https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/c31f6d68-3b13-4786-b5b5-1dbff41d8d4d Made by the Jam Handy organization during WWII, "Handing it Back" shows the U.S. Navy at war in the Pacific, with a special focus on gunnery. This wartime training film emphasizes the urgent need for skilled aerial gunners during World War II. It highlights the critical role of the U.S. Navy and the importance of rapid preparation, precision, and discipline. The narrative underscores that every bullet must count, requiring intense training, teamwork between pilot and gunner, and mastery of marksmanship under flight conditions. Through rigorous practice—on the ground and in the air—gunners learn timing, accuracy, and strategy. Naval aviators are shown training and gunners placing armament in planes. At 2:03, a seaplane / scout is seen going on a mission. The narrator talks about how "each bullet needs to count for something." At 3:20, firing range practice. At 4:42, a icon of Hitler is used for target practice. At 4:45, crew are shown practicing using an actual fighter aircraft that is on the ground at the strafing firing range. At 5:26, a strafing run is seen, with spectacular shots of bullets fired through the propeller. Sleeve practice — gunnery practice conducted with sleeve targets attached to an airplane by tow cables — at 6:05. At 7:15, dogfighting lessons are given in the classroom and then in the air, with a camera used in place of a gun. At 8:25, a PBY Catalina patrol plane crew preps their .50 caliber machine guns before taking off on a mission. "Hand it back, shoot to kill," says the narrator. "Our enemies are guided by contempt...they would create a world of tyranny and serfdom." The film ends at 11:30 with images of gunners in combat, shooting down Japanese and German aircraft. Note: At the end of this reel a fragment of a dive bombing film is seen, at 12:40, Dauntless torpedo bombers are seen dropping a torpedo onto a Japanese ship and sinking it. 0:00 Main titles. 0:56 – A narrator announces the U.S. is at war after a surprise enemy attack; urgent calls for more ships, guns, and men. 1:15 – The Navy is emphasized as the leader in responding to the threat. 1:32 – Focus shifts to training men to fly and to fight with precision—highlighting the importance of gunnery and making every bullet count. 2:25 – The narrator explains how bullets may seem insignificant alone, but can be decisive in battle. 2:39 – Gunnery is portrayed as intellectually demanding, requiring study, precision, and timing. 3:32 – Emphasis on learning to shoot well using ordinary weapons like shotguns to develop instinct. 4:07 – Effective shooting is shown to depend on grouping shots tightly and aiming with purpose. 4:50 – Ground practice is essential before combat flying; air combat requires adapting skills to new conditions. 5:11 – Strafing training: planes move while shooting at fixed targets; emphasis on timing and aiming. 5:57 – Sleeve practice involves both guns and targets moving; split-second decisions and teamwork are essential. 6:38 – Continuous practice is needed to master aim and coordination; competition is introduced in training. 7:03 – Dogfighting skills are taught: attack fast, stay vigilant, never give your enemy a chance to strike. 7:47 – Camera guns record training hits/misses—training emphasizes precision and critical decision-making. 8:20 – Whether using bombs or bullets, precision and excellence are key to successful combat. 8:59 – Guns are treated with reverence; good gunners develop a deep familiarity and emotional connection with their weapons. 9:38 – A call to "shoot to kill"; the war is about defending humanity and future generations from tyranny. 10:44 – Good gunners check their weapons personally—preparation is essential. 11:16 – The moment of action arrives; vigilance is vital. 11:35 – In combat, every shot must count—no wasted bullets, no mistakes. 12:04 – Waiting for the right moment is crucial; only precision and teamwork can ensure survival and success. 12:22 – The Navy retaliates with force, making sure the enemy never forgets. 13:07 – The end. 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