for six days.

Seongnam, South Korea - 16 October 2017

1. Wide of F-22 Raptor from the United States Air Force on runway at ADEX (Aerospace and Defence Exhibition)

2. Close of F-22 moving on runway

3. Wide of F-22 moving, getting ready for take-off

4. Wide of F-22 taking off

5. Various of F22 flight display

6. Wide of F-22 parking on runway

7. Close of pilot opening F-22 cockpit, takes off helmet

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Daniel 'Rock' Dickinson, Major, F-22 pilot:

"So, F-22 Raptor is the Unites States Air force's premier combat fighter. It's primarily an air-to-air fighter. However, it's got an air-to-ground role as well. And it's our premier fifth generation fighter and what that means is it brings a lot of advanced capabilities to the fight, such as super cruise, avionics are highly integrated with the fusion that works between them. And of course, the speed and agility, the agility you'll see here at the ADEX for the next couple days it's what that jet brings to the fight."

9. Wide of F-35 Lightning from the United States Air Force

10. Close of F-35 Lightning

11. Wide of F-35 Lightning

12. Wide of five F-15Ks from South Korea flying in formation

13. Wide of F-15K flight display

14. Various of 239th Aerobatic Flight Squadron 'Black Eagles' flight display

LEADIN:

The F-22 Raptor, thought to be the world's most lethal stealth fighter jet, has been displaying its acrobatic abilities at South Korea's ADEX defence exhibition near Seoul.

Also taking to the skies, five F-15K's from the host nation.

STORYLINE:

Roaring into action, this F-22 Raptor is starring at South Korea's ADEX defence exhibit.

The fifth-generation stealth fighter is boasting its state-of-the-art ability through an energetic 5-minute flight display.

Pilot, Major Daniel 'Rock' Dickinson, claims its speed and agility are what separates the F-22 from other fighter jets.

"So, F-22 Raptor is the Unites States Air force's premier combat fighter," he explains.

"It's primarily an air-to-air fighter. However, it's got an air-to-ground role as well. And it's our premier fifth generation fighter and what that means is it brings a lot of advanced capabilities to the fight, such as super cruise, avionics are highly integrated with the fusion that works between them.

"And of course, the speed and agility, the agility you'll see here at the ADEX for the next couple days it's what that jet brings to the fight."

The United States Air Force is also displaying its other state-of-the-art stealth fighter, the F-35.

It's scheduled to be acquired by South Korea's military next year.

Also feature dhere, a flight display by the South Korean air force's F-15 fighter jets and award-winning airshow group the 'Black Eagles.'

ADEX, is set to officially open to trade visitors on 17 October and will welcome members of the public 21-22 October.

The defence exhibit is hosting hundreds of exhibitors from 33 countries for six days.

Seongnam, South Korea - 16 October 2017

1. Wide of F-22 Raptor from the United States Air Force on runway at ADEX (Aerospace and Defence Exhibition)

2. Close of F-22 moving on runway

3. Wide of F-22 moving, getting ready for take-off

4. Wide of F-22 taking off

5. Various of F22 flight display

6. Wide of F-22 parking on runway

7. Close of pilot opening F-22 cockpit, takes off helmet

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Daniel 'Rock' Dickinson, Major, F-22 pilot:

"So, F-22 Raptor is the Unites States Air force's premier combat fighter. It's primarily an air-to-air fighter. However, it's got an air-to-ground role as well. And it's our premier fifth generation fighter and what that means is it brings a lot of advanced capabilities to the fight, such as super cruise, avionics are highly integrated with the fusion that works between them. And of course, the speed and agility, the agility you'll see here at the ADEX for the next couple days it's what that jet brings to the fight."

9. Wide of F-35 Lightning from the United States Air Force

10. Close of F-35 Lightning

11. Wide of F-35 Lightning

12. Wide of five F-15Ks from South Korea flying in formation

13. Wide of F-15K flight display

14. Various of 239th Aerobatic Flight Squadron 'Black Eagles' flight display

Serbo-Croat/Nat

The Yugoslav Army on Wednesday displayed the backbone of its Airforce at an air-show at Golubovci airport near Podgorica, capital of the pro-Western republic of Montenegro, Serbia's smaller partner in the Yugoslav federation.

It was considered a clear demonstration of the Yugoslav Army's readiness to confront the potentially secessionist Montenegrin leadership and its sizeable police force.

The armed forces support Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.

The Yugoslav Airforce was severely crippled during the 78-day NATO bombing campaign last year with many of its major airfields and a number of its flying assets and anti-aircraft defense destroyed.

