Recent Recap

Since the last recap we’ve covered everything from experimental combat shotguns of the 1980s to the history of French semi-automatic service pistols. There have also been posts covering the FN P90′s unusual prototypes, the High Standard T3 - developed to replace the M1911A1 in the late 1940s, the M1E5: Folding Stock Garand Carbine and a review of the fascinating 1930s war movie 'Stoßtrupp 1917′ check out the links below.

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Stoßtrupp 1917

Released in 1934, Stoßtrupp 1917 (Shock Troop 1917), directed by Hans Zöberlein looked at the experiences of German storm troops fighting on the Western Front during World War One, from the Aisne to Champagne to Cambrai. The film was hugely popular when it was released fitting Germany’s new nationalist tone. It offered the German perspective in the war. When compared to contemporary films such as All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) and WestFront (1930), Stoßtrupp 1917 is less pacifist in tone. 

The film is based on Zöberlein’s war experiences and his book Der Glaube an Deutschland (Faith in Germany), which featured a foreword by Hitler. The film is graphic in its action and shows many of the tactics used by Stoßtruppen during 1917-18 including infiltration and their use of grenades to clear and cover their advance and retreat. 

The film accurately shows the effect of artillery fire and charges used to destroy bunkers and dugouts. The film is graphic in its realism showing dead men and men buried alive by earth during barrages and the psychological impact the artillery and gas attacks have on the men.

In terms of weapon accuracy the film impressive with the titular German troops armed with Mauser 98AZ carbines and MG08s while the French troops seen have Lebels and Berthiers. Later in the film the storm troops meet British and Canadian troops correctly armed with SMLEs and Lewis guns. However, the actors use Model 24 Stielhandgranate rather than period correct Model 15 or 17s.

The film was ‘lost’ for many years and even this recent reconstruction remains incomplete. Stoßtrupp 1917 offers not only a unique visualisation of the war and storm troops but also a fantastic insight into the mood of 1930s Germany. It is well worth a watch, one of the finer examples of war cinema from the period. 

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