With both the right and the left hand

THE BAYONET EXERCISE.13

Light Infantry and Rifle Corps should be taught to perform the Bayonet Exercise, both with the right and the left hand, and leg to the front: this will be found to serve the purpose of a system of gymnastics.

In learning the Guards against Infantry and Cavalry, the men must at first be practised in slow time, performing every motion to the orders One, Two, Three. When perfect in this preparatory lesson, they should be taught to come to the guard directly on receiving the word of command, Stand on guard; being careful, however, whilst they change the time, to preserve the order of the motions marked and distinct. The instructor will then give the order to: Stand on Guard against Cavalry.

CAUTION. Prepare for Cavalry. Slow time.

One. On the word Guard, half-face to the right, as before directed.

Two. Move the right foot 18 inches in rear of the left; as described above, and bring the firelock to the position of charge, the point of the bayonet raised to the height of the adversary’s eye, and the sight wrist resting against the hollow of the thigh below the hip.

Three. Throw the body a little forwards, and extend the right leg.

The instructor must spare no pains in preventing the soldier from using force, especially with the left or guiding arm, as too great muscular exertion generally causes the thrust to miss. A trifling body-stab with the bayonet is sufficient to disable a man; and many a promising young soldier has lost his life by burying his weapon so deep in the enemy’s breast that it could not be withdrawn quickly enough to be used against a second assailant. To prevent this happening, the point must be delivered smartly, but with little exertion of force, more like a dart than a thrust, and instantly afterwards the bayonet must be as smartly withdrawn.