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The Great Emu War With Rob Schneider & John Cleese

MrRING

MrRING

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I don't know which is more fortean - Rob & John bonded in filmmaking, or the events of the war itself!
https://www.slashfilm.com/great-emu-war-movie/#more-661118
This is the description of the actual event
Following the long hot summer of 1932, wild emus in the Murchison district of Western Australia went on the rampage in search of food and water – much to the chagrin of local farmers who feared for their crops. In a bid to stop the advancing emus along the rabbit-proof fence farmers enlisted the help of the army. Armed with Lewis machine guns and 10,000 rounds, a party, led by Major Meredith of the Royal Australian Artillery, was sent to the Campion district where it was estimated 20,000 emus were causing damage.

However, due to the abundance of food the emus were gathered in small groups, most of which were outnumbered by the 50 settlers who had turned out to meet Major Meredith and his men. A group of 40 emus was sighted and beaters were sent to herd them into firing range. At a distance of 1,000 metres the first burst of fire landed short, with the second killing about a dozen birds as they raced for the cover of trees.
​
In an attempt to improve its tally the army party resorted to ambush tactics. Later the same afternoon the guns were set up at a dam. Close to sundown, as 100 birds approached to within 100 metres, again the gunners opened fire. The birds scattered and dispersed, so much so that further shooting was pointless.

The following day a similar strategy was employed in a paddock where emus had caused widespread damage. This time a flock of more than 1,000 headed for water and the waiting guns.

Again the birds ran off, their escape aided by the jamming of one of the machine guns. Onlookers were surprised by the emus’ ability to sustain injury and keep running…Less than a week after the “Emu War” had begun the Defence Minister of the day, George Pearce, ordered a withdrawal.
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Not about emus but the same general principles should apply.

How to Survive an Encounter with an Ostrich

METHODS

1Evading a Charging Ostrich
2Fending Off an Ostrich
3Avoiding Encounters

Ostriches can be found in the wild, on safaris, or on ostrich farms. But regardless of where you find them, treat them with the utmost caution. Although they do not prey on humans, they have been known to injure and kill them when provoked. Extremely fast on foot, they can deliver mortal blows by the sheer force of their legs, never mind the lethally sharp talons at their toes. The best thing you can do is steer clear of them, keep your distance, if you don't bother them. It is unlikely they will bother you. Failing that, ducking for cover and hiding works best. As a last resort, you may even have to fight them. ...

https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-an-Encounter-with-an-Ostrich
 
MrRING said:
Armed with Lewis machine guns and 10,000 rounds, a party was sent to the Campion district where it was estimated 20,000 emus were causing damage.
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10,000 rounds for 20,000 emus: Your tax £ at work!

MrRING said:
At a distance of 1,100 yards the second [burst] kill[ed] about a dozen birds as they raced for the cover of trees.
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A Lewis pan (“magazine”) contained 47 cartridges. I would kiss on the mouth any man who could kill 12 running emu with 47 bullets at 1,100 yards.

:rofl:

maximus otter
 
maximus otter said:
10,000 rounds for 20,000 emus: Your tax £ at work!



A Lewis pan (“magazine”) contained 47 cartridges. I would kiss on the mouth any man who could kill 12 running emu with 47 bullets at 1,100 yards.

:rofl:

maximus otter
Click to expand...

My Great-uncle was a good shot with a Lewis gun.

Vol Joe Murphy1.jpg
 
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