The above methods will only temporarily disable an enemy, who must be killed with the bayonet, etc.
Practice:
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.”
CHAPTER III
The Tactical Application of the Bayonet.
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.