The Cold Blue, a documentary from award winning film-maker Erik Nelson, features recently-discovered footage shot during Second World War combat missions. The content has been restored and developed for the big screen and Julie Jessup, married to a veteran for 40 years and an employee within the Army Education Centre for 23 years, gave it a watch…
THE film chronicles the struggles of the Eighth Air Force during the Second World War who flew their B17 bombers over Europe in arduous and dangerous conditions. It features interviews with nine of the surviving veterans, who narrate the true footage that Wyler and his cameraman captured in the summer of 1943.
If you are interested in their often-harrowing part in the Second World War, then this is the film to watch.
I found it felt very real, raw and emotional and this was also noticeable within the narrators’ voices. They also gave good advice to anyone who may be going to war.
Footage of the Memphis Belle was shown, even though all the crew have since passed away. It was interesting and shocking to hear that the Memphis Belle was the first to survive 25 missions over Europe. The Americans also attacked the enemy during the day which makes the survival odds even more astonishing.
When the airmen were going on a particularly tough mission, they were given fresh eggs as a treat, instead of the usual powdered type, so they knew with this gesture they might not come back.
The British called the arrival of the American forces a friendly invasion as they took over so many places within the UK and were not always welcomed.
The backing music to the film, produced by British musician Richard Thompson, was at times as dramatic as the footage.
I feel teenage children would benefit from seeing this film as part of their history lessons as it’s so true to life and not over dramatised. The drama is all very real.
The Cold Blue is definitely worth watching and will be in cinemas from today (4 July).