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[[Image:SoldierOfOrange-cover.jpg|thumb|right|300px|''Soldier of Orange (1977)'']] | [[Image:SoldierOfOrange-cover.jpg|thumb|right|300px|''Soldier of Orange (1977)'']] | ||
'''Soldier of Orange''' (original title: '''''Soldaat van Oranje''''') is a 1977 Dutch war drama about a group of law students and how their lives are interrupted by the outbreak of WWII. Most choose to join the resistance forces against the Germans but some choose other sides. The main character Erik escapes from occupied Holland with his friend Guus and makes several covert missions to Holland before becoming a bomber pilot and eventually the Queen’s Personal Assistant at the end of the war. ‘Orange’ in the title refers to the official name of the Dutch Royal House; ‘House of Orange’. | '''Soldier of Orange''' (original title: '''''Soldaat van Oranje''''') is a 1977 Dutch war drama about a group of law students and how their lives are interrupted by the outbreak of WWII. Most choose to join the resistance forces against the Germans but some choose other sides. The main character Erik escapes from occupied Holland with his friend Guus and makes several covert missions to Holland before becoming a bomber pilot and eventually the Dutch Queen’s Personal Assistant at the end of the war. ‘Orange’ in the title refers to the official name of the Dutch Royal House; ‘House of Orange’. | ||
The story is based on the life of Dutch wartime RAF-pilot, spy and writer [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Hazelhoff_Roelfzema Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema] who fled occupied Holland after the German invasion to become a decorated war hero. This autobiographical movie came out in the Netherlands in 1977 and received a Golden Globe Award nomination in 1980 for 'Best Foreign Movie'. Later on it was shown on Dutch national television as a 4-part series under the name “Voor Koningin en Vaderland” (“For Queen and Country”)containing bonus scenes not shown in the original movie. | The story is based on the life of Dutch wartime RAF-pilot, spy and writer [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Hazelhoff_Roelfzema Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema] who fled occupied Holland after the German invasion to become a decorated war hero. This autobiographical movie came out in the Netherlands in 1977 and received a Golden Globe Award nomination in 1980 for 'Best Foreign Movie'. Later on it was shown on Dutch national television as a 4-part series under the name “Voor Koningin en Vaderland” (“For Queen and Country”) containing bonus scenes not shown in the original movie. | ||
The movie is interesting in a sense that it meant the start of an international career for a number of widely acclaimed Dutch movie personalities. The main character Erik Lanshof is played by [[Rutger Hauer]] and his close friend Guus LeJeune is played by [[Jeroen Krabbé]]. | The movie is interesting in a sense that it meant the start of an international career for a number of widely acclaimed Dutch movie personalities. The main character Erik Lanshof is played by [[Rutger Hauer]] and his close friend Guus LeJeune is played by [[Jeroen Krabbé]]. The director, [[Paul Verhoeven]], would go on to make such classics as ''[[Starship Troopers]]'', ''[[Total Recall (1990)|Total Recall]]'' and ''[[RoboCop]]''. | ||
'' | |||
{{Film Title}} | |||
__TOC__<br clear="all"> | __TOC__<br clear="all"> | ||
=Handguns= | =Handguns= | ||
== | ==FN Model 1905== | ||
Erik ([[Rutger Hauer]]) carries a [[ | Erik ([[Rutger Hauer]]) carries a [[FN Model 1905]] during a mission in London when he confronts a supposed collaborator. It's seen only briefly and could also be the original model [[Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket|Colt M1908 Vest Pocket]]. However, it's more probably the FN due to the fact that the movie was shot in Europe and here it would be more likely to see the FN than the Colt. | ||
[[Image: | [[Image:FN model 1905.jpg|thumb|none|400px|FN Model 1905 - .25 ACP]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-BabyBrowning-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Erik takes the [[ | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-BabyBrowning-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Erik takes the [[Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket|Colt M1908 Vest Pocket]] from a cigar box in which he keeps the gun.]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-BabyBrowning-04.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Erik takes aim at his target. Note how his grip seems to be quite professional for a first-time gun user.]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-BabyBrowning-04.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Erik takes aim at his target. Note how his grip seems to be quite professional for a first-time gun user.]] | ||
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[[File:SoldierOfOrange-WebleyMKIV-03.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Guus aiming his [[Webley Mk IV]] at a collaborator during an assassination attempt in the Netherlands.]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-WebleyMKIV-03.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Guus aiming his [[Webley Mk IV]] at a collaborator during an assassination attempt in the Netherlands.]] | ||
