PLATE VII.—“BUTT STROKE I.”
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.
PLATE VIII.—“BUTT STROKE IV.”
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.”