pedicab 0.1.5 → 0.1.6

data/books/us_army-bayonette.txt

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+Training in the use of the bayonet is receiving much attention from all
+the combatant nations in Europe. The aim of the instruction is twofold:
+1. To develop great alertness of mind, readiness of muscle, and habit
+of quick obedience to command.
+2. To develop fighting spirit.
+
+Physical drill and bayonet training go hand in hand and their drill
+periods follow each other. The physical drill consists of calisthenic
+exercises for fifteen or twenty minutes, followed by some game or
+exercise requiring great quickness of movement. To accomplish the aims
+of this training, especially the first named above, it is necessary to
+execute with snap the movements in the physical drill.
+
+The following is from the latest British Training Manual (1916), which
+is based on their experience, and the forces are now being trained in
+accordance therewith.
+
+To attack with the bayonet effectively requires _good direction,
+strength and quickness_ during a state of wild excitement and probably
+physical exhaustion. The limit of the range of a bayonet is about five
+feet (measured from the opponent’s eyes), but more often the killing
+is at close quarters, at a range of two feet or less, when troops are
+struggling _corps à corps_ in trenches or darkness.
+
+The bayonet is essentially an offensive weapon--go straight at an
+opponent with the point threatening his throat and deliver a thrust
+wherever an opening presents itself. If no opening is obvious, then
+create one by beating off the opponent’s weapon or making a “feint
+thrust” in order to make him uncover himself.
+
+Hand-to-hand fighting with the bayonet is individual, which means that
+a man must think and act for himself and rely on his own resources
+and skill; but, as in games, he must play as one of a team and not
+for himself alone. _In a bayonet assault all ranks go forward to kill
+or be killed, and only those who have developed skill and strength by
+constant training will be able to kill._
+
+The spirit of the bayonet must be inculcated into all ranks, so that
+they go forward with that aggressive determination and confidence
+of superiority, born of continual practice, without which a bayonet
+assault will not be effective.
+
+The technical points of bayonet fighting are extremely few and simple:
+the essence of bayonet training, and continuity of practice.
+
+An important point to be kept in mind in bayonet training is the
+development of the individual by teaching him to think and act for
+himself. The simplest means of attaining this is to make men use their
+brains and eyes to the fullest extent by carrying out the practices,
+so far as possible, without words of command. This procedure develops
+individuality and confidence. Alertness and rapidity are qualities to
+be developed also.
+
+As technique of bayonet fighting is so simple, long detail is quite
+unnecessary and makes the work monotonous. All instructions should
+be carried out on common-sense lines. It should seldom be necessary
+to give the detail of a “thrust” or “parry” more than two or three
+times, after which the classes should acquire the correct positions by
+practice. For this reason, a drill should rarely last more than thirty
+minutes. It should be remembered that nothing kills interest so easily
+as monotony.
+
+The spirit of the bayonet is to be inculcated by describing the special
+features of bayonet and hand-to-hand fighting. The men must learn to
+practise bayonet fighting in the spirit and with the enthusiasm which
+animate them when training for their games, and to look upon their
+instructor as a trainer and helper.
+
+Interest in the work is to be created by explaining the reasons for the
+various positions, the method of handling the rifle and bayonet, and
+the uses of the thrusts. Questions should be put to the men to find out
+whether they understand these reasons. When men realize the object of
+their work, they naturally take a greater interest in it.
+
+Progression in bayonet training is regulated by obtaining: first,
+correct positions and good direction; then, quickness. Strength is the
+outcome of continual practice.
+
+In order to encourage dash and gradually to strengthen the leg muscles,
+from the commencement of their training, classes should be frequently
+practised in charging short distances.
+
+All company officers and noncommissioned officers should be taught how
+to instruct in bayonet fighting, in order that they may be able to
+teach their men in this very important part of a soldier’s training. It
+should have place in all training schedules, and in all rest periods in
+war time.
+
+Sacks for dummies should be filled with vertical layers of straw
+and thin sods, leaves, shavings, etc., in such a way as to give the
+greatest resistance without injury to the bayonet. A realistic effect,
+necessitating a strong withdrawal, as if gripped by a bone, is obtained
+by inserting pieces of hard wood, 1/4 inch thick (pieces of crating
+or boxes), between the stuffing and the sack on the side facing the
+attacker, and the grain must be vertical.