== | == Leuchtpistole == | ||
Robby Froost ([[Eddy Habbema]]) pulls a [[ | Robby Froost ([[Eddy Habbema]]) pulls a [[Kampfpistole Z#Leuchtpistole|Leuchtpistole]] from his tuxedo to shoot a flare and betray their position to German troops when his double-play with the Gestapo is exposed. Not a gun one would expect to be carried discreetly under a tuxedo… | ||
[[ | [[File:Pistol German WW2 flare gun 'Leuchtpistole' Heeresmodell 1934, Code 'S-1938'.jpg |thumb|none|350px|Leuchtpistole - 26.65mm]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-Walther1928-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-Walther1928-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | ||
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==Hembrug M95 | ==Hembrug M95 No.1 Carbine== | ||
Most Dutch troops are equipped with the [[ | Most Dutch troops are equipped with the [[Hembrug M1895|Hembrug M95 No.1 carbine]]. | ||
[[Image: | [[Image:Hembrug M95-1 carbine.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Hembrug M95 No.1 Carbine - 6.5 x 53mm]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-HembrugM95carbine-04.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An almost idyllic shot of a squadron of brave Dutch soldiers with [[Steyr Mannlicher M1895#Hembrug M95|Hembrug M95 No.1 carbine]] as they set out on bicycles across a beautiful rural landscape to meet the invading German tanks.]] | |||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-HembrugM95carbine-04.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An almost idyllic shot of a | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-HembrugM95carbine-05.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Jan ([[Huib Rooymans]]) has a bayonet fixed on his [[Steyr Mannlicher M1895#Hembrug M95|Hembrug M95 No.1 carbine]] as he checks out a barn where German paratroopers are said to be hiding.]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-HembrugM95carbine-05.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Jan ([[Huib Rooymans]]) has a bayonet fixed on his [[Steyr Mannlicher M1895|Hembrug M95 carbine]] as he checks out a barn where German paratroopers are said to be hiding.]] | |||
==Hembrug M95 No.3 Carbine== | |||
Some Dutch troops are seen using the [[Hembrug M1895|Hembrug M95 No.3 carbine]] in the first hours of the invasion. | |||
[[Image:Hembrug M95 carbine.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Hembrug M95 No.3 Carbine - 6.5 x 53mm]] | |||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-HembrugM95carbine-02.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Dutch soldiers clutch their [[Steyr Mannlicher M1895#Hembrug M95|Hembrug M95 No.3 carbine]]s as they check the skies for paratroopers during the first day of the German invasion.]] | |||
==Hembrug M95 rifle== | ==Hembrug M95 rifle== | ||
The [[ | The [[Hembrug M1895|Hembrug M95 rifle]], a rifle version of the above described Dutch carbines is also seen used in several scenes. | ||
[[Image: | [[Image:Dutch Mannlicher 1895 Rifle.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Hembrug / Mannlicher geweer M.95 long rifle - 6.5x53mm Mannlicher]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-HembrugM95rifle-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A Dutch soldier with a [[Steyr Mannlicher M1895|Hembrug M95 rifle]] is running across the grounds of Dutch army barracks that have recently been bombed by the Germans. Note Erik and Guus in the background in their | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-HembrugM95rifle-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A Dutch soldier with a [[Steyr Mannlicher M1895#Hembrug M95|Hembrug M95 rifle]] is running across the grounds of Dutch army barracks that have recently been bombed by the Germans. Note Erik and Guus in the background in their tuxedos on motorcycles as they arrive at the scene to volunteer for the Dutch army.]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-HembrugM95rifle-04.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Alex, his [[Steyr Mannlicher M1895|Hembrug M95 rifle]] strapped on his back, speaking with an officer. Note the typical Dutch army helmets that were also used by the Romanian army at the time.]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-HembrugM95rifle-04.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Alex ([[Derek de Lint]]), his [[Steyr Mannlicher M1895#Hembrug M95|Hembrug M95 rifle]] strapped on his back, speaking with an officer. Note the typical Dutch army helmets that were also used by the Romanian army at the time.]] | ||
==Karabiner 98k== | ==Karabiner 98k== | ||
Most German soldiers in occupied Holland are seen with the [[Karabiner 98k]] as their | Most German soldiers in occupied Holland are seen with the [[Karabiner 98k]] as their primary weapon. | ||
