51403: British Efficiency

Training displays given by British troops to visiting Allied military officials, probably in Britain, about 1916. Soldiers simulate a night attack, blindfolding themselves before charging out of a trench down a course. Other soldiers build barbed wire entanglements while wearing gasmasks. Two soldiers in a foxhole demonstrate a rifle grenade launcher. Dismounted Cavalry demonstrate their Hotchkiss automatic rifles, including the drill if the operator is hit. A pack mule displays the carrying saddle for the Hotchkiss. The observers are officers from various Allied nations. Scottish troops at a rifle range demonstrate the 'mad minute' of high-speed firing. Other soldiers on a bayonet assault course. Gunners demonstrate the loading of a 6-inch 26cwt howitzer while wearing gasmasks. Cavalrymen saddle their horses and lead them off while wearing gasmasks. Some French officers inspect the horses. Prizes are given to various soldiers. Present at the demonstrations are the Duke of Connaught and (possibly) General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien. The Cavalry demonstrate their ability to dismount, picket, off-saddle, and bed down at high speed, then how to remount again equally quickly, all while wearing gasmasks. The film ends abruptly.