Shock Troops Of Disaster (1939 Original Black & White Film)

Step back to 1939 with *Shock Troops of Disaster*, a compelling documentary on the WPA’s relief operations in New England following the devastating hurricane and tidal waves that struck the Long Island coast in December 1938. Reel 1 captures the fury of the storm and its aftermath, showing the wreckage left in its wake—derailed trains, fallen trees, flooded streets, and damaged homes. The documentary also highlights the heroic efforts of Coast Guard crews rescuing stranded citizens, and the WPA and CCC units working together to erect sandbag levees to protect vulnerable areas from further flooding. Reel 2 shifts focus to the relief efforts spearheaded by WPA director Harry Hopkins, who arrives in Providence, Rhode Island, to survey the damage. WPA units are seen delivering food and medical supplies by truck, establishing relief headquarters, and clearing mud from city streets. Workers repair roads, remove debris, and restore order in the wake of the destruction. *Shock Troops of Disaster* vividly demonstrates the WPA's crucial role in disaster relief, showcasing the resilience and teamwork that helped communities rebuild during one of the most challenging times in American history.

Source: National Archives. (1939). *Shock Troops of Disaster*. [Video] Retrieved from the National Archives Catalog, https://catalog.archives.gov/id/12363