[[Image:Karabiner-98K.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Karabiner 98k - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] | [[Image:Karabiner-98K.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Karabiner 98k - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-Kar98K-04.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Guus being captured by German soldiers with [[Karabiner 98k]]s after he executed a collaborator | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-Kar98K-04.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Guus being captured by German soldiers with [[Karabiner 98k]]s after he has executed a collaborator in clear daylight.]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-Kar98K-03.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Jan is executed in the dunes by a firing squad with [[Karabiner 98k]]s. Note that an actual monument has been erected near this spot in the Dutch dunes to remember and honour those who have fallen in WWII.]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-Kar98K-03.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Jan ([[Huib Rooymans]]) is executed in the dunes by a firing squad with [[Karabiner 98k]]s. Note that an actual monument has been erected near this spot in the Dutch dunes to remember and honour those who have fallen in WWII.]] | ||
==Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk | ==Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I== | ||
The [[ | The [[Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I]] is the rifle most commonly carried by Allied forces, especially Dutch forces who are being trained in England for the invasion of mainland Europe. | ||
[[Image:LeeEnfield4Rifle.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk | [[Image:LeeEnfield4Rifle.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I - .303 British]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-LeeEnfieldNo4-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Being among the first few who have made it safely across from occupied Europe, Erik and Guus are greeted at their debriefing station by English soldiers with | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-LeeEnfieldNo4-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Being among the first few who have made it safely across from occupied Europe, Erik and Guus are greeted at their debriefing station by English soldiers with Lee-Enfield No. 4s.]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-LeeEnfieldNo4-03.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Guus comes to realize that a soldier’s life also has less glorious sides. Note the special grip whereby the rifle is held by the sling so that it’s always above ground level and mud cannot easily enter the barrel.]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-LeeEnfieldNo4-03.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Guus comes to realize that a soldier’s life also has less glorious sides. Note the special grip whereby the rifle is held by the sling so that it’s always above ground level and mud cannot easily enter the barrel.]] | ||
== Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk | == Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III== | ||
In one scene soldiers of a Dutch army unit are seen training to be put into action against the Germans. Most of them are carrying the [[ | In one scene soldiers of a Dutch army unit are seen training to be put into action against the Germans. Most of them are carrying the [[Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I]] (see above), but one is carrying the predecessor model [[Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III]], recognizable by the more stubby front. | ||
[[Image:SMLE.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Lee-Enfield No.1 - .303 British]] | [[Image:SMLE.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III* - .303 British]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-SMLE-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-SMLE-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | ||
| Line 95: | Line 95: | ||
[[Image:SVT-40.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Tokarev SVT-40 - 7.62x54mmR]] | [[Image:SVT-40.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Tokarev SVT-40 - 7.62x54mmR]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-SVT40-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-SVT40-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | ||
=Submachine Guns= | =Submachine Guns= | ||
| Line 108: | Line 107: | ||
==Sten Mk II== | ==Sten Mk II== | ||
The [[Sten]] | The [[Sten Mk II]] is used prominently in many scenes in the movie. During WWII, the weapon was being supplied to resistance forces in great numbers and due to it’s simplicity, the weapon could be easily taken-down and/or repaired by untrained users. | ||
[[Image:Unitsten2.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Sten Mk II Submachine gun - 9x19mm]] | [[Image:Unitsten2.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Sten Mk II Submachine gun - 9x19mm]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-StenMKII-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A local member of the Dutch resistance on guard duty in the country side carrying a [[Sten]] Mk II.]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-StenMKII-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A local member of the Dutch resistance on guard duty in the country side carrying a [[Sten]] Mk II.]] | ||
