Kokoda (2010)

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.

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

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.