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A Bridge Too Far: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:BTF-Bren&No4A.jpg|thumb|none|601px|British troops from the XXX Armored Corps advance with a variety of weapons including the No.4 Mk 1.]] | [[Image:BTF-Bren&No4A.jpg|thumb|none|601px|British troops from the XXX Armored Corps advance with a variety of weapons including the No.4 Mk 1.]] | ||
[[Image:BTF-N4Mk1 05A.jpg|thumb|none|601px|As Colonel John Frost ([[Anthony Hopkins]]) prepares to enter the street, British 1st Airborne Brigade in Arnhem are seen armed with No.4 Mk 1 rifles.]] | [[Image:BTF-N4Mk1 05A.jpg|thumb|none|601px|As Colonel John Frost ([[Anthony Hopkins]]) prepares to enter the street, British 1st Airborne Brigade in Arnhem are seen armed with No.4 Mk 1 rifles.]] | ||
[[Image:BTF-No4Mk1a.jpg |thumb|none|601px|British 1st Airborne soldier fires his No.4 Mk 1 rifle before | [[Image:BTF-No4Mk1a.jpg |thumb|none|601px|British 1st Airborne soldier fires his No.4 Mk 1 rifle before he gets shot by German soldiers.]] | ||
== M1 Garand == | == M1 Garand == | ||
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== No2 Portable Flamethrower == | == No2 Portable Flamethrower == | ||
A [[No2 Portable Flamethrower]] is used in the attack on the German bunker on | A [[No2 Portable Flamethrower]] is used in the attack on the German bunker on Arnhem bridge. This weapon, known as the "Lifebuoy" for its resemblance to a lifesaver, was the standard British flamethrower. | ||
[[Image:Flame1.JPG|thumb|none|250px|No2 Portable Flamethrower as used by British Airborne.]] | [[Image:Flame1.JPG|thumb|none|250px|No2 Portable Flamethrower as used by British Airborne.]] | ||
[[Image:BTF-Flame 02A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Cpl. Davies ([[Alun Armstrong]]) with the No.2 Portable Flamethrower. Note the "Life Saver" shape of the fuel reservoir.]] | [[Image:BTF-Flame 02A.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Cpl. Davies ([[Alun Armstrong]]) with the No.2 Portable Flamethrower. Note the "Life Saver" shape of the fuel reservoir.]] | ||
== PIAT == | == PIAT == | ||
The [[PIAT]] (''Projector Infantry Anti-Tank'') spigot mortar is 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 [[PIAT]] (''Projector Infantry Anti-Tank'') spigot mortar is 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 Arnhem bridge. | ||
[[Image:PIAT_bomb.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Projector, Infantry, Anti Tank (PIAT) - 3.25 in]] | [[Image:PIAT_bomb.jpg|thumb|none|500px|Projector, Infantry, Anti Tank (PIAT) - 3.25 in]] | ||
[[Image:BTF-PIAT-2A.jpg |thumb|none|600px|British 1st Airborne prepares to defend Arnhem with PIATs]] | [[Image:BTF-PIAT-2A.jpg |thumb|none|600px|British 1st Airborne prepares to defend Arnhem with PIATs]] | ||
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== Bren Mk I == | == Bren Mk I == | ||
[[Bren Mk I]] light machine guns are also used by the British Grenadier Guards of XXX Corps. | |||
[[Image:Bren gun.JPG|thumb|none|400px|Bren Mk I light machine gun - .303 British]] | [[Image:Bren gun.JPG|thumb|none|400px|Bren Mk I light machine gun - .303 British]] | ||
[[Image:BTF-BrenA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|British Grenadier Guards fight with a Bren.]] | [[Image:BTF-BrenA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|British Grenadier Guards fight with a Bren.]] | ||
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== Vickers Machine Gun == | == Vickers Machine Gun == | ||
The [[Vickers]] Machine Gun by British Grenadier Guards of XXX Corps. | The [[Vickers]] Machine Gun is used by British Grenadier Guards of XXX Corps. | ||
[[Image:VickersMk1.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Example of a Vickers Mk1 machine gun used in film - .303 British]] | [[Image:VickersMk1.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Example of a Vickers Mk1 machine gun used in film - .303 British]] | ||
[[Image:BTF-VickersA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|British Grenadier Guards fire the Vickers.]] | [[Image:BTF-VickersA.jpg|thumb|none|600px|British Grenadier Guards fire the Vickers.]] | ||
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1960s Vintage '''Leopard I tanks''' were mocked up to resemble the World War II German Panther tank. The Leopard 1 tanks had 105mm main guns and two 7.62x51mm machineguns (FN MAGS). What is interesting is that supposedly all of the original cast hull Leopard 1 tanks were converted into the newer Leopard 1A1 during the 1970s (with upgraded armor, track skirts and thermal jacket on the gun barrel), however, despite the 'movie' modifications to make it look like a Panther, this is an original and unconverted Leopard 1. Since the film was mostly shot on location in the Netherlands (where many of the original battles took place), this is most likely a Dutch Army Leopard, one of the batch purchased from West Germany in 1969 (when the Netherlands officially adopted the Leopard as its' main battle tank). | 1960s Vintage '''Leopard I tanks''' were mocked up to resemble the World War II German Panther tank. The Leopard 1 tanks had 105mm main guns and two 7.62x51mm machineguns (FN MAGS). What is interesting is that supposedly all of the original cast hull Leopard 1 tanks were converted into the newer Leopard 1A1 during the 1970s (with upgraded armor, track skirts and thermal jacket on the gun barrel), however, despite the 'movie' modifications to make it look like a Panther, this is an original and unconverted Leopard 1. Since the film was mostly shot on location in the Netherlands (where many of the original battles took place), this is most likely a Dutch Army Leopard, one of the batch purchased from West Germany in 1969 (when the Netherlands officially adopted the Leopard as its' main battle tank). | ||
