Conquest of the Air is a 1936 documentary film on the history of aviation, until the early stages of World War II. The film features historical footage, and dramatic re-creations, of the developments of commercial and military aviation; including the early stages of technology developments in design, propulsion, and air navigation aids. The film was a London Films production, commissioned by the Air Ministry of the British Government.
The film was initially commissioned by Alexander Korda prior to the advent of World War II, and the Air Ministry saw the value in promoting Britain's contribution and leadership in aviation during this period. Some notable footage is featured of the early phases of automated flight, navigational equipment, and the transitions between civil and military developments, including heavy bombers; fast fighter aircraft; and the advent of naval aviation (aircraft carrier), plus the initial experiments with vertical rotary flight (helicopters).
An updated version was released in 1940 and released in the United States on 20 May 1940.’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCPt8e1WG4A
The film editor, who also wrote the script for the commentary, was Peter Maurice Bezencenet, a British film editor born in 1914.
He subsequently joined the Royal Air Force: the London Gazette records that in 1942 P. M. Bezencenet (115617) was promoted to the rank of Flying Officer.
Two years later in September 1944, he was an Acting Squadron Leader and a Spitfire Recce Pilot with 208 Squadron in Italy.
Towards the end of that month he was leading another member of the Squadron during a tactical reconnaissance sortie on completion of which he told his number one to land and he then returned over the enemy area, it was thought, to strafe a train that had been seen. He did not return and no news was heard of his fate The Squadron assumed that he had been killed. *
Happily not, as his subsequent citation for his DFC records …
Distinguished Flying Cross. Acting Squadron Leader Peter Maurice BEZENCENET (115617), R.A.F.V.R., 208 Sqn. This officer has completed a very large number of sorties, including numerous successful reconnaissances over the forward battle area during these operations, Squadron Leader Bezencenet has faced heavy enemy fire with complete disregard for his own safety. Nevertheless, he has executed his missions with great skill. On one occasion, in September, 1944, whilst over the Bologna area, his aircraft sustained such damage that he was forced to abandon it Although he was badly wounded when fired upon by an enemy patrol, Squadron Leader Bezencenet succeeded in reaching the British lines. This officer has displayed outstanding keenness and has set a fine example of bravery and devotion to duty.
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/.../1069/data.pdf
He demobbed after the war but did not forget to make an appearance for the 30th anniversary celebration of 208 Squadron in 1946 when he was one of those who addressed former squadron members.
https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarch...=%20BEZENCENET
And what of his movie career and life post war?
He continued to edit and direct movies, married an American heiress, her sister had married an English Count, and in 1975 he sold his country home in Buckinghamshire to the actor Sir John Mills, and moved to France with his American wife.
He died in 2003 at the age of 89.
[* sourced from the 208 Squadron Association website].