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.
PLATE VIIIA.—TYPE OF SIMPLE “FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE” COURSE.
It is attacked both ways, and the positions of the trench sack dummies are varied.
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.
FINAL ASSAULT PRACTICE.
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.