Kokoda (2010)

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Kokoda (2010)

Kokoda is a 2010 ABC documentary about the Kokoda Campaign. Using a mixture of archival footage, interviews and dramatic reconstructions, it tells the story of the fierce and bitter campaign, from the fighting on the ground to the politics behind the battle. It is noteworthy for the impressive effort put into obtaining historically accurate firearms for the productions.

The following weapons were used in the documentary Kokoda:

Rifles

Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk.III*

The main weapon of both the 39th Battalion Militiamen and the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in the documentary is the Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk.III*, in particular by Captain Basil Catterns and Pte. Laurie 'Smoky' Hausen.

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Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk.III* - .303 British. This was the main battle rifle of British and Commonwealth forces during the First World War, introduced in 1907 it has seen action throughout the 20th century

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A member of the 39th Militia Battalion conducting a bayonet drill with his Lee-Enfield No.1 Mk.III*.

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Several Lee-Enfield rifles sit stacked against one another.

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A Militiaman fires his Lee-Enfield during the initial skirmishes at Deniki.

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Several Militiamen fix bayonets to their Lee-Enfield rifles in preparation for a Japanese attack.

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Pte. Laurie 'Smoky' Howsen fires his Lee-Enfield at attacking Japanese soldiers.

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A Militiaman fires his Lee-Enfield.

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A Militiaman with his Lee-Enfield shortly before realizing that he is out of ammunition.

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An AIF soldier carries his Lee-Enfield around his shoulder.

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'Smoky' Howson and an AIF soldier await a Japanese attack in their foxhole.

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Captain Basil Catterns with his Lee-Enfield during the Battle of Eora Creek. His actions during this battle would lead to him being awarded a Military Cross, the third highest military decoration of the British Empire.

Arisaka Type 38

The Imperial Japanese Army soldiers in the documentary use the Arisaka Type 38.

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Arisaka Type 38 Carbine - 6.5x50mm Arisaka

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Numerous Japanese soldiers wading ashore at New Guinea carry Arisaka Type 38 rifles.

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Close-up of an Arisaka rifle barrel; the shape easily distinguishes it as a Type 38 rather then the Type 99.

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Japanese soldiers fire Arisaka rifles at Australian defenses.

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A Japanese soldier works the bolt on his Arisaka.

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A Japanese soldier fires his bayonet-fitted Arisaka.

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A Japanese sniper firing his Arisaka.

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A Japanese soldier running into battle with his Arisaka.

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A Japanese soldier chambers another round into his Arisaka.

Submachine Guns

M1928A1 Thompson

Several Militiamen can be seen carrying and firing the M1928A1 Thompson during the Kokoda Track Campaign. At one point, an AIF soldier uses one with a 50-round drum magazine.

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

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M1928A1 Thompson with 50-round drum magazine - .45 ACP