At the air show the airforce displayed Russian-built MIG 29 fighters, several French licence made Gazelle helicopters and a number of Yugoslav designed Galeb G4 (Seagull) and Orao (Eagle) trainers and attack aircraft.

In a fly-by a squadron of Gazelles demonstrated its handling capabilities, while the army's aerobatic team also displayed its flying skills.

SOUNDBITE: (Serb/Croat)

"The opposition are running around Europe asking for help from our enemies. They (the enemies) showed that in 1914, 1944 and again in 1999."

SUPER CAPTION: General Spasoje Smiljanic, Yugoslav Airforce commander

Podgorica, Montenegro, August 02,2000

1. Ceremony at Golubovci airport

2. General Smiljanic inspects troops

3. SOUNDBITE: ( Serb/Croat) General Spasoje Smiljanic, Airforce commander

4. Various shots of Yugoslav Army aerobatic team flying

5. Various shots of planes displayed on a runway

SHOTLIST:

1. Wide shot plane with troops waiting

2. Paul Bremer comes down steps and shakes hands with waiting military

2. Close up General Myers comes down steps

3. Wide shot troops during speech by Myers

4. Back shot of Myers on stage with troops behind him

5. SOUNDBITE: (English) General Richard Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

"I think what you are going to see, over the course of history, is that probably what you were personally involved in and what you had a hand in might do more for peace and security in this region and, for that matter, possibly for the world, than you can ever imagine and you were all a part of it."

6. Close up troops listening

7. Myers has photo taken with troops

8. Wide shot media briefing

9. SOUNDBITE: (English) General Richard Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

"On the issue of whether the weapons had been made available to Special Republican Guards Units who were the units we thought would be the ones who might employ these weapons. I think we there's more to learn there yet, I think and that's an excellent question and it's one we are asking ourselves and we are trying to interrogate with that in mind... were they fore-deployed and could they have been bought to bear on us and are they perhaps, still out there somewhere, in some sort of bunker, you know, that where they could have been used. So we are trying to run that one to ground."

10. Top shot Myers meeting 335th Fighter Squadron (the Chiefs) pilots with two F-15E Strike Eagle fighters on tarmac behind them

11. Close up Myers shaking hands

12. Close up model of North American Indian chief - their mascot -surrounded by troops

STORYLINE:

Iraqi weapons of mass destruction - none of which have been found to date - may still be in the hands of Iraqi special units and could still be used against coalition forces there according to the top US military officer on Sunday.

Air Force General Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said US authorities "are asking ourselves" whether banned weapons may still be in the hands of Iraqi Special Republican Guard units that eluded capture when

Saddam Hussein's regime collapsed last month.

Despite US claims that Saddam possessed weapons of mass destruction, none have been found since American-led forces seized Baghdad and toppled the regime a month ago.

The suspected presence of such weapons was the chief reason cited by the Bush administration for waging war.

Many of Saddam's elite units failed to mount a credible resistance, leading to suspicions that some of them may be trying to reorganise.

Myers arrived in Qatar, the first stop on a tour of the Gulf.

It was his first visit since the Iraq war to Camp As, which has served as the US military's regional headquarters since the beginning of the war.

Travelling with Myers was Paul Bremer, the newly appointed senior civilian administrator for Iraq.

Myers said Bremer and retired Lieutenant General Jay Garner, who is responsible for reconstruction, will be looking at ways to rebuild a "new and reformed" Iraqi armed forces.

Myers said his visit was to congratulate US forces and to thank friendly governments in the region, such as Qatar, which supported military operations.

Qatar has been a close U.S. ally in the region since the last Gulf War in 1991.

The United States is moving its air operations headquarters in the region from Saudi Arabia to the al-Udeid air base in Qatar.

Following the end of the Iraqi regime, Myers said that Camp Snoopy, a US installation at the Doha airport, will be abandoned. Camp Snoopy served as a supply base for transport aircraft operating in the region.

English/Nat

For almost two weeks now, NATO has sustained an air campaign against Serb forces in Yugoslavia from the Aviano air base in northern Italy.

Bad weather has hampered attacks but with clear skies expected over the next few days, NATO aims to step up its raids.

Taking part in the air strikes is the 555th "Triple Nickel" Squadron - one of America's most notorious fighter units.

Every day for the last two weeks, Aviano's maintenance personnel have gone through rigorous bomb checks on each aircraft.

Central to Aviano's wealth of fighting machines is the 555th "Triple Nickel" Fighter Squadron.

The Triple Nickel arrived at Aviano in 1994 - flying the F-16C Fighting Falcon, the squadron plays a vital part in the NATO offensive.