| Line 114: | Line 113: | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-StenMKII-05.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Erik, obviously never having heard of trigger discipline, shoots a hole in the roof of the training facility. Note the ‘Adolf Hitler’ targets in the background.]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-StenMKII-05.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Erik, obviously never having heard of trigger discipline, shoots a hole in the roof of the training facility. Note the ‘Adolf Hitler’ targets in the background.]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-StenMKII-08.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Armed with a [[Sten]] Mk II, Guus and Erik set foot on Dutch soil again for the first time during a covert landing at Scheveningen beach.]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-StenMKII-08.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Armed with a [[Sten]] Mk II, Guus and Erik set foot on Dutch soil again for the first time during a covert landing at Scheveningen beach.]] | ||
=Machine Guns= | =Machine Guns= | ||
| Line 120: | Line 118: | ||
==Browning M1917== | ==Browning M1917== | ||
A [[Browning M1917]] can be seen outside Dutch army barracks during the May 1940 German invasion. It would have been more correct to see either a [[Schwarzlose Machine Gun Model 07/12|Schwarzlose]] or | A [[Browning M1917]] can be seen outside Dutch army barracks during the May 1940 German invasion. It would have been more correct to see either a [[Schwarzlose Machine Gun Model 07/12|Schwarzlose]] or [[Lewis Gun#Infantry|Lewis]] machine gun as the [[Browning M1917]] has never seen official use in Dutch service. | ||
[[Image:M1917A1 2.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Browning M1917 machine gun with tripod and ammo box - .30-06]] | [[Image:M1917A1 2.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Browning M1917 machine gun with tripod and ammo box - .30-06]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-BrowningM1917-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A guard stares in disbelief as tuxedo-clad Erik and Guus arrive on motorcycles, fresh from a graduation party, to volunteer for the Dutch army and fight the German invasion.]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-BrowningM1917-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A guard stares in disbelief as tuxedo-clad Erik and Guus arrive on motorcycles, fresh from a graduation party, to volunteer for the Dutch army and fight the German invasion.]] | ||
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In several scenes, the [[MG34]] can be seen (but never fired) in the hands of German soldiers and Dutch SS troops. | In several scenes, the [[MG34]] can be seen (but never fired) in the hands of German soldiers and Dutch SS troops. | ||
[[Image:mg-34man-portable.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG34 with 50 round "assault drum" - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] | [[Image:mg-34man-portable.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG34 with 50 round "assault drum" - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-MG34-03.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A pair of [[MG34]]s can be seen hanging from a wall in a communications centre on the Eastern front as Alex mails a postcard | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-MG34-03.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A pair of [[MG34]]s can be seen hanging from a wall in a communications centre on the Eastern front as Alex ([[Derek de Lint]]) mails a postcard home.]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-MG34-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Through the eye of a camera, an [[MG34]] can be seen on top of a bunker when Guus is making secret studies of German coastal defences.]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-MG34-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Through the eye of a camera, an [[MG34]] can be seen on top of a bunker when Guus ([[Jeroen Krabbé]]) is making secret studies of German coastal defences.]] | ||
==MG42== | ==MG42== | ||
A [[MG42]] is seen in several scenes throughout the movie. This is historically incorrect as the scenes in question take place in 1940/41 so the [[MG34]] would have been more appropriate. | A [[MG42]] is seen in several scenes throughout the movie. This is historically incorrect as the scenes in question take place in 1940/41 so the [[MG34]] would have been more appropriate. | ||
