The Battle for Oil

Directed by James Beveridge

A Second World War documentary film produced for and by the National Film Board of Canada in 1942 as part of the "Canada Carries On" short documentary series. It uses stock footage, dating back to the First World War, in its theme of showing how dependent modern war vehicles are on having a fuel supply source. In the First World War, Britain's sea power was preserved through the maintenance of a series of coaling stations dotting the Seven Seas. With the change to oil, rather than coal, the necessities for European nations, without home supply, are dependent on the Near-and-Far East where the pipe-lines and oil production have to be defended against attacks by the Axis powers. Canada's role in oil production is also highlighted.