SOUNDBITE: (English)

"I think the world is watching the news every day and is looking for immediate battle damage assessment for this war to get to a critical point and end. But again, this is a deliberate campaign that has a process of targets that we will go after on order to take down these things that he (Milosevic) holds dear. And we are stepping along that time line and taking out these targets. There are no targets that we are going after that are not important, that are not worth taking the risk, that our pilots take to go after them. They are all part of a much larger picture that has been well thought out by our senior leadership."

SUPER CAPTION: Dave Goldfein, 'Triple Nickel' Squadron Leader

As planes return from a bombing raid, the next wave are loaded with bombs.

Among them are the F-16s.

The plane is described as a compact, multi role fighter aircraft.

It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low-flying aircraft in radar ground clutter.

An all-weather capability allows it to use its bombs and missiles accurately even when flying in poor visibility.

NATO forces are stepping up preparations for their latest round of attacks on Yugoslavia in an attempt to take advantage of clear weather conditions.

During the initial NATO attacks, about 70 U-S and NATO planes went on missions.

British, French and German aircraft also took part in the raids.

Since April of 1993, the air base has hosted aircraft from every branch of the Department of Defence and multiple countries in support of the U-N Security Council Resolutions.

It is now home to USAF F-16s and EC-130 ABCCCs, Navy E-6A Prowlers, Marine F-18s, Army helicopters and British AWACs.

Aviano Air Base, Italy - April 5 1999

1. Various of F-16 being set by maintenance personal

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Dave Goldfein, Triple Nickel Squadron Leader

3. Medium shot weapons loader checking bombs

4. Close up weapons loader talking to Squadron Leader Goldfein

5. Close up tail of F-16 with eagle and 555 logo

6. Close up missile

7. Close up Dave Goldfein

8. Close up nose of plane with hatch closing

.9. Various planes landing from today's (Monday) mission

10. Mid shot F-18 landing

11. Mid shot A-10 landing

12. Two F-16s landing together

Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press.

SHOTLIST:

Elevated shot of Nazi's marching. Shot of Hitler taking salute whilst Goering stands by smiling - wearing brown shirt uniform. Close shot of Hitler saluting. Close shots of troops marching past. CU German Eagle. Troops with banners. Elevated panning shot of troops with Hitler taking salute. Squadrons of fighters fly over troops. Flypast. Tanks parade past camera. Elevated shot of troops lined up. Shots of manoeuvres - tanks - planes - guns etc, Flypast of planes of all types. Hitler looks up thru binoculars. Elevated shot of marchpast - Hitler takes salute. Troops goosestepping past with banners. Rudolf Hess is seen. SOUND. COMMENTATOR.

English/Nat

The Lithuanian Aviation club celebrated it's 70th anniversary in grand style, Saturday by inviting the largest formation flying squadron in the world to join in the celebrations.

The 'Frecce Tricolore' trick flyers stunned local crowds at the Vilnius aerodrome with a spectacular display that went off without a hitch.

The Italian flyers of the 'Frecce Tricolore' were an imposing sight as they took off before a crowd of 8000 spectators at the Vilnius aerodrome in Lithuania on Saturday.

The military squadron, the largest trick flying team in the world, showed off their skills free of charge in honour of the Lithuanian Aviation club's 70th anniversary.

Taking off in groups of two and five the G-222 fighter jets weigh over 15 tonnes - and that's when they're empty. Fully loaded with weapons the aircraft are a hefty 26 tonnes.

But Saturday's display was a far cry from the field of battle for these experienced pilots.

They handle the beasts of the air like cars on a track. Each plane is designed to leave the runway within minimum distance. They are capable of speeds upto 750 kmph and can fly as close as 20 metres to the ground.

Once airborne there's no limit to what the team will try.

Following a spate of airshow disasters and a fatal crash within their own ranks ten years ago, the 'Frecce Tricolore' no longer fly over their admiring audiences.

But when one of the squadron plunges into a death roll the tension is still clear on the faces of those below. Plummeting to earth the pilot somehow manages to overcome incredible G-forces to restart his engine and rejoin the formation.

The display also included tumbles, and multiple formations in the shape of a heart, an eagle and an Italian favourite - a glass of wine.

The finale gives a clue to the name of these amazing men in their flying machines. The colours of the Italian flag, the 'Tricolore', stream from the high powered jet engines as they make their final pass perilously close to one another.

The Italian pilots must notch up at least 1000 flying hours before they are considered for the elite force. They range in age from 28 to 34, all but one that is - Lieutentant Commander Pierre Luigi Fiore at 36 is the old man of the sky and the leader of the 'Frecce Tricolore'

SOUNDBITE: (English)

You saw a normal show today of the 'Frecce Tricolore'.

