Bren Gun, Anti-Tank Rifle, Thompson Submachine Gun (1943)

Synopsis

This 1943 Royal Army film presents weapons including the Bren gun, anti-tank rifle, the anti-tank two pounder and the Thompson submachine gun and how to use them properly in various combat areas. It points to the need of knowing when to fire weapons for most effective use. The British military demonstrates scenes of combat against would be German forces during WW2. It opens with the Bren gun to be used in defense against enemy ground forces (:18). The lightly wooded countryside that the defense is to be responsible for follows (:26). The exposed section is shown with the Bren gun to the right of the trench (:54) and the corporal in the center with his range card (1:01). A sentry scouts for enemy movement (1:29). Enemy troops are spotted (1:45) and the men fire too early giving away their position (2:05). The enemy forces hit the British forces’ location (2:25). The proper procedure follows (2:40). The sentry spots movement (3:34) and informs the section leader. More German forces pile out (4:26). A German troop is sent forward to draw fire from the British (4:55). Once the troops are within range, the order to fire is given (6:07). The anti-tank rifle follows (7:18). It’s sights can be adjusted to 500 and 300 yards (7:22). For the demonstration a British light tank is used (7:30). The angle of impact for effective penetration is 30 degrees or less (7:35). An anti-tank rifleman sits with his Observer Protector Controller (8:59). As the blast of the gun can reveal positions to…

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Details

Running time

33 minutes

Collection

Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

• Stock Footage