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Join this channel to get access to perks: Want to learn more about Periscope Film and get access to exclusive swag? Join us on Patreon. Visit Visit our website This raw footage, which was likely shot by a newsreel cameraman, dates to circa 1940 and shows Egypt's King Farouk visiting an army school, probably the Egyptian Military Academy in Cairo. Founded in 1908, this facility was in the El-Koba Bridge area of the city and was renamed the Royal Military Academy in 1938. It's quite possible that this film dates to the time of its rededication. King Farouk was the second-to-last King of Egypt. He reigned from 1936 until he was deposed in 1952 by a group led by Gamel Abdel Nasser. (Farouk's infant son Fuad became king for a brief time before he was also exiled.) During his brief time as King, the nation weathered the storm of WWII and emerged in a strong position. However, after the Egyptian Army was defeated during the Israeli War of Independence in 1948, Farouk was blamed and lost credibility. Made prior to the devastating defeat, this film footage portrays Farouk's support for the military, and the prowess and preparedness of the Egyptian Army. (Many films of Farouk were destroyed following his exile. Notably, this film was saved from destruction by a member of the Egyptian Air Force, Dr. Eassa H. Eassa, who kept it in his family and preserved it for decades.) The film begins with brief aerial shots of the Suez Canal, including a shot of what might be the royal yacht El Mahrousa (:19, 1:16) and a streamlined train, probably made by Fiat, before showing the courtyard of the installation (1:26). Troops stand at attention as King Farouk arrives (2:31). The automobile is a Rolls Royce, possibly a Phantom III that the King acquired in 1939. At (3:25) the King warmly greets officers before reviewing the installation. At (3:57) the King visits a classroom where a map is shown on the chalkboard, and a tactical model is situated at the front of the class. At (4:14) a firing range is shown inside the school. At (4:32) a Bren type light machine gun is demonstrated. At (4:42), Farouk is shown with an unidentified senior officer. At (5:22) a water cooled Vickers machine gun or Vickers gun is demonstrated. At (6:11) a pole vaulter performs for the King and there is a boxing match. At (6:50) the large pool at the installation is used to demonstrate the construction of a pontoon bridge for infantry. At (8:00) the King visits a chemistry lab. At (9:18), the art of fencing is shown as part of the training. At (9:55), a slide or magic lantern projector is used in a presentation. Following a speech by an officer who must be the commandant of the school, the King signs the guest book (11:38). At (12:31) the King reviews the assembled cadre, who stand at attention. We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example: “01:00:12:00 -- President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference.“ 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
