Battleground (1949)

Battleground (1949)

Battleground is a 1949 WWII film about members of the 101st Airborne defending the city of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in the fall of 1944. Made only five years after the actual battle, Battleground was directed by legendary filmmaker William A. Wellman (The Story of G.I. Joe, Heroes for Sale) and was the recipient of Academy Awards for Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography.

The following weapons were used in the film Battleground (1949):

Pistol

Luger P08

Wolowicz (Bruce Cowling), one of the paratroopers, is seen polishing a captured Luger P08. He throws it away after he remembers the rumor that US soldiers were shot if they are captured with German weapons on them.

Luger P08 9x19mm. This is a 1917 dated handgun, thus it is a World War I firearm.

Wolowicz (Bruce Cowling), one of the paratroopers, is seen polishing a captured Luger P08.

Rifles & Carbines

M1 Garand

The M1 Garand is seen used by most of the paratroopers in the 101st Airborne Division.

M1 Garand semiautomatic Rifle with leather M1917 sling - .30-06

Holley (Van Johnson) readies his M1 Garand.

M1 Garand with M1 bayonet - .30-06

Holley (Van Johnson) fixes a bayonet on his M1 Garand as the Airborne prepares for a German onslaught.

M1 Carbine

The M1 Carbine is carried by some of the officers of the 101st Airborne Division.

Korean War Era M1 Carbine, with Birch Stock, Adjustable sight, bayonet lug, and twin magazine pouch. Most of the World War II variations of the M1 Carbine were sent back to the Military Arsenals and retrofitted with the Bayonet Lug and adjustable rear sight. This is the version seen after late 1945 and all the way until the 1960s. This version is seen most often in World War II movies, despite being anachronistic for most World War II battles

The captain carries the M1 Carbine.

The paratrooper on the right carries the M1 Carbine. Although the film was made pretty close to the actual battle, the anachronistic bayonet lug is seen.

Karabiner 98k

The surrendering German soldier has a white flag attached to a K98 rifle. Also seen carried by German troops as they are ambushed by the Airborne.

Karabiner 98k - German manufacture 1937 date - 7.92x57mm

German soldiers with their rifles.

Submachine Guns

M1928A1 Thompson

Kinnie (James Whitmore) can be seen armed with a M1928A1 Thompson.

M1928A1 Thompson with 30-round stick magazine and early 'simplified' rear sight that would be adopted for the M1 Thompson - .45 ACP

Kinnie (James Whitmore) fires his Thompson. Note the magazines taped "jungle style".

M3 Grease Gun

The M3 Grease Gun is seen being carried by paratroopers, notably a soldier in an officer's jeep that is confronted at a checkpoint.

M3 "Grease Gun" .45 ACP

The sergeant guarding an officer raises his Grease Gun.

Automatic Rifle & Machine Guns

Browning Automatic Rifle

The Browning Automatic Rifle is seen used by Abner Spudler and other troops of the 101st Airborne.

Browning Automatic Rifle .30-06

The BAR is slung on the shoulder of one of the paratroopers.

Browning M1919A6

After Mac is killed during the railroad ambush, Jarvess picks up an early model Browning M1919A6 and continues the fight.

Browning M1919A6, early WWII manufacture - .30-06

Browning M2HB Heavy Machine Gun

The Browning M2HB heavy machine gun can be seen mounted on an M4 Sherman tank. An M51 Quad Mount is seen as the men go into town.

Browning M2HB

The Browning M2HB heavy machine gun can be seen mounted on an M4 Sherman tank

An M51 Quad Mount is seen as the men go into town.