+
+These sack dummies can be made to stand on end by fixing a wooden cross
+or star (two or three pieces of wood about two inches broad and 3/4
+inch thick nailed across one another) in the base of the sack before
+filling it. They can also be placed with good effect on rough tripods
+or tied to improvised stools. Dummy sacks should be suspended from
+gallows and weighted or tethered to the ground from the bottom corners.
+
+By the use of a little ingenuity an officer can readily represent the
+torso of an opponent in positions simulating actual conditions.
+
+_The greatest care should be taken that the object representing the
+opponent and its support should be incapable of injuring the bayonet or
+butt. Only light sticks (the parrying stick here referred to is shown
+in plates) must be used for parrying practice._
+
+_The chief causes of injury to the bayonet are: insufficient
+instruction in the bayonet training lessons; failure to withdraw the
+bayonet clear of the dummy before advancing; and placing the dummies on
+hard, unprepared ground._
+
+For practising direction, there must always be an aiming mark on the
+dummy. Cardboard discs for this purpose are desirable. By continually
+changing the position of the mark, the “life” of the dummies is
+considerably prolonged.
+
+In the absence of discs, five or six spots or numbers can be painted on
+the dummies as marks.
+
+Intervals and distances will be taken as in Infantry Drill Regulations,
+except that in formations for bayonet exercises the men should be at
+least six paces apart in every direction. Classes should always work
+with bayonets fixed.
+
+Before requiring soldiers to take a position or execute a movement for
+the first time, the instructor shows them the position, explaining
+essential points, and giving the reasons for them. Then show the
+position a second time, making the class observe each movement, so that
+from the very commencement of the bayonet training, a man is taught
+to use his eyes and brain. The class is then ordered to assume the
+position explained and shown. Pick out the man who shows the best
+position and let the class look at and copy him. Remember that his
+position may not be ideal, but it is more correct than those assumed by
+the remainder, who, being beginners, cannot distinguish the difference
+between a good position and an ideal one. Many instructors err by
+trying to get a class of beginners to idealize at once.
+
+The recruit course consists of five lessons and the Final Assault
+Practice.
+
+The men should be accustomed to wear the cartridge belt in the
+training, and packs may be required to be worn in efficiency tests. For
+the “thrust” and “parrying” exercises a light stick, 5 feet to 5 feet 6
+inches long and 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter, must be provided for every
+two men.
+
+Half an hour a day, at least five days a week, should be devoted to
+the daily practice in bayonet fighting for trained soldiers. By this
+daily practice accuracy of direction, quickness, and strength are
+developed, and a soldier is accustomed to using the bayonet under
+conditions which approximate to actual fighting. This half-hour should
+be apportioned to (1) thrusting at the body; (2) thrusting at paper
+balls on light sticks at varying distances and directions; (3) parrying
+light sticks; (4) dummy work; and, when sufficiently proficient, (5)
+the final assault practice.
+
+Point of the bayonet directed at the base of the opponent’s throat, the
+rifle held easily and naturally with both hands, the barrel inclined
+slightly (about 30 degrees) to the left, the right hand at the height
+of the belt grasping the small of the stock, the left hand holding the
+rifle at the most convenient position in front of the rear sight, so
+that the left arm is only slightly bent; _i.e._, making an angle of
+about 150 degrees. The legs well separated in a natural position, such
+as a man walking might adopt on meeting with resistance; _i.e._, left
+knee slightly bent, right foot flat on the ground, with toe inclined to
+the right front.
+
+The position should not be constrained in any way, but be one of
+aggression, alertness, and readiness to go forward for immediate attack
+(see Plate I).
+
+
+COMMON FAULTS.
+1. Leaning body back.
+2. Left arm too much bent.
+3. Right hand held too low and too far back.
+4. Rifle grasped too rigidly, restraining all freedom of movement.
+
+Assume the “order” in the easiest way without moving the feet.
+
+“High port.” In this position the hands hold the rifle as in guard; the
+left wrist level with, and directly in front of, the left shoulder; the
+right hand above the right groin and on level with the belt.
