UK DVD release: "San Demetrio, London"

Sonarman · 05-12-08, 02:50 PM

I see that one of the lesser known Ealing films "San Demetrio, London" has just been released in the UK for the first time on DVD.

The film charts the story of a crippled world war II oil tanker's crew trying to get there ship home after an attack on the Convoy HX84 by the "Admiral Scheer" famously known as the "Jervis Bay" incident San Demetrio was a real ship in HX84 you can read her story on wikipedia (spoiler warning: you may want to watch the movie first)

If you liked "The Cruel Sea" and " In Which We Serve" this lesser known film is a perfect companion piece and is no less a classic than it's better known counterparts.

Britmovie.co.uk has some information on the production of the film. (warning: spoilers)

Sea a great painting of "Jervis Bay" and read about the story's connection to the real U96 (of Das Boot fame) at Maritime Quest

Sailor Steve · 05-12-08, 10:08 PM

I'm glad it's finally been released. Now I only have to wait for a Region 1 release.

Ouch! · 09-11-09, 09:01 AM

My great, great uncle Fred Billinge was on the Jervis Bay and survived the sinking to tell the tale. I'll look out for this film!

My Dad has a very interesting book on the whole incident and it was a real tale of bravery.

When the pocket battleship Admiral Scheer attacked the convoy, the lone escort was HMS Jervis Bay an armed merchant ship fitted with a few WW1- 6inch guns she turned towards the enemy and attacked to give the convoy time to scatter. She was sunk by the Scheer's 11inch guns and her Captain (A mad Irishman) was killed. He was awarded a posthumous VC for his actions.

The majority of the convoy escaped.

Ouch!

05-12-08, 02:50 PM	#1
Sonarman The Old Man Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ayr,Scotland,UK Posts: 1,392 Downloads: 79 Uploads: 0	UK DVD release: "San Demetrio, London" I see that one of the lesser known Ealing films "San Demetrio, London" has just been released in the UK for the first time on DVD. The film charts the story of a crippled world war II oil tanker's crew trying to get there ship home after an attack on the Convoy HX84 by the "Admiral Scheer" famously known as the "Jervis Bay" incident San Demetrio was a real ship in HX84 you can read her story on wikipedia (spoiler warning: you may want to watch the movie first) If you liked "The Cruel Sea" and " In Which We Serve" this lesser known film is a perfect companion piece and is no less a classic than it's better known counterparts. Britmovie.co.uk has some information on the production of the film. (warning: spoilers) Sea a great painting of "Jervis Bay" and read about the story's connection to the real U96 (of Das Boot fame) at Maritime Quest __________________ "The action is simulated...the excitement is real!" Microprose Simulation Software. Last edited by Sonarman; 05-12-08 at 03:40 PM.

05-12-08, 10:08 PM	#2
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	I'm glad it's finally been released. Now I only have to wait for a Region 1 release. __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

09-11-09, 09:01 AM	#3
Ouch! Swabbie Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Brentwood. Essex. UK Posts: 8 Downloads: 16 Uploads: 0	My great, great uncle Fred Billinge was on the Jervis Bay and survived the sinking to tell the tale. I'll look out for this film! My Dad has a very interesting book on the whole incident and it was a real tale of bravery. When the pocket battleship Admiral Scheer attacked the convoy, the lone escort was HMS Jervis Bay an armed merchant ship fitted with a few WW1- 6inch guns she turned towards the enemy and attacked to give the convoy time to scatter. She was sunk by the Scheer's 11inch guns and her Captain (A mad Irishman) was killed. He was awarded a posthumous VC for his actions. The majority of the convoy escaped. Ouch!