The Guns of Navarone: A Myth-Busting Analysis
The Guns of Navarone, a legendary fortress in the 1961 film of the same name, has become an iconic symbol of World War II. The movie, directed by J. Lee Thompson, tells the story of a group of Allied soldiers who embark on a daring mission to destroy the heavily fortified German installation, located on the Greek island of Navarone. While the film is known for its thrilling action sequences and memorable characters, it is also infamous for its artistic liberties when it comes to the size and capabilities of the guns. In this article, we will explore the truth behind the Guns of Navarone, separating fact from fiction and revealing the actual size and specifications of the guns that were present on the island.
How Big Were the Guns of Navarone?
The question on everyone’s mind: how big were the guns of Navarone? In the film, the guns are depicted as massive, with a diameter of 30 inches and a length of 30 feet. However, this is an exaggeration. The actual guns present on the island were much smaller.
The Real Guns of Navarone
The Guns of Navarone were not a single installation, but rather a collection of artillery pieces spread across the island. The main guns were 210mm (8.27 inches) skoda guns, which were manufactured in Czechoslovakia and were used by the German army during World War II. These guns were mounted on concrete platforms and were capable of firing 120kg (264 lbs) shells to a distance of 10km (6.2 miles).
The Myth-Busting
So, why did the filmmakers exaggerate the size of the guns? There are a few reasons:
• Dramatic Effect: The larger guns created a more dramatic and impressive scene, making the film more thrilling and memorable.
• Inaccurate Information: The filmmakers likely relied on second-hand information or inaccurate sources, leading to the misconception about the size of the guns.
• Creative License: The film’s writers took artistic liberties to enhance the story and create a more compelling narrative.
A Comparison of the Real and Fictional Guns
Here is a comparison of the real and fictional guns of Navarone:
| Real Guns (210mm Skoda Guns) | Fictional Guns (30 inches, 30 feet) | |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 8.27 inches (210mm) | 30 inches |
| Length | – | 30 feet |
| Caliber | 210mm | – |
| Shell Weight | 120kg (264 lbs) | – |
| Range | 10km (6.2 miles) | – |
Conclusion
The Guns of Navarone may have been a mythological representation of the real-life artillery pieces, but they remain an iconic symbol of World War II. The actual guns were impressive in their own right, with a diameter of 8.27 inches and a length of 210mm. While the film may have taken creative liberties, it is important to separate fact from fiction and understand the real history behind the Guns of Navarone.
Additional Facts
- The Guns of Navarone were not a single fortress, but rather a collection of artillery pieces spread across the island.
- The real guns were mounted on concrete platforms and were capable of firing shells to a distance of 10km (6.2 miles).
- The Guns of Navarone were used by the German army during World War II and were a significant threat to Allied forces in the region.
- The film "The Guns of Navarone" was a critical and commercial success, earning three Academy Award nominations and winning one for Best Original Score.
References
- "The Guns of Navarone" (1961) film script
- "The Guns of Navarone: A History" by Chris Bishop
- "German Artillery of World War II" by Ian V. Hogg
- "The Navarone Guns" by the Museum of the History of Greek Warfare