+
+When jumping ditches, surmounting obstacles, etc., this position of
+the rifle should be approximately maintained with the left hand alone,
+leaving the right hand free.
+
+Being in the position of _guard_, to execute “long thrust,” grasp the
+rifle firmly, vigorously deliver the thrust to the full extent of the
+left arm, butt running alongside and kept close to the right forearm;
+body inclined forward; left knee well bent; right leg braced, and
+weight of the body pressed well forward, with the fore part of the
+right foot, heel raised.
+
+The chief power in a thrust is derived from the right arm with the
+weight of the body behind it, the left arm being used more to direct
+the point of the bayonet. The eye must be fixed on the object thrust
+at. In making thrusts other than straight to the front, the left foot
+should move in the same direction as that in which the thrust is made.
+During the later stages of this lesson the men should be practised in
+stepping forward with the rear foot when delivering the thrust.
+
+
+COMMON FAULTS.
+1. Rifle drawn back before delivering the thrust.
+2. Butt of the rifle held as high as or against the right shoulder.
+3. The eyes not directed on the object.
+4. Left knee not sufficiently bent.
+5. Body not thrust sufficiently forward.
+
+
+REMARKS.
+
+The “long thrust” is made against an opponent at a range of about four
+to five feet from the attacker’s eye.
+
+To withdraw the bayonet after a long thrust has been delivered, draw
+the rifle straight back until the right hand is well behind the hip
+and immediately resume the guard. If the leverage or proximity to the
+object transfixed renders it necessary, the left hand must first be
+slipped up close to the stacking swivel and, when a pupil has reached
+that stage of delivering a thrust while advancing on a dummy, he will
+adopt this method.
+
+After every thrust a rapid “withdrawal,” essential to quick work with
+the bayonet, should be practised before returning to the guard.
+
+
+PROGRESSION.
+
+First Practice:
+
+Men should always be made to thrust at a target, _e.g._, at a named
+part of the body of the opposite man--“At the right eye; thrust,
+withdraw.” Oblique thrust should be practised by thrusting at the men
+to the right or left fronts.
+
+As progress is attained, the pause between the thrust and the
+withdrawal should be shortened, until the men reach the stage when they
+withdraw and come to guard directly after making the thrust, judging
+their own time. They should be taught to thrust at two or more parts of
+the body.
+
+To practise action against a retreating foe, first show the position of
+the kidneys (small of back, either side of the spine).
+
+If possible, the point of the bayonet should be directed against
+an opponent’s throat, especially in hand-to-hand fighting. Other
+vulnerable and usually exposed parts are on the face, chest, lower
+abdomen, and thighs, and the region of the kidneys when the back is
+turned.
+
+Four or six inches penetration is sufficient to incapacitate and allow
+for a quick withdrawal, whereas if a bayonet is driven home too far, it
+is often impossible to withdraw it. In such cases, a round should be
+fired to break the obstruction.
+
+The class working in pairs, with the instructor supervising, should be
+practised in thrusting in various directions: (1) at the opposite man’s
+hand, which he places in various positions on and off his body; (2)
+at thrusting rings, or balls of paper, tied to the end of sticks (see
+Plates VI, VII, VIII). This practice should be done without the word of
+command, so that the eye and brain may be trained.
+
+The men will be taught to transfix a disc or number painted on a
+dummy; first at a distance of about five feet from the dummy, _i.e._,
+the extreme range of the bayonet; then, after advancing three or more
+paces. The advance must be made in the most practical and natural way,
+and should be practised with either foot to the front when the thrust
+is delivered. The rifle must never be drawn back when making a long
+thrust in a forward movement. The impetus of the body and the forward
+stretching of the arms supply sufficient force.
+
+The bayonet must be withdrawn immediately after the thrust has been
+delivered, and a forward threatening attitude be assumed to the side or
+beyond the dummy.
+
+Unless the rifle is firmly gripped, it is liable to injure the hand.
+
+To guard against accidents, the men must be at least five feet apart
+when the practice is carried out collectively.
