PLATE I.—“GUARD.”
Being in the position of guard, to execute “long thrust,” grasp the rifle firmly, vigorously deliver the thrust to the full extent of the left arm, butt running alongside and kept close to the right forearm; body inclined forward; left knee well bent; right leg braced, and weight of the body pressed well forward, with the fore part of the right foot, heel raised.
The chief power in a thrust is derived from the right arm with the weight of the body behind it, the left arm being used more to direct the point of the bayonet. The eye must be fixed on the object thrust at. In making thrusts other than straight to the front, the left foot should move in the same direction as that in which the thrust is made. During the later stages of this lesson the men should be practised in stepping forward with the rear foot when delivering the thrust.
COMMON FAULTS.
1. Rifle drawn back before delivering the thrust.
2. Butt of the rifle held as high as or against the right shoulder.
3. The eyes not directed on the object.
4. Left knee not sufficiently bent.
5. Body not thrust sufficiently forward.
REMARKS.