Journey Together – 1945 | 95 mins | Documentary, War | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Journey Together (1945) was John Boulting‘s feature film directorial debut, produced by the RAF Production Unit (RAFPU). Previously, he had always worked as a producer, with Roy directing. It was also the first full-length feature to be attempted by any of the service film units. The film’s primary role was to pay tribute to the achievements of RAF training in the Second World War, and particularly that conducted in the United States under the Arnold Scheme. Unlike other documentary style features, with “real people”, Journey Together was a fully-blown feature, co-written by playwright Terence Rattigan, and with professional actors, including Hollywood stars Edward G Robinson and Bessie Love, and rising British stars Richard Attenborough and Jack Watling.

Journey Together tells the story of two RAF aircrew cadets, one a university student and the other an RAF mechanic who is given the chance to fly. Although from different backgrounds, the two become friends, partly drawn together by their passion for flying. During their training in Britain, an amicable rivalry develops between them about who will be the best pilot, and this is formalised in a bet. Both men pass through their initial training and are posted to the United States for more advanced instruction. Once there, it becomes apparent that Corporal Wilton (Richard Attenborough), while keen and possessing diligence and aptitude in all other aspects of flying, cannot land a plane because of an inability to judge height. Wilton is devastated. His feeling of frustration is exacerbated by the fact that his friend Aynsworth (Jack Watling) is a natural pilot. Aynsworth proceeds with his pilot’s training, while Wilton is sent to Canada to be trained as a navigator.

Although he proves to be a good navigator, he shows no interest in his training, and falls behind his peers. Then, on a training flight, through the connivance of his trainer and Aynsworth, he is made to realise the importance of his role. Once qualified, his skills and diligence in training are put to the test when he deputises as navigator on a bombing operation piloted by Aynsworth. During the raid, the plane is hit and begins to lose fuel; Wilton must demonstrate his professionalism when they have to ditch in the sea and he communicates their position. It turns out that he has calculated the position perfectly, and the rescue plane quickly finds them.