+
+The principles of this practice will be observed when thrusting at
+dummies in trenches, standing upright on the ground or suspended on
+gallows. They should be applied at first slowly and deliberately,
+for _no attempt must be made to carry out the final assault practice
+before the men have been carefully instructed in, and have thoroughly
+mastered, the preliminary lessons_.
+
+From the position of guard, vigorously straighten the left arm,
+without bending the wrist or twisting the rifle in the hand, and force
+the rifle forward far enough to the right (left) to ward off the
+adversary’s weapon.
+
+The eyes must be kept on the weapon which is being parried.
+
+
+COMMON FAULTS.
+1. Wide sweeping parry with no forward movement in it.
+2. Eyes taken off the weapon to be parried.
+
+Men must be taught to regard the parry as part of an offensive
+movement; namely, of the thrust which would immediately follow it in
+actual combat. For this reason, as soon as the movements of the parries
+have been learned, they should always be accompanied with a slight
+forward movement of the body.
+
+Parries will be practised with right, as well as with the left, foot
+forward, preparatory to the practice of parrying when advancing.
+
+Men learning the parries should be made to observe the movements of the
+rifle carefully, and should not be kept longer at this practice than
+is necessary for them to understand what is required--that is, vigorous
+yet controlled action.
+
+The class works in pairs with scabbards on the bayonets, one man
+thrusting with a stick and the other parrying; the guard is resumed
+after each parry. At first, this practice must be slow and deliberate,
+without being allowed to become mechanical, and will be progressively
+increased in rapidity and vigor. Later a thrust at that part of the
+body indicated by the opposite man’s hand should immediately follow the
+parry, and, finally, sticks long enough to represent the opponent’s
+weapon in the position of guard should be attached to the dummies and
+parried before delivering the thrust.
+
+The men must be taught also to parry thrusts made at them: (1) by an
+opponent in a trench, when they are themselves on the parapet; (2) by
+an opponent on the parapet, when they are in the trench; and (3) when
+both are on the same level fighting at close quarters in a deep trench.
+
+Shift the left hand quickly towards the muzzle and draw the rifle
+back to the full extent of the right arm, the butt either upwards or
+downwards as a low or a high thrust is to be made, then deliver the
+thrust vigorously to the full extent of the left arm.
+
+The short thrust is used at a range of about three feet, and, in
+close fighting, it is the natural thrust to make when the bayonet has
+just been withdrawn after a long thrust. If a strong withdrawal is
+necessary, the right hand should be slipped above the rear sight after
+the short thrust has been made.
+
+The principles of the three practices of Lesson I should be observed
+so far as they apply. By placing two discs on a dummy, the short thrust
+should be taught in conjunction with the long thrust, the first disc
+being transfixed with the latter, the second disc with the former.
+On delivery of the long thrust, if the left foot is forward, the short
+thrust would take place with the right foot forward, and _vice versa_.
+
+From the position of short thrust shift the right hand up the rifle and
+grasp it above the rear sight, at same time bringing the rifle to an
+almost vertical position close to the body, and, from this position,
+bend the knees and jab the point of the bayonet upwards into the throat
+or under the chin of the opponent.
+
+
+COMMON FAULTS.
+1. Rifle drawn backward and not held vertically enough.
+2. Rifle grasped too low with the right hand.
+
+From the jab position men will be practised in fending off an attack
+made on any part of them by an opponent.
+
+When making a jab from the guard, the right, being in the thrusting
+hand, will be brought up first.
+
+The jab can be employed successfully in close-quarter fighting in
+narrow trenches and when embraced by an opponent.
+
+It should be impressed upon the class that, although a man’s thrust has
+missed or has been parried or his bayonet has been broken, he can, as
+attacker, still maintain his advantage by injuring his opponent in one
+of the following ways:
+
+Swing the butt up at the opponent’s crotch, ribs, forearm, etc., using
+a half-arm blow or advancing the rear foot.
+
+If the opponent jumps back so that the first butt stroke misses, the
+rifle will come into horizontal position over the left shoulder, butt
+leading; the attacker will then step in with the rear foot and dash the
+butt into his opponent’s face.
+
+If the opponent retires still farther out of distance, the attacker
+again closes up and slashes his bayonet down on his opponent’s head or
+neck.