It was nice and safe first of all and I hope to be back here very soon

SUPER CAPTION: Lt Commander Pierre Luigi Fiore

Back down to earth and the pilots ended the day congratulated by an appreciate audience and presented with a special cake to mark the celebrations.

Vilnius, Lithuania, 2nd August 1997

1. 00:00 - Aircraft take off

2. 00:11 - Aircraft pass over spraying Italian colours in smoke

3. 00:17 - Spectator with binoculars

4. 00:22 - Formation flying

5. 00:29 - Spectators

6. 00:33 - Fly by

7. 00:46 - Members of military spectate

8. 00:51 - Aircraft goes into death roll - engine stops and restarts

9. 01:19 - Aircraft flys close to ground - spinning - flies upside down

10. 01:26 - Formation flying - coloured smoke billows from jets

11. 01:39 - WS from airfield - aircraft criss cross each other

12. 01:53 - Aircraft landing

13. 02:19 - Lt Commander Fiore gives out flying pins to children

14. 02:26 - SOUNDBITE: Lt Commander Pierre Luigi Fiore - Italian Squadron

15. 02:37 - C/away crowd applaud

16. 02:42 - Squad presented with anniversary cake

17. 02:49 - Pull back from cake to squad standing on podium

LEAD IN

The Kremlin's battle of the birds has been going on for decades.

On one side: ravens and crows who want to roost and feed, on the other is a squadron of hawks and owls.

STORY-LINE:

The invaders infiltrate the Kremlin with ease, undaunted by its high walls. But once inside they face fierce foes driven by an ancient instinct to destroy them.

In the Kremlin's battle of birds ravens and crows who want to roost and feed in the 28-hectare (69-acre) seat of Russian power face off with the defenders of the site - hawks and owls directed by camouflage-clad keepers.

The idea of mobilizing a bird-of-prey brigade began a half-century ago.

"Back in the 1960s, ravens were a real problem - too many of them started appearing everywhere," says Yulia Karaseva, a Kremlin ornithologist.

"During one nesting term a raven destroys more than 100 songbirds' nests. At one point all the nightingales went silent here and one could only hear crows croaking. Crows were building their owns nests, disturbing Kremlin visitors and scratching the gildings of the churches."

The team of ornithologists won't say how many birds it has but it's made clear there are enough to keep away the crows.

"Kremlin hawks fulfil an ecological mission: they protect songbirds living on the Kremlin territory and the gold covering the domes of Kremlin churches," says Karaseva.

Due to their nature, hawks aren't easy for people to establish a warm relationship with, they don't like being touched or cuddled, says Karaseva.

But once the birds starts feeling trusted and trusts the handler it can show signs of affection.

"He does not like being touched but when it's cold outside he covers my hand with his feathers to warm them up," says Karaseva

The avian arsenal also includes a large owl.

"The grey crow is a natural enemy of eagle-owls," explains handler Kirill Voronin.

"We conduct daily walks around the Kremlin territory and by doing this we are determining the borders of a hunting area. As a result the crows, which fly into this territory, see that there's a big bird of prey living here and try to avoid this place in the future."

Moscow, Russia - 15 February 2018

1. Various of Kremlin ornithologist Yulia Karaseva with Kremlin hawk

2. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Yulia Karaseva, Kremlin ornithologist:

"Kremlin hawks fulfil an ecological mission: they protect songbirds living on the Kremlin territory and the gold covering the domes of Kremlin churches. Back in the sixties ravens were a real problems, too many of them started appearing everywhere."

3. Various of Kremlin exteriors, ravens on tree branches

4. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Yulia Karaseva, Kremlin ornithologist:

"During one nesting term a raven destroys more than a hundred of the songbirds' nests. At one point all the nightingales went silent here and one could only hear crows croaking. Crows were building their owns nests, disturbing Kremlin visitors and scratching the gildings of the churches."

5. Various of the Kremlin Spasskaya tower

6. Mid of ravens

7. Kremlin hawk landing on Karaseva's hand

8. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Yulia Karaseva, Kremlin ornithologist:

"He does not like being touched, but when it's cold outside he covers my hand with his feathers to warm it up."

9. Close-up of the hawk

10. Tracking shot of Kremlin ornithologists with a hawk and an eagle-owl

11. Various of Kremlin ornithologist Kirill Voronin with an eagle-owl Filya

12. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Kirill Voronin, Kremlin ornithologist:

"Grey crow is a natural enemy for eagle-owls. We conduct daily walks around the Kremlin territory and by doing this we are determining the borders of a hunting area. As a result the crows, which fly into this territory, see that there's a big bird of prey living here and try to avoid this place in the future."

13. Mid of hawk landing on Karaseva's hand

14. Mid of the Kremlin