Kokoda (2010)

Kokoda is a 2010 ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) 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.

Admin note: Normally documentaries are not allowed on IMFDB, however this "Mini-Series" (there were only two episodes) utilized major re-enactments of the events, using actors dressed in period correct uniforms and period correct weapons. This qualifies this title for inclusion into IMFDB.

The following weapons were used in the miniseries Kokoda (2010):

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.

Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III* - .303 British

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

Several Lee-Enfield rifles sit stacked against one another.

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

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

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

A Militiaman fires his Lee-Enfield.

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

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

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

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.

Arisaka Type 38 Carbine - 6.5x50mm Arisaka

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

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

Japanese soldiers fire Arisaka rifles at Australian defenses.

A Japanese soldier works the bolt on his Arisaka.

A Japanese soldier fires his bayonet-fitted Arisaka.

A Japanese sniper firing his Arisaka.

A Japanese soldier running into battle with his Arisaka.

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.

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

A Militiaman fires his M1928A1 Thompson.

A Militiaman firing his Thompson.

A Militiaman carrying a Thompson.

A Militiaman opens up with his Thompson.

M1A1 Thompson

This is not an M1A1 Thompson. I think that is what it is supposed to be, but the forestock is wrong (it is rounded at the front, possibly damage), the front sight post is too high, the rear sight is just wrong, the bolt handle is that from an M1921/M1928 and not that from an M1 series Thompson. Additionally, the standard M1A1 could not accept drum magazines. I know that there were many different cost cutting measures taken during the production run of the Thompson, and that as a result there were a number of very different but not differently designated Thompsons that were produced, but I do not think that this is the case here. I think that this is a parts gun, and a very bad one at that. It does look basically like a Thompson, but not at all like one if it is examined. Actually, I just looked at it again, it looks like a resin gun, and not a firearm at all.SAWGunner89 18:03, 1 March 2011 (UTC)

Captain Sam Templeton uses an M1A1 Thompson during the initial skirmish at Deniki. Interestingly enough, an AIF soldier can at one point be seen using an M1A1 Thompson with a 50-round drum magazine.

M1A1 Thompson with 30-round magazine - .45 ACP

Captain Sam Templeton aims his M1A1 Thompson during a skirmish at Deniki.

Captain Templeton with his M1A1.

An AIF soldier prepares to ambush a small Japanese unit with his M1A1 Thompson; note the 50-round drum magazine.

Close-up of the iron sights.

Owen Submachine Gun

39th Battalion Militiamen and AIF soldiers carry Owen Submachine Gun's during the Australian counterattack and the battles at the Buna-Gona beachfront.

Owen Mk I Submachine Gun - 9x19mm. The Owen Submachine Gun was considered to be an excellent weapon especially suited for jungle warfare, and remained in service throughout Korea and in Vietnam

An AIF scout carries an Owen Submachine Gun.

A Militiaman runs into battle with his Owen Gun.

Machine Guns

Bren Gun

Soldiers from both the 39th Militia Battalion and the AIF carry and operate Bren Gun's on a regular basis during the campaign.

Bren Mk1 - .303 British

A Militiaman in a foxhole prepares to operate his Bren Gun.

A Militiaman carrying a Bren Gun.

A Militiaman pours down fire with his Bren.

Several AIF soldiers standing around an unloaded Bren Gun.

An AIF soldier aims his Bren.

Another AIF soldier lugging his Bren.

Lewis Gun

Several 39th Battalion soldiers carry a Lewis Gun.

Lewis gun - .303 British

A Militiaman fires his Lewis Gun during a skirmish at Deniki.

A Militiaman lugs his Lewis Gun.

A Lewis Gun resting against a tree.

A Militiaman hunched over his Lewis Gun.

Type 92 Heavy Machine Gun

Several Japanese soldiers use the Type 92 heavy machine gun, noticeably the soldiers who bypass and ambush Brigadier General Arnold Potts headquarters at Isurava.