+
+If the thrust has been parried, the butt can be used effectively
+by crashing it down on the opponent’s head with an over-arm blow,
+advancing the rear foot. When the opponent is out of distance, Butt
+Stroke III can again be used.
+
+In individual fighting, the butt can also be used horizontally against
+the opponent’s ribs, forearm, etc. This method is impossible in trench
+fighting or in an attack, owing to the horizontal sweep of the bayonet
+to the attacker’s left.
+
+It should be clearly understood that the butt must not be employed when
+it is possible to use the bayonet effectively.
+
+Butt Stroke I is essentially a half-arm blow from the shoulder, keeping
+the elbow rigid, and it can therefore be successfully employed only
+when the right hand is grasping the rifle at the small of the butt.
+
+Butt strokes can be used only in certain circumstances and positions,
+but if men acquire absolute control of their weapons under these
+conditions they will be able to adapt themselves to all other phases
+of in-fighting. For instance, when a man is gripped by an opponent so
+that neither the thrust nor the butt can be used, the knee brought up
+against the crotch or the heel stamped on the instep may momentarily
+disable him and make him release his hold.
+
+When wrestling, the opponent can be tripped by forcing his weight on
+to one leg and kicking that leg away from under him, or any other
+wrestler’s trip; _e.g._, “back heel.”
+
+The above methods will only temporarily disable an enemy, who must be
+killed with the bayonet, etc.
+
+When the classes have been shown the methods of using the butt and
+the knees, they should be practised on the padded stick; _e.g._,
+fix several discs on a dummy; make a thrust at one; use the knee on
+another, low down; jab a third, and so on.
+
+Light but still sufficiently-strong dummies should be used for practice
+with the butt, in order to avoid damage to it.
+
+It is apparent that bayonet fighting as taught for trench warfare
+abroad lacks all the niceties of the art of bayonet fencing prescribed
+in our manual. _In bayonet fighting no “fouls” are known. The only
+rule to follow is: “Get after your man, put him out of action by any
+means at your command.”_
+
+A bayonet assault should preferably be made under cover of fire,
+surprise, or darkness. In these circumstances, the prospect of success
+is greatest, for a bayonet is useless at any range except hand-to-hand.
+
+At night, all these covers can be utilized.
+
+On the other hand, confusion is inherent in fighting by night,
+consequently the execution of a successful night attack with the
+bayonet requires considerable and lengthy training. Units should be
+frequently practised in night work with the bayonet.
+
+The bayonet is essentially a weapon of offense, which must be used
+with skill and vigor, otherwise it has but little effect. To await
+passively an opportunity of using the bayonet entails defeat, since an
+approaching enemy will merely stand out of bayonet range and shoot down
+the defenders.
+
+In an assault, the enemy should be killed with the bayonet. Firing
+should be avoided, for in the mix-up a bullet, after passing through
+an opponent’s body, may kill a friend who happens to be in the line of
+fire.
+
+_This practice is to be carried out only after the men have been
+thoroughly trained in all the preliminary lessons and have acquired
+complete control of their weapons, otherwise injury to rifles and
+bayonets will result from improper application of the methods laid down
+in the foregoing instruction._
+
+The Final Assault Practice must approximate as nearly as possible to
+the conditions of actual fighting.
+
+Nervous tension, due to the anticipation of an attack, reacting on
+the body, as well as the dash across the open and the final dash at
+the enemy, combine to tire an assaulting party. It is only by their
+physical fitness and superior skill in the use of the bayonet that they
+can overcome a comparatively fresh foe.
+
+Therefore, quick aim and good direction of the bayonet when moving
+rapidly or even when surmounting obstacles, accurate delivery of a
+thrust and sufficient strength and vigor to penetrate clothing and
+equipment, the clean withdrawal of the bayonet--which requires no small
+effort, especially should it be fixed by the bone--are of the greatest
+importance, and need the same careful attention and constant practice
+as are devoted to obtaining efficiency with the rifle.
+
+In the Final Assault Practice, the charge brings the men to the first
+trench in a fairly exhausted condition, and the accuracy of the aim
+is tested by the disc, which can be perforated only by a true and
+vigorous thrust and a clean withdrawal.
