Therefore, quick aim and good direction of the bayonet when moving rapidly or even when surmounting obstacles, accurate delivery of a thrust and sufficient strength and vigor to penetrate clothing and equipment, the clean withdrawal of the bayonet—which requires no small effort, especially should it be fixed by the bone—are of the greatest importance, and need the same careful attention and constant practice as are devoted to obtaining efficiency with the rifle.
In the Final Assault Practice, the charge brings the men to the first trench in a fairly exhausted condition, and the accuracy of the aim is tested by the disc, which can be perforated only by a true and vigorous thrust and a clean withdrawal.
PLATE VIIIB.—EXAMPLE OF SHORT COMMUNICATION TRENCHES.
Which should form part of the usual Final Assault Practice Course, where, owing to the lack of ground, a “labyrinth” for daily practice with the bayonet in the confined space of a trench cannot be constructed within a convenient distance. On arrival in France drafts are tested in trench bayonet work.
For this practice, the men should be made to begin the assault from a trench six to seven feet deep, as well as from the open, and they should not cheer until close up to the enemy.
A reproduction of a labyrinth of trenches with dummies in the dugouts, and shelters between the trenches, forms an excellent Final Assault Practice Course. Assaults should be made from all four sides, in order to give variety. The edges of the trenches should be revetted, otherwise constant use will soon wear them out. Cinders scattered over the course prevent the men from slipping. If gallows cannot be erected, sack dummies should be placed on tripods or on end, as well as lying in trenches, or on parapets, with soft earth free from stones under them. The number, length, and construction of trenches are regulated by the available ground and by the ingenuity of the instructors.
PLATE VIIIC.—TYPE OF “NURSERY” LABYRINTH.
The positions of the sack dummies are frequently changed: containing dummies, and the men practised in clearing such.
The ground between the trenches is pitted with “craters” “cramped” grounds as well as in clearing the trenches.