Elements of Trench Warfare: Bayonet Training

by William H. Waldron

In individual fighting the butt can also be used horizontally against the opponent's ribs, forearm, etc. This method is impossible in trench fighting or in an attack, owing to the horizontal sweep of the bayonet to the attacker's left.

The men must be impressed with the fact that the butt must never be used when it is possible to use the point of the bayonet effectively.

Butt Strikes can be used only under certain conditions and in certain positions. If the soldier acquires absolute control of his weapon under these conditions he will be able to adapt himself to all other phases of close in fighting. For example, when a man is gripped by an opponent, so that neither the point nor the butt can be used, the knee brought up against the crotch or the heel stamped on the instep may momentarily disable him and make him release his hold. When wrestling the opponent may be tripped by forcing his weight on to one leg and then kicking that leg from under him. These methods will only temporarily disable an enemy, who must be killed with the bayonet.

Practice

When the men have been shown the methods of using the butt and the knee, they should be practiced by affixing several discs on a dummy and executing combination exercises at them. For example, point at one disc, use the knee on another fixed low down, jab at a third, etc. For practice with the Butt, light dummies should be used to prevent injury to the piece.

TACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE BAYONET

A bayonet assault should preferably be made under cover of fire, or darkness or as a surprise. Under these circumstances the prospect of success is greatest, for a bayonet is useless at any range except in hand to hand fighting.

The bayonet is essentially a weapon of offense to be used with skill and vigor. To await an opportunity for using the bayonet entails defeat. An approaching enemy will simply stand out of bayonet range and shoot down the defenders.

In an assault the enemy should be killed with the bayonet. Firing should be avoided. A bullet passing through an opponent's body may kill a friend who happens to be in the line of fire.