A Bridge Too Far: Difference between revisions - Internet Movie Firearms Database - Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games
A Bridge Too Far: Difference between revisions
The Mauser Karabiner 98 (98K) was the standard weapon for all German ground forces during World War 2.
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
Used by American troops.
M1 Carbine
Used by American Soldiers and mounted on jeeps and other vehicles. Most notably seen when James Caan pulls one out of it's Jeep mount when he is hiding from a German Patrol in the Forest. Also used by 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 James Caan when threatening a 101st Airborne combat surgeon (Arthur Hill) in order to get him to treat his wounded captain (Nicholas Campbell). And also by Roy Urquhart when he blows away a German soldier passing a house window. Actually left-over WW1 M1911 Pistols in .455 Webley & Scott Auto were issued to the British Forces chambered in .455 Webley for the Royal Navy/Royal Air Force, but lend-lease .45ACP M1911A1s were commonly issued to paratroopers and commandos.
Actually issue of Browning Hi-Powers to Airborne Forces only started after Operation Market Garden, so use of the M1911 is historically accurate
M1A1 Thompson
Seen only briefly during some of the massing troops scenes, the M1A1 Thompson has a peculiarly small roll 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.
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. Differentiated from earlier models by the wooden vertical foregrip and wooden stock.
No2 Portable Flamethrower
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
Projectile Infantry Anti-Tank
Used throughout the movie 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.