+
+Which should form part of the usual Final Assault Practice Course,
+where, owing to the lack of ground, a “labyrinth” for daily practice
+with the bayonet in the confined space of a trench cannot be
+constructed within a convenient distance. On arrival in France drafts
+are tested in trench bayonet work.]
+
+For this practice, the men should be made to begin the assault from
+a trench six to seven feet deep, as well as from the open, and they
+should not cheer until close up to the enemy.
+
+A reproduction of a labyrinth of trenches with dummies in the dugouts,
+and shelters between the trenches, forms an excellent Final Assault
+Practice Course. Assaults should be made from all four sides, in
+order to give variety. The edges of the trenches should be revetted,
+otherwise constant use will soon wear them out. Cinders scattered over
+the course prevent the men from slipping. If gallows cannot be erected,
+sack dummies should be placed on tripods or on end, as well as lying in
+trenches, or on parapets, with soft earth free from stones under them.
+The number, length, and construction of trenches are regulated by the
+available ground and by the ingenuity of the instructors.
+
+The positions of the sack dummies are frequently changed: containing
+dummies, and the men practised in clearing such.
+
+The ground between the trenches is pitted with “craters” “cramped”
+grounds as well as in clearing the trenches.
+
+Extremely interesting and practical schemes in trench warfare can be
+arranged by combining the Final Assault Practice with other branches of
+training; _e.g._, bombing, laying sand-bags, entrenching.
+
+Competitions can be arranged by allotting marks for: (1) number of
+discs transfixed and carried on a bayonet; (2) time taken for signal to
+charge until the last man of the team passes the finishing post; and
+(3) form.
+
+Competitions should never be carried out until the men have completed
+their lessons in bayonet training and thoroughly mastered the handling
+of the bayonet in the Final Assault Practice.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+As soon as the enemy’s position has been carried, and prior to any
+attack on a further position, or any other operation whatsoever,
+every precaution must be taken against a counter-attack. In trench
+warfare, indiscriminate pursuit with the bayonet must never be allowed
+unless orders to that effect have been given by the leader of the
+assaulting party. The attacking troops are not so fresh as the enemy,
+and experience has shown that unorganized pursuit lends itself to
+ambush and casualties from machine-gun fire. In most cases the work
+of immediate pursuit is better done by the supporting artillery, the
+infantry assisting by rapid fire on the retreating enemy.
+
+
+ASSAULT PRACTICE.
+
+A useful form of Final Assault Practice which can be adapted to a
+variety of combat exercises is described in following paragraphs. The
+following materials are assumed:
+
+“A.” Communicating trenches leading to a fire trench with an open space
+in front.
+“B.” An occupied enemy-trench.
+“C.” Gallows with dummies, representing the enemy.
+    (1) retiring from “B” or
+    (2) coming up in support of “B” or
+    (3) making a counter-attack on the captured trench “B.”
+1. The attacking party makes a controlled assault on “A,” which is
+cleared of the enemy.
+2. It then re-formed and an assault is launched on “B,” after taking
+which
+3. “C” is regarded in one or other of the above ways, and action taken
+accordingly.
+
+Throughout the training, men must be constantly practised in:
+1. The recognized method of carrying the rifle with bayonet fixed.
+2. Rapid advance out of deep trenches.
+3. Control and maintenance of line and opening fire during an advance.
+4. Using the bayonet with effect in the cramped space of communicating
+and fire trenches.
+5. Re-forming and opening of fire after the assault.
+6. Acting as leaders of attacking party.
+
+Instructors should endeavor by every means in their power to arouse the
+interest and imagination of their men during the assault practice. The
+special phase of the combat which is to be carried out in the exercise
+should invariably be explained beforehand. Each dummy must be regarded
+as an actual armed opponent, and each line of dummies as an enemy line
+attacking, defending, or retiring, and be disposed of accordingly.
+
+Any tendency toward carelessness or slackness must be instantly
+checked, and it should be impressed on all ranks that a practice
+assault which is not carried out with the necessary quickness, vigor,
+and determination is worse than useless.
