https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/a38026e8-6b92-4c05-92c0-1b8ee8b9959f This WWII propaganda film "Fighting Sea Fleas" is narrated by Lorne Greene. It tells the story of the Canadian Motor Torpedo Boats crews and their actions. Shows life aboard Motor Torpedo Boats during the Battle of the Atlantic, fending off attacks by German U-Boats and commerce raiders. Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) was the name given to fast torpedo boats by the Royal Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy. The 'Motor' in the formal designation, referring to the use of petrol or gasoline engines, was to distinguish them from the majority of other naval craft that used steam turbines or reciprocating engines. Produced & Directed by Sydney Newman, and released in 1944. This short film documents the crucial role of the Royal Canadian Navy’s motor torpedo boats (MTBs) during World War II. Crewed by young, skilled Canadians, these fast and heavily armed vessels operated in dangerous waters like the North Atlantic and English Channel, engaging enemy ships many times their size. The narrative follows daily life aboard the MTBs—from inspections, camaraderie, and routines to the tense moments before battle. The sailors’ bravery is highlighted during a mission to intercept German E-boats threatening Allied convoys. After a successful engagement, the emotional toll of war is evident as the crew mourns fallen comrades. Despite loss, the MTBs continue their mission with determination, reflecting Canada’s broader naval commitment to securing victory across global oceans. 0:43 – The Royal Canadian Navy battles enemy shipping in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, and English Channel using fast, deadly motor torpedo boats (MTBs). 1:04 – MTBs are 70 feet long, heavily armed, and crewed by young, tough Canadians capable of handling intense conditions. 1:25 – Canadian sailors from cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Swift Current man two flotillas of MTBs, taking on much larger German vessels. 2:00 – Sailors prepare torpedoes, highlighting the deadly precision and readiness of the MTB crews. 2:11 – Officers, living closely with their crews, inspect their ships daily and maintain strong camaraderie and discipline. 2:28 – Life aboard includes daily routines and pride in their Canadian-manned ships, along with humor and the comfort of traditions like “rum rations.” 3:28 – Receiving mail from home is a cherished moment, offering emotional support for the crews. 3:56 – A mission is underway: Canadian MTBs are deployed to intercept German E-boats threatening Allied convoys. 4:33 – The crew prepares to depart for a night operation; the atmosphere is tense but determined. 5:57 – The MTBs move swiftly through the Channel at 22 knots, joining convoys headed to battle zones. 6:35 – News comes of a tanker being torpedoed by an E-boat; the MTB crews accelerate to intercept. 7:00 – The strategy shifts to direct engagement; speed and timing are critical as the MTBs race through the night. 8:04 – An E-boat is destroyed. As a symbol of victory, the Canadian crew raises the Nazi flag beneath the White Ensign. 8:39 – Alongside victories come losses; the emotional toll of war is seen in the weary faces of returning sailors. 9:24 – A funeral is held at sea; a chapter closes for the crew as they mourn fallen comrades but prepare to continue the fight. 9:43 – The MTBs remain in action, committed to sweeping the seas clean from enemy threats until final victory is achieved. 10:28 – Closing note: Canada’s naval forces, both in the Atlantic and Pacific, push forward toward ultimate victory in World War II. Motion picture films don't last forever; many have already been lost or destroyed. For almost two decades, we've worked to collect, scan and preserve the world as it was captured on 35mm, 16mm and 8mm movies -- including home movies, industrial films, and other non-fiction. If you have endangered films you'd like to have scanned, or wish to donate celluloid to Periscope Film so that we can share them with the world, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us via the weblink below. This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhhrNHkpvik Mirrored from Periscope Film (https://www.youtube.com/@PeriscopeFilm) Sat, 13 Jun 2026 15:16:23 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://peertube.dngr.us https://peertube.dngr.us/lazy-static/avatars/41a6fee9-7f57-42d0-a5fc-5db4f1af2e31.png https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/a38026e8-6b92-4c05-92c0-1b8ee8b9959f All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://peertube.dngr.us/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.