Elements of Trench Warfare: Bayonet Training

by William H. Waldron

Parries will be practiced with the right as well as with the left foot forward, preparatory to the practice of parrying when advancing.

Practice

Men when learning the parries should be required to observe the movements of the rifle carefully, and should not be kept longer at this practice than is necessary for them to understand what is required, that is vigorous, yet controlled action.

The men work in pairs with scabbards on the bayonets, one man pointing with the stick and the other parrying it. The position of guard is resumed after each parry. At first this practice must be slow and deliberate, without being allowed to become mechanical, and will be progressively increased in rapidity and vigor.

Later a point at that part of the body indicated by the opposite man's hand should immediately follow the parry, and, finally sticks long enough to represent the opponents weapon at the position of guard should be attached to dummies and parried before delivering the point. (See Targets.)

The men must be taught to parry points made at them:

1. By an enemy in a trench when they are themselves on the parapet.

2. By an enemy on the parapet when they are on the trench.