[[Image:Leopard_1_001.jpg |thumb|none|500px|Notice the marks on the gun mantlet. Also notice how the modern sights and smoke grenade launchers are covered up in the movie. Also note the shape of the driver's hatch.]] | [[Image:Leopard_1_001.jpg |thumb|none|500px|Notice the marks on the gun mantlet. Also notice how the modern sights and smoke grenade launchers are covered up in the movie. Also note the shape of the driver's hatch.]] | ||
[[Image:BTF-LeopardA.jpg |thumb|none|600px|The German "Panther" as seen from an attic window. Note in this shot a fake muzzle brake has been added to simulate the one on the real Panther's 7.5 cm KwK 42 L/70 main gun.]] | [[Image:BTF-LeopardA.jpg |thumb|none|600px|The German "Panther" as seen from an attic window. Note that in this shot a fake muzzle brake has been added to simulate the one on the real Panther's 7.5 cm KwK 42 L/70 main gun.]] | ||
[[Image:Bridge 4505.jpg |thumb|none|600px|The "Panther" front view. The muzzle brake is missing here as the gun is actually seen firing.]] | [[Image:Bridge 4505.jpg |thumb|none|600px|The "Panther" front view. The muzzle brake is missing here as the gun is actually seen firing.]] | ||
[[Image:Bridge 4501.jpg |thumb|none|600px|Rear view of "Panther".]] | [[Image:Bridge 4501.jpg |thumb|none|600px|Rear view of "Panther".]] |
Revision as of 03:28, 24 September 2012
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 of "John Hammond" in the Spielberg Films Jurassic Park and The Lost World: Jurassic Park). See the Discussion section for some trivia on the film.
Allied Weapons
Lee-Enfield No 4 Mk 1*
The Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk 1* is the rifle seen carried by the majority of the 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 Lee-Enfield 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
The M1 Carbine is also seen used by US Airborne officers and NCO's in the film. 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 the Son bridge.
M1A1 Paratrooper Carbine
A Ffolding stock version of the M1 Carbine, this should have been more prevalent among the US Airborne troops, however only a few samples are ever seen in the film, most notably during large scenes of massing troops.
Colt M1911A1
The Colt M1911A1 is used throughout the movie, especially by Sgt. Eddie Dohun (James Caan) when threatening an Army 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.
Colt 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 British 1st Airborne General Roy Urquhart (Sean Connery) and several other Airborne officers as they try to evade capture by Waffen SS forces.
M1A1 Thompson
The M1A1 Thompson is seen only briefly in the hands of US Airborne troops during the drop into Holland. Strangely, the Thompson is not prominently featured in the film despite being one of the primary weapons carried by the US Airborne along with M1 Garands and M1A1 folding stock Carbines.
M1928A1 Thompson
At least one M1928A1 Thompson is seen being carried by one of the US Airborne troopers.
Browning Automatic Rifle
The Browning Automatic Rifle is carried by US Airborne troops in the film, notably by 82nd Airborne troops during the assault on the Nijemegen Bridge.
Browning M2HB
The Browning M2HB is used by British Armored troops mounted to their Lend-Lease Sherman Tanks and half-tracks.
Sten Mk V
The Sten Mk V is the standard submachine gun for British and Polish Airborne units in the film, most featured had the forward pistol grip removed as was the case for operation 'Market Garden'.
No2 Portable Flamethrower
A No2 Portable Flamethrower is used in the attack on the German bunker on Arnhem bridge. This weapon, known as the "Lifebuoy" for its resemblance to a lifesaver, was the standard British flamethrower.
PIAT
The PIAT (Projector Infantry Anti-Tank) spigot mortar is 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 Arnhem bridge.
Bren Mk I
Bren Mk I light machine guns are also used by the British Grenadier Guards of XXX Corps.
Vickers Machine Gun
The Vickers Machine Gun is used by British Grenadier Guards of XXX Corps.
Mk II Hand Grenade
The Mk II Hand Grenade is used by several paratroopers in the film.
Axis Weapons
Mauser Karabiner 98k
The Mauser Karabiner 98k was the standard weapon for all German ground forces during World War II.
Karabiner 98 Sniper
The Kar98's scoped sniper varient is used by Wehrmacht (German Army) designated marksmen and snipers.
MP40
The MP40 is used by German troops in this film. A British paratrooper uses a captured MP40 during the chaotic urban combat in Arnhem.
MG42
The MG42 is used by German troops
MG34
The most commonly seen machine gun used by German troops in the film is the MG34.
Allied and Axis Armor
Leopard I Main Battle Tank (mocked up as a German Panther)
1960s Vintage Leopard I tanks were mocked up to resemble the World War II German Panther tank. The Leopard 1 tanks had 105mm main guns and two 7.62x51mm machineguns (FN MAGS). What is interesting is that supposedly all of the original cast hull Leopard 1 tanks were converted into the newer Leopard 1A1 during the 1970s (with upgraded armor, track skirts and thermal jacket on the gun barrel), however, despite the 'movie' modifications to make it look like a Panther, this is an original and unconverted Leopard 1. Since the film was mostly shot on location in the Netherlands (where many of the original battles took place), this is most likely a Dutch Army Leopard, one of the batch purchased from West Germany in 1969 (when the Netherlands officially adopted the Leopard as its' main battle tank).
Sherman Tanks
In order to supplement the actual tanks used in the depiction of the XXX Corps' column, several of the Shermans are actually mockups that were placed over Land Rovers.