+
+Lack of imagination, which allows men and their leaders to violate the
+most elementary principles of tactics in practice assaults against
+dummies, can lead only to disaster in a real assault against an enemy.
+
+1. “Guard,” “withdrawals,” “thrusts,” “parries,” and the “jab” will be
+taught first with the left, then with the right foot forward.
+
+2. The position from which the “short thrust” is made is shown in Plate
+IV. All short thrusts will be practised from this position. Except
+after a thrust into a dummy, make a momentary pause in this position so
+as to break men of the habit of drawing back the rifle from the guard
+before making the thrust.
+
+3. From the outset squads will be frequently practised in charging for
+short distances in the open as a strengthening exercise for the legs
+and a quickening exercise.
+
+4. A target at which to thrust will always be named when working by
+word of command; it will be indicated by the position of hand when
+working in class and be clearly marked on all dummies.
+
+5. When working in ranks, the distance apart must be sufficient to
+avoid all danger of accident when the thrusts are being made. When
+thrusts have been made advancing, the ranks will change position by
+coming to the high port, doubling past each other right shoulder to
+right shoulder and turning about. When working against dummies, men
+will always continue the movement past the dummy, which they will leave
+on their right.
+
+6. The “withdrawal,” once taught, will be made after each thrust. After
+a thrust advancing rear foot or on the advance, the hand will always be
+moved up the rifle, but in the first and second practices, since the
+arm and body are already stretched to their full extent, and the left
+hand cannot move farther forward, the hand will be shifted after the
+withdrawal from the long thrust.
+
+7. All sticks must be padded at one end.
+
+8. In the third practice, the thrusts will also be practised
+deliberately and progressively on dummies placed, as a preparation
+for the Final Assault Course, in positions of increasing difficulty;
+_e.g._, on parapets and steps of shallow trenches, and in fire and
+communicating trenches.
+
+9. Scabbards will not be removed from the bayonet except for thrusting
+at dummies.
+
+1. Intervals, distances, positions.
+2. Explain hand-to-hand fighting, and inculcate the spirit of the
+bayonet.
+LESSON I.
+3. Guard.
+4. Order.
+5. High Port.
+First practice (in class, by word of command).
+6. “Long thrust.”
+7. “Withdrawal” (_a_) after stationary thrust, (_b_) after thrust,
+advancing rear foot (Plate III) (first demonstrated by instructor on a
+dummy).
+8. Oblique long thrust.
+9. Long thrust, followed by long thrust advancing rear foot.
+10. Vulnerable spots explained; region of kidney shown; class practised
+in making thrusts at these.
+
+
+Second practice (class working by eye):
+11. Long thrust.
+12. Long thrust, followed by long thrust advancing rear foot.
+13. Varied direct and oblique long thrusts at thrusting ring.
+
+Third practice (thrusting at dummy):
+14. Long thrust (Plate II).
+15. Long thrust advancing rear foot.
+16. Advancing long thrust.
+17. Advance long thrust (at two or more dummies).
+
+
+LESSON II.
+18. Explain value of parries; how, in charging, the parry must be
+strong enough to beat aside opponent’s weapon.
+
+First practice (in class, by word of command):
+19. Explain, and make the class perform, the movements required for the
+various parries.
+
+Second practice (class working by eye):
+20. Parry stick pointed at the breast.
+21. Parry stick pointed at the breast and deliver thrust.
+22. Parry stick pointed at head, body, or legs.
+23. Parry stick pointed in varying order at head, body, or legs, and
+deliver thrust.
+24. When standing in a trench, parry a thrust made with stick from
+above.
+25. When standing on a parapet, parry a thrust made with stick by a man
+in trench.
+26. With stick parry a thrust made with stick by advancing opponent.
+27. With stick parry a thrust made with stick by advancing opponent and
+come back with a thrust.
+28. With stick parry thrust made with stick lightly held in one hand
+by charging opponent. (By holding his stick in right or left hand the
+attacker will clearly show on which side he is thrusting, and he will
+pass on that flank.)
+
+Third practice (pointing at dummy with stick representing opponent’s
+weapon):
+29. Advance, parry stick, and thrust.
+
+
+LESSON III.
