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Difference between revisions of "A Bridge Too Far"
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== M1 Garand == | == M1 Garand == | ||
| − | + | The main rifle used by US Airborne troops in the film is the [[M1 Garand]]. A gas operated clip fed semi-automatic shoulder weapon, it served as the primary American weapon from 1942-1957 and notably used by Major Julian Cook ([[Robert Redford]]) of the 82nd Airborne while leading his men to capture the Njmegen bridge. | |
[[Image:M1 Garand.jpg|thumb|none|500px|[[M1 Garand]] .30-06]] | [[Image:M1 Garand.jpg|thumb|none|500px|[[M1 Garand]] .30-06]] | ||
| − | [[Image:BTF-M1 Garand 01A.jpg|thumb|none| | + | [[Image:BTF-M1 Garand 01A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Major Julian Cook ([[Robert Redford]]) of the 82nd Airborne leads his men carrying an [[M1 Garand]] .30-06]] |
| − | [[Image:BTF-M1 Garand 02A.jpg |thumb|none| | + | [[Image:BTF-M1 Garand 02A.jpg |thumb|none|600px|Major Cook hunkers down with his [[M1 Garand]] .30-06]] |
==M1 Carbine== | ==M1 Carbine== | ||
Revision as of 05:50, 15 June 2010
A Bridge Too Far is the 1977 World War II film based on the 1974 best selling book by Cornelius Ryan and directed by Sir Richard Attenborough (better known to younger viewers as an actor, for his portrayal "John Hammond" in the Spielberg Films Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park).
See the Discussion section for some trivia on the film.
The following weapons were used in the film A Bridge Too Far:
Allied Weapons
Lee-Enfield No 4 Mk 1*
Used by all British Troops, mostly the Grenadier Guards in the Armored Column as well as the British 1st Airborne Division when they were trapped in Arnhem. The No 4 Mk 1* rifle was also seen in the hands of the Polish Airborne brigade troops. Colonel John Frost (Anthony Hopkins) was also seen using a No.4 rifle during the later stages of the battle for Arnhem.
M1 Garand
The main rifle used by US Airborne troops in the film is the M1 Garand. A gas operated clip fed semi-automatic shoulder weapon, it served as the primary American weapon from 1942-1957 and notably used by Major Julian Cook (Robert Redford) of the 82nd Airborne while leading his men to capture the Njmegen bridge.
M1 Carbine
Used by American paratroopers as well as seen mounted on jeeps and other vehicles. Most notably seen when Sgt. Eddie Dohun (James Caan) pulls one out of its Jeep mount when he is hiding from a German Patrol in the forest. Also used by Col. Stout (Elliott Gould) when leading the charge to capture a bridge.
M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine
A Folding stock version of the M1 Carbine, this should have been more prevalent amongst the American Airborne troops, however only a few samples are ever seen in the film, most notably during large scenes of massing troops.
M1911A1
Used throughout the movie, especially by Sgt. Dohun (James Caan) when threatening a 101st Airborne combat surgeon (Arthur Hill) in order to get him to treat his wounded captain (Nicholas Campbell). The handgun is also seen, albeit briefly, holstered amongst American officers, NCOs and Military Police.
M1911
Apparently, the widespread issue of Browning Hi Power pistols (the iconic handgun of elite British Military units in World War II) to British Airborne units, only started after Operation Market Garden, so it is appropriate that they are seen using another handgun. A likely candidate in this case is the M1911 chambered in .455 Webley, issued to members of the R.A.F. In the film, the British M1911 is used by Roy Urquhart (Sean Connery) and several other Airborne officers as they try to evade capture by Waffen SS forces.
M1A1 Thompson
Seen only briefly during some of the massing troop scenes, the M1/M1A1 Thompson has a peculiarly small role in the film. The vast majority of Americans are armed with M1 Garands and M1 Carbines, which is unusual, since during many of the battles, nary an M1A1 Thompson can be seen, which is inaccurate.
- Except that the majority of US Paratroopers did carry M1 Garands and M1A1 folding stock Carbines. The Wierd It 11:37, 18 August 2009 (UTC)
Browning Automatic Rifle
Browning M2 HB
Used by British Armored troops mounted to their Lend Lease Sherman Tanks.
Sten Mk5
The standard submachine gun for British and Polish Airborne units, most featured had the forward pistol grip removed as was the case for Market Garden.
No2 Portable Flamethrower
A No2 Portable Flamethrower is used in the attack on the German bunker on the Arnhem bridge this weapon, known as the "Lifebuoy" for its resemblance to a lifesaver, was the standard British flamethrower.
PIAT
The PIAT (Projectile Infantry Anti-Tank) seen throughout the movie being used by British and Polish airborne units (who were similarly equipped). This weapon fired a 3 lb. hollow charge warhead via means of a powerful spring which ignited its propellant. The weapon had a powerful recoil, which necessitated it being fired prone since any other position would knock the user flat down. Seen especially during the repulse of the initial German assault on the Arnhem bridge.
Bren gun
Vickers Machine Gun
Used by British soldiers when the armored convoy is ambushed.
Axis Weapons
Mauser 98K
The Mauser Karabiner 98 (98K) was the standard weapon for all German ground forces during World War II.
Karabiner 98 Sniper
Used by designated Marksmen and Snipers in the German Armed forces.
MP40
Used by German troops.
MG42
Used by German troops
MG34
The most commonly seen machine gun used by German troops in the film is the MG34.
