The acclaimed war time documentary-film drama the    Western Approaches was the first ever documentary to be filmed in colour.  It was a tribute to the Merchant Navy    with real seamen re-enacting the horror of being torpedoed  or sunk at sea.  The film was made by the Crown Films Unit.
In order for the British to fight on during the second world war the Merchant Navy kept the lifeline to the                  Commonwealth and to America. Even when the films was  released in 1944 the convoys were still providing vital        supplies.  Special colour cameras from America and the                      cinematographer on the Western Approaches was Jack Cardiff the legendary Oscar winner.
The film crew stayed in Holyhead for about six months.
The documentary was honoured as part of the North Wales Film and Television Trail.  A commemorative plaque was  unveiled by Margaret Jones on Friday 1st June 2007 at the Holyhead Maritime Museum.  Also on that day the Museum celebrate the opening of a new War Time exhibition in an air raid shelter next to the museum.
For more information please contact Richard Coombs at Wales Screen commission at richardcoombs@gwynedd.gov.uk
Below are photos of the celebrations.  Please click on each one to enlarge.