Bayonet Training Manual Used by the British ForcesAnonymous
History
Bayonet Training Manual Used by the British Forces
Anonymous
Bayonets
QUICK SHORT ADVANCE (IN THE OPEN).
The rifle will be held at the “High Port.” This position is suitable
for close formation, minimizes risk of accidents when surmounting
obstacles, and can be maintained with the left hand alone, allowing
free use of the right when necessary.
LONG ADVANCE (CLOSE FORMATION).
The rifle will be slung over the left shoulder, sling to the front and
perpendicular to the ground. This is a safe method of carrying the
rifle and allowing the free use of both hands.
LONG ADVANCE (OPEN ORDER).
The rifle will be carried at the trail.
THE ASSAULT.
The importance of discipline and organized control throughout the
conduct of a bayonet assault can not be over-emphasized. It must be
remembered that in this, as in all other military operations, success
can be achieved only through the closest coöperation of all concerned;
and that, while individual initiative is not to be discouraged, it
must be strictly subordinated to the intention of the leader of the
assaulting party.
Men should be shown by demonstration that it is in their own interests
to pay attention to this point, and that the failure of an enterprise
can usually be traced to the lack of this close coöperation.
During training, the following general principles will be observed:
1. All members of the attacking party must leave the trench or rise
from cover simultaneously. In addition to the advantages of surprise,
needless casualties are thereby avoided.
2. The first stage, especially of a long advance, will be slow and
steady--not faster than the pace of the slowest man. Such an advance
has a decided moral effect on the enemy, makes certain of the maximum
shock at the moment of impact, and at the same time allows the
attacking force to reach its objective without undue exhaustion. On the
other hand, if the assault is allowed to develop without control and in
a haphazard fashion, the moral effect of a steady, resistless wall of
men is lost, and the defenders may be given time to dispose of their
opponents in detail.
Bayonet control in the attack is just as important and fully as
practicable as fire control, and it depends altogether on discipline,
which must be taught by close-order work, and on thorough technical
instruction in the use of the bayonet. Tactical bayonet control will
then follow without much difficulty, provided the instructor has done
his work properly.
The actual charge will not be made over a greater distance than twenty
paces. Within the last ten yards, and before closing with the enemy,
the rifle will be brought to the threatening, yet defensive, guard
position. Line will, as far as possible, be maintained until actual
contact with the enemy is gained.
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