[[Image:MG42.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG42 Machine Gun - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] | [[Image:MG42.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG42 Machine Gun - 7.92x57mm Mauser]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-MG42-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A group of German paratroopers takes a break on the first day of the May 1940 German invasion of The Netherlands | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-MG42-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A group of German paratroopers takes a break on the first day of the May 1940 German invasion of The Netherlands.]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-MG42-02.jpg|thumb|none|600px|German soldiers firing their boat-mounted [[MG42]]’s on a rowing boat carrying members of the Dutch resistance. Note that the bipod of the back | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-MG42-02.jpg|thumb|none|600px|German soldiers firing their boat-mounted [[MG42]]’s on a rowing boat carrying members of the Dutch resistance. Note that the bipod of the back machine gun is positioned dangerously very close to the edge of the boat cabin; if it moves forward another inch it will drop down sending bullets into the crew of the front of it.]] | ||
=Miscellaneous= | =Miscellaneous= | ||
==Oerlikon 20mm | ==Oerlikon 20mm cannon== | ||
In a number of scenes the [[Oerlikon 20mm Cannon|Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft canon]] can be clearly identified, most notably by the cylindrical drum on top of the receiver and the typical round shoulder rests. It is seen both with and without a protective shield. | In a number of scenes the [[Oerlikon 20mm Cannon|Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft canon]] can be clearly identified, most notably by the cylindrical drum on top of the receiver and the typical round shoulder rests. It is seen both with and without a protective shield. | ||
[[Image:20mm Oerlikon Cannon.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Oerlikon anti-aircraft canon - 20mm]] | [[Image:20mm Oerlikon Cannon.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Oerlikon anti-aircraft canon - 20mm]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-Oerlikon20mm-05.jpg|thumb|none|600px| | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-Oerlikon20mm-05.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An [[Oerlikon 20mm Cannon|Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft canon]] can be seen on the fast patrol boat that brings Erik back to occupied Holland on his first secret mission to establish contact with Dutch resistance forces.]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-Oerlikon20mm-06.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An [[Oerlikon 20mm Cannon|Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft canon]] can be seen as part of the German coastal defences of the Netherlands. This seems incorrect but it’s actually not; it was common practice for the Germans to use others nations weapons as part of | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-Oerlikon20mm-06.jpg|thumb|none|600px|An [[Oerlikon 20mm Cannon|Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft canon]] can be seen as part of the German coastal defences of the Netherlands. This seems incorrect but it’s actually not; it was common practice for the Germans to use others nations weapons as part of the ‘Atlantikwall’ coastal defences.]] | ||
==Bofors 40mm cannon== | |||
A [[Bofors 40mm]] cannon is seen through the telelens of Guus' camera as he spies on German fortifications along the Dutch coast. The cannon appears to have been put here just for visual purpose as it’s been placed virtually on the beach, in full view and without any cover or protection. It is not completely impossible that the Germans would have such a weapon, since it appears to be a British mounting and many such weapons were abandoned in France following the British evacuation from Dunkirk. The Germans also captured enough of these guns in Norway for the Kriegsmarine to use them on ships. | |||
[[Image:Bofors 40mm trailer.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Bofors 40mm L/60 AA gun in a wheeled trailer mounting - 40×311mm]] | [[Image:Bofors 40mm trailer.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Bofors 40mm L/60 AA gun in a wheeled trailer mounting - 40×311mm]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-Bofors40mm-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-Bofors40mm-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | ||
==M24 Stielhandgranate== | ==M24 Stielhandgranate== | ||
German paratroopers can be seen with [[Model 24 Stielhandgranate]]s in their belts as they take a break during the May 1940 German invasion of the Netherlands. | German paratroopers can be seen with [[Model 24 Stielhandgranate]]s in their belts as they take a break during the May 1940 German invasion of the Netherlands. | ||
[[Image:M24handgrenade.JPG|thumb|none|400px|Model 24 Stielhandgranate high-explosive fragmentation stick grenade]] | [[Image:M24handgrenade.JPG|thumb|none|400px|Model 24 Stielhandgranate high-explosive fragmentation stick grenade]] | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-M24Stielhandgranate-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-M24Stielhandgranate-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Note the special paratrooper helmets that differ from the regular German army issue in that they have a flatter underprofile with less protection to the neck and ears.]] | ||
