'Officers and Men': Rare WW2 Training Film | Forces TV

As the Second World War raged on, maintaining discipline in the Allied ranks was seen as one of the keys to winning the fight against the Nazis. In August 1944, the British Army released a training film to instruct officers on how best to lead their men. With clipped tones and with some tremendous acting it offers an extraordinary glimpse into a military past.
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[@VaucluseVanguard]

Will leave soon after 35 years commissioned service and 38 years total service. The film is a bit 'stayed' after nearly 80 years, but the principals remain the same. The command of soldiers is an honour, and their respect must be earned. I can't say I was always good at it, many were better than me. But it was an adventure of a lifetime.

[@efreitorsroul9332]

"...these are men you are privileged to lead, so be worthy of them." They sure knew how to do HR films back in the day.

[@rascarel1]

I believe this was the inspiration for the film 'the way ahead' staring David Nivan. One of the best British war films I've ever seen. Well worth watching if you haven't seen it

[@neilkorchinski1006]

I like how they react to the flares during the night operations. And how they speak in a low voice, but not a whisper.

[@RedprintBobcat]

That last fighting scene was intense for an old film.

[@_Matsimus_]

The British army has some of the finest officers in the world. Sandhurst works hard to make sure only the best go to the field force. But I must say that some slip through the net and there are some just god awful officers out there also. I've had a couple of experiences with them. Great video lol

[@MURDOCK1500]

You remember the officers in "It ain't half hot mum"? My dad used to laugh and say they were just like that. La de da public schoolboys. My dad was in the Royal engineers in Normandy

[@dogpound7162]

Young men in those days mostly looked like they were in their 40s. must have been the hard lives they led.

[@proud2bpagan]

My dad was in the Navy during Vietnam...he talked fondly of his d.i...he said that the man promised tbem he woud not ask the men to do anything he himself wouldn't do...the d.i. trained right alongside them.

[@keithbeavon8708]

I have enjoyed it all, especially the Welshman, Williams. I have always wondered what "Wenglish" sounded like, and here I have it right before me! Part of me is Welsh and wants to go back home.

[@johnsabini2330]

Very starry eyed presentation of officers like all groups you had the good the bad and the ugly - served under all types - lucky that most were in the good category.

[@pusser9789]

Even today you still get the officer of the day asking everyone at each table in the galley if the food's okay, the response is usually no 😅

[@geronimo5537]

A great film, one of the better training videos Ive seen by a country mile.

[@frankperkin124]

I spent four years in the USAF and don't ever remember having any kind of meaningful conversation with an officer.

[@ThroatSore]

7 minutes in and I want to fight the Bocsh. Thanks for putting this up.

[@philipinchina]

The sound of willow striking leather as a bored recruit kicks a tree.

[@geoffgeoff5586]

And to think that in this film Robert Coote was a 2nd Lieutenant, By the time he made My Fair Lady he was a Colonel and a Brigadier in The League of Gentlemen.

[@Cromwelldunbar]

Is the officer there played by Leo Genn? I believe it is and a very fine actor and person he was too, God bless him.

[@mithridateseupator3492]

I remember seeing this film in the early 1980's doing military training in Canada.

[@elizabethtaylor9321]

As Sgt Wilson would have said , they are an awfully nice bunch Capt Manwaring , very polite very polite indeed !