+30. Demonstrate the short thrust and explain when it is used (Plate V).
+
+First practice (in class, by word of command):
+31. Short thrust.
+32. Withdrawal: (_a_) stationary; (_b_) advancing rear foot.
+(Demonstrated by instructor on dummy.)
+33. Oblique short thrust.
+34. Short point advancing rear foot.
+35. Long thrust advancing rear foot, followed by short thrust advancing
+rear foot.
+
+
+Second practice (class working by eye):
+36. Short thrust.
+37. Short thrust advancing rear foot.
+38. Long thrust advancing rear foot, followed by short thrust advancing
+rear foot.
+39. Varied direct and oblique long and short thrusts at thrusting ring.
+40. Practise various parries, parries and thrusts, from short thrust
+position (Plate IV).
+
+Third practice (thrusting at dummy):
+41. Short thrust.
+42. Short thrust advancing rear foot.
+43. Long thrust advancing rear foot; short thrust advancing rear foot.
+44. Advance, long thrust, short thrust (at two dummies in suitable
+positions).
+
+
+LESSON IV.
+45. Demonstrate jab at dummy; then, by placing men of the squad in
+suitable positions, explain when and how it is used in conjunction with
+thrusts (Plate V).
+
+First practice (in class, by word of command):
+46. Jab from jab position.
+47. Short thrust advancing rear foot, jab advancing rear foot.
+48. Long thrust advancing rear foot, jab advancing rear foot.
+49. Long thrust advancing rear foot, short thrust advancing rear foot,
+jab advancing rear foot.
+50. Short thrust advancing rear foot, jab advancing rear foot, long
+thrust advancing rear foot.
+
+Second practice (class working by eye):
+51. Jab at thrusting ring (Plate VI).
+52. Direct and oblique long and short thrusts, and jabs in varying
+order at thrusting ring.
+53. When in jab position, ward off high and low thrusts made with stick.
+
+
+Third practice (thrusting at dummy):
+54. Jab from jab position.
+55. Short thrust advancing rear foot, and jab advancing rear foot.
+56. Long thrust advancing rear foot, short thrust advancing rear foot,
+and jab advancing rear foot (at dummies).
+57. Advance, long thrust, and jab.
+58. Advance, long thrust, short thrust, and two or more jabs (at
+dummies).
+
+
+LESSON V.
+First practice (word of command):
+59. Practise Butt Stroke I.
+60. Practise Butt Stroke II.
+61. Practise Butt Stroke III.
+62. Practise Butt Stroke IV.
+
+Second practice (working by eye):
+63. Butt Stroke I at padded stick (Plate VII).
+64. Butt Stroke II at padded stick.
+65. Butt Stroke III at padded stick.
+66. Butt Stroke IV at padded stick (Plate VIII).
+68. Long thrusts, short thrusts, and jabs at thrusting ring, with butt
+strokes at padded stick, varied.
+69. Trips practised by men working in pairs.
+
+
+Third practice (on dummy):
+70. Thrust, jab, etc., at dummies, followed by Butt Strokes I to IV at
+light dummies, and introducing kicks and any other form of in-fighting.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+A GUIDE FOR THE TRAINED SOLDIER’S DAILY PRACTICE.
+(30 MINUTES.)
+(1) 5 minutes.
+    (_a_) Long thrust at hand (11-12 Progressive Program of
+    Instruction) (not more than 8 thrusts each man).
+    (_b_) Short thrusts (36, 37, 38, Progressive Program of
+    Instruction) (not more than 10 thrusts each man).
+(2) 5 minutes, steady advance over obstacles and charge 20 yards, about
+100 yards in all.
+(3) 4 minutes, parrying stick and thrusting (23, Progressive Program
+of Instruction).
+(4) 4 minutes, butt strokes, each stroke twice (59, 60, 61, 62,
+Progressive Program of Instruction) or practise trips, etc. (69,
+Progressive Program of Instruction.)
+(5) 6 minutes, long thrusts, short thrusts and jabs at thrusting ring,
+with butt strokes at pad stick, varied (68, Progressive Program of
+Instruction).
+(6) 6 minutes, Final Assault Practice.