==RGD-33 stick grenade== | ==RGD-33 stick grenade== | ||
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[[File:SoldierOfOrange-RGD33-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-RGD33-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | ||
==Unidentified | ==Unidentified Cannon== | ||
An unidentified piece of field artillery can be seen at the airfield from which Erik and Will Dostgaarde (Peter Faber) are taking off on their first bombing raid. Again probably just a prop to make the airfield look more war-like as crew and ammunition are missing. | An unidentified piece of field artillery can be seen at the airfield from which Erik and Will Dostgaarde (Peter Faber) are taking off on their first bombing raid. Again probably just a prop to make the airfield look more war-like as crew and ammunition are missing. It may be a British 25-pounder field gun. | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-unidcanon-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-unidcanon-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | ||
==Leopard I Tank== | ==Leopard I Tank== | ||
A [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard_1 Leopard I tank] with added side armour plates is standing in for a German ‘Panzer’ during the Eastern Front scenes. | A [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard_1 Leopard I tank] with added side armour plates is standing in for a German ‘Panzer’ (probably a Panther, by the look of it) during the Eastern Front scenes. This is presumably property of the Royal Netherlands Army, which also lent its Leopards to be disguised as German Panzers in ''[[A_Bridge_Too_Far#Leopard_I_Main_Battle_Tank_.28mocked_up_as_a_German_Panther.29|A Bridge Too Far]]''. | ||
[[File:SoldierOfOrange-LeopardI-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | [[File:SoldierOfOrange-LeopardI-01.jpg|thumb|none|600px]] | ||
[[Category:Movie]] | [[Category:Movie]] | ||
[[Category:War]] | [[Category:War]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Biographical Movie]] | ||
[[Category:Paul Verhoeven]] | |||
[[Category:Dutch Produced]] | |||
Latest revision as of 14:27, 27 February 2022
Soldier of Orange (original title: Soldaat van Oranje) is a 1977 Dutch war drama about a group of law students and how their lives are interrupted by the outbreak of WWII. Most choose to join the resistance forces against the Germans but some choose other sides. The main character Erik escapes from occupied Holland with his friend Guus and makes several covert missions to Holland before becoming a bomber pilot and eventually the Dutch Queen’s Personal Assistant at the end of the war. ‘Orange’ in the title refers to the official name of the Dutch Royal House; ‘House of Orange’.
The story is based on the life of Dutch wartime RAF-pilot, spy and writer Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema who fled occupied Holland after the German invasion to become a decorated war hero. This autobiographical movie came out in the Netherlands in 1977 and received a Golden Globe Award nomination in 1980 for 'Best Foreign Movie'. Later on it was shown on Dutch national television as a 4-part series under the name “Voor Koningin en Vaderland” (“For Queen and Country”) containing bonus scenes not shown in the original movie.
The movie is interesting in a sense that it meant the start of an international career for a number of widely acclaimed Dutch movie personalities. The main character Erik Lanshof is played by Rutger Hauer and his close friend Guus LeJeune is played by Jeroen Krabbé. The director, Paul Verhoeven, would go on to make such classics as Starship Troopers, Total Recall and RoboCop.
The following weapons were used in the film Soldier of Orange:
Handguns
FN Model 1905
Erik (Rutger Hauer) carries a FN Model 1905 during a mission in London when he confronts a supposed collaborator. It's seen only briefly and could also be the original model Colt M1908 Vest Pocket. However, it's more probably the FN due to the fact that the movie was shot in Europe and here it would be more likely to see the FN than the Colt.
Colt Official Police
After downing more than a few pints, Guus (Jeroen Krabbé) comes home late to his London apartment and fires his Colt Official Police at the mirror on his bedroom door only to realize a second later he’s been shooting at his own mirror image.
FN Model 1922
Dutch army and police officers are accurately portrayed with the FN Model 1922 which was the standard handgun at the time.
Luger P08
Luger P08’s are carried by several German army officers and Dutch members of the Gestapo, most notably the villainous collaborator Breitner, a classic role by Dutch actor Rijk de Gooyer.
Walther P38
Dutch Gestapo officer Breitner (Rijk de Gooyer) carries a Walther P38 when he’s shot during the raid on the printing shop where a delegation of the Dutch resistance prepares to flee occupied Holland.
Webley Mk IV
A Webley Mk IV is used in several scenes by members of the Dutch resistance forces. These revolvers were probably supplied to them from England by way of covert air-drops.
