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The Diggers' Dismay: Austen Mk I SMG

The Diggers' Dismay: Austen Mk I SMG

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Published on September 11, 2019
Duration: 13:43

This video examines the Austen Mk I SMG, an Australian submachine gun developed during World War II. Facing a potential invasion and a lack of existing submachine guns, Australia initially received Sten MkII technical data from Britain but found it underwhelming. Australian manufacturers then sought to improve the design, incorporating elements from the German MP38, such as its sealed telescoping recoil spring and underfolding stock, and adding a pair of pistol grips for better handling. Despite this, the Austen suffered from manufacturing delays and reliability issues, unlike the concurrently developed Owen SMG. Ultimately, fewer Austen Mk I submachine guns (19,914) were produced compared to the Owen, and it was withdrawn from combat by August 1944.

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