Manual for Noncommissioned Officers and Privates of Cavalry of the Army Part 15

With a quick extension of the arms execute a cut to the right (left), directing the edge toward the point attacked. Guard is resumed without command.

The cuts are especially useful against the head, neck, and hands of an enemy. In executing left cut it should be remembered that the false, or back, edge is only 5.6 inches long. The cuts can be executed in continuation of strokes, thrusts, lunges, and parries.

=32.= To direct an attack to the right, left, or rear the soldier will change front as quickly as possible in the most convenient manner, for example: 1. =To the right rear=, 2. =Cut=, 3. =DOWN=; 1. =To the right=, 2. =LUNGE=; 1. =To the left=, 2. =THRUST=, etc.

Whenever possible the impetus gained by the turning movement of the body should be thrown into the attack. In general this will be best accomplished by turning on the ball of the right foot.

These movements const.i.tute a change of front in which the position of guard is resumed at the completion of the movement.

=33.= Good judgment of distance is essential. Accuracy in thrusting and lunging is best attained by practicing these attacks against rings or other convenient openings, about 3 inches in diameter, suitably suspended at desired heights.

=34.= The thrust and lunges at rings should first be practiced by endeavoring to hit the opening looked at. This should be followed by directing the attack against one opening while looking at another.

=35.= The soldier should also experience the effect of actual resistance offered to the bayonet and the b.u.t.t of the rifle in attacks. This will be taught by practicing attacks against a dummy.

=36.= Dummies should be constructed in such a manner as to permit the execution of attacks without injury to the point or edge of the bayonet or to the barrel or stock of the rifle. A suitable dummy can be made from pieces of rope about 5 feet in length plaited closely together into a cable between 6 and 12 inches in diameter. Old rope is preferable. Bags weighted and stuffed with hay, straw, shavings, etc., are also suitable.

DEFENSES.

=37.= In the preliminary drills in the defenses the position of guard is resumed, by command, after each parry. When the men have become proficient the instructor will cause them to resume the position of guard instantly without command after the execution of each parry.

=38.= 1. =Parry=, 2. =RIGHT.=

Keeping the right hand in the guard position, move the rifle sharply to the right with the left arm, so that the bayonet point is about 6 inches to the right.

=39.= 1. =Parry=, 2. =LEFT.=

Move the rifle sharply to the left front with both hands so as to cover the point attacked.

=40.= 1. =Parry=, 2. =HIGH.=

Raise the rifle with both hands high enough to clear the line of vision, barrel downward, point of the bayonet to the left front.

When necessary to raise the rifle well above the head, it may be supported between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand. This position will be necessary against attacks from higher elevations, such as men mounted or on top of parapets.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 21, par. 40.]

=41.= 1. =Low parry=, 2. =RIGHT (LEFT).= Carry the point of the bayonet down until it is at the height of the knee, moving the point of the bayonet sufficiently to the right (left), to keep the opponent's attacks clear of the point threatened.

These parries are rarely used, as an attack below the waist leaves the head and body exposed.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 22, par. 41.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 23, par. 41.]

=42.= Parries must not be too wide or sweeping, but sharp, short motions, finished with a jerk or quick catch. The hands should, as far as possible, be kept in the line of attack. Parries against b.u.t.t strike are made by quickly moving the guard so as to cover the point attacked.

=43.= To provide against attack from the right, left, or rear the soldier will change front as quickly as possible in the most convenient manner; for example: 1. =To the left rear=, 2. =Parry=, 3.

=HIGH=; 1. =To the right=, 2. =Parry=, 3. =RIGHT=, etc.

These movements const.i.tute a change of front in which the position of guard is resumed at the completion of the movement.

In changing front for the purpose of attack or defense, if there is danger of wounding a comrade, the rifle should first be brought to a vertical position.

III. INSTRUCTION WITHOUT THE BAYONET.

=44.= 1. =Club rifle=, 2. =SWING.=

Being at order arms, at the preparatory command quickly raise and turn the rifle, regrasping it with both hands between the rear sight and muzzle, barrel down, thumbs around the stock and toward the b.u.t.t; at the same time raise the rifle above the shoulder farthest from the opponent, b.u.t.t elevated and to the rear, elbows slightly bent and knees straight. Each individual takes such position of the feet, shoulders, and hands as best accords with his natural dexterity.

=SWING.= Tighten the grasp Of the hands and swing the rifle to the front and downward, directing it at the head of the opponent, and immediately return to the position of club rifle by completing the swing of the rifle downward and to the rear. Repeat by the command, =SWING=.

The rifle should be swung with sufficient force to break through any guard or parry that may be interposed.

Being at club rifle, order arms is resumed by command.

The use of this attack against dummies or in fencing is prohibited.

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 24, par. 44.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: FIG. 25, par. 44.]

=45.= The position of =club rifle= may be taken from any position of the rifle prescribed in the Manual of Arms. It will not be taken in personal combat unless the emergency is such as to preclude the use of the bayonet.

IV. COMBINED MOVEMENTS.

=46.= The purpose of combined movements is to develop more vigorous attacks and more effective defenses than are obtained, by the single movements; to develop skill in pa.s.sing from attack to defense and the reverse. Every movement to the front should be accompanied by an attack, which is increased in effectiveness by the forward movement of the body. Every movement to the rear should ordinarily be accompanied by a parry and should always be followed by an attack. Movements to the right or left may be accompanied by attacks or defenses.

=47.= Not more than three movements will be used in any combination.

The instructor should first indicate the number of movements that are to be combined as =two movements= or =three movements=. The execution is, determined by one command of execution, and the position of guard is taken upon the completion of the last movement only.

EXAMPLES.

=Front pa.s.s and LUNGE.= =Right step and THRUST.= =Left step and low parry RIGHT.= =Rear pa.s.s, parry left and LUNGE.= =Lunge and cut RIGHT.= =Parry right and parry HIGH.= =b.u.t.t strike and cut DOWN.= =Thrust and parry HIGH.= =Parry high and LUNGE.= =Advance, thrust and cut RIGHT.= =Right step, parry left and cut DOWN.= =To the left, b.u.t.t strike and cut DOWN.= =To the right rear, cut down and b.u.t.t STRIKE.=

=48.= Attacks against dummies will be practiced. The approach will be made against the dummies both in quick time and double time.

V. PRACTICAL BAYONET COMBAT.

=49.= The principles of practical bayonet combat should be taught as far as possible during the progress of instruction in bayonet exercises.

=50.= The soldier must be continually impressed with the extreme importance of the offensive due to its moral effect. Should an attack fail, it should be followed immediately by another attack before the opponent has an opportunity to a.s.sume the offensive. Keep the opponent on the defensive. If, due to circ.u.mstances, it is necessary to take the defensive, constantly watch for an opportunity to a.s.sume the offensive and take immediate advantage of it.

=51.= Observe the ground with a view to obtaining the best footing.

Time for this will generally be too limited to permit more than a single hasty glance.