Leuchtpistole
Robby Froost (Eddy Habbema) pulls a Leuchtpistole from his tuxedo to shoot a flare and betray their position to German troops when his double-play with the Gestapo is exposed. Not a gun one would expect to be carried discreetly under a tuxedo…
Rifles
Hembrug M95 No.1 Carbine
Most Dutch troops are equipped with the Hembrug M95 No.1 carbine.
Hembrug M95 No.3 Carbine
Some Dutch troops are seen using the Hembrug M95 No.3 carbine in the first hours of the invasion.
Hembrug M95 rifle
The Hembrug M95 rifle, a rifle version of the above described Dutch carbines is also seen used in several scenes.
Karabiner 98k
Most German soldiers in occupied Holland are seen with the Karabiner 98k as their primary weapon.
Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I
The Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I is the rifle most commonly carried by Allied forces, especially Dutch forces who are being trained in England for the invasion of mainland Europe.
Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III
In one scene soldiers of a Dutch army unit are seen training to be put into action against the Germans. Most of them are carrying the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I (see above), but one is carrying the predecessor model Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III, recognizable by the more stubby front.
Tokarev SVT-40
In footage from a German propaganda movie, a Russian Tokarev SVT-40 rifle is seen used by German troops on the Eastern front. The rifle has probably been captured due to Germany not having a semi-automatic rifle in their arsenal in the early days of the invasion of Russia. It seems odd that this particular shot has gone unnoticed by German censors at the time…
Submachine Guns
MP40
Many German soldiers can be seen with the MP40 submachine gun in scenes that take place in occupied Holland.
Sten Mk II
The Sten Mk II is used prominently in many scenes in the movie. During WWII, the weapon was being supplied to resistance forces in great numbers and due to it’s simplicity, the weapon could be easily taken-down and/or repaired by untrained users.
Machine Guns
Browning M1917
A Browning M1917 can be seen outside Dutch army barracks during the May 1940 German invasion. It would have been more correct to see either a Schwarzlose or Lewis machine gun as the Browning M1917 has never seen official use in Dutch service.
Lewis Gun
A fast patrol boat returning from a mission is equipped with a dual-mounted Lewis Gun on the bow.
MG34
In several scenes, the MG34 can be seen (but never fired) in the hands of German soldiers and Dutch SS troops.
MG42
A MG42 is seen in several scenes throughout the movie. This is historically incorrect as the scenes in question take place in 1940/41 so the MG34 would have been more appropriate.
Miscellaneous
Oerlikon 20mm cannon
In a number of scenes the Oerlikon 20mm anti-aircraft canon can be clearly identified, most notably by the cylindrical drum on top of the receiver and the typical round shoulder rests. It is seen both with and without a protective shield.
Bofors 40mm cannon
A Bofors 40mm cannon is seen through the telelens of Guus' camera as he spies on German fortifications along the Dutch coast. The cannon appears to have been put here just for visual purpose as it’s been placed virtually on the beach, in full view and without any cover or protection. It is not completely impossible that the Germans would have such a weapon, since it appears to be a British mounting and many such weapons were abandoned in France following the British evacuation from Dunkirk. The Germans also captured enough of these guns in Norway for the Kriegsmarine to use them on ships.
M24 Stielhandgranate
German paratroopers can be seen with Model 24 Stielhandgranates in their belts as they take a break during the May 1940 German invasion of the Netherlands.
RGD-33 stick grenade
Alex finds his volunteer service with the Dutch SS forces on the Eastern front coming to an abrupt (and rather unheroic…) end when a Russian partisan drops a RGD-33 stick grenade in his unit’s lavatory at the very moment he’s using the facility.
Unidentified Cannon
An unidentified piece of field artillery can be seen at the airfield from which Erik and Will Dostgaarde (Peter Faber) are taking off on their first bombing raid. Again probably just a prop to make the airfield look more war-like as crew and ammunition are missing. It may be a British 25-pounder field gun.
Leopard I Tank
A Leopard I tank with added side armour plates is standing in for a German ‘Panzer’ (probably a Panther, by the look of it) during the Eastern Front scenes. This is presumably property of the Royal Netherlands Army, which also lent its Leopards to be disguised as German Panzers in A Bridge Too Far.
