Elements of Trench Warfare: Bayonet Training

by William H. Waldron

Teamwork

The importance of teamwork, discipline, and organized control throughout the conduct of the bayonet assault cannot be too strongly impressed upon the men. In this, as well as in all other tactical operations, success can only be achieved through the closest cooperation of all concerned. While individual initiative is to be encouraged, it must be strictly subordinated to the will of the leader of the assaulting party. The failure of an enterprize can usually be traced to the lack of this close cooperation.

The Advance

1. All members of the attacking party must "go over the top," that is, leave the trench, or rise from cover simultaneously.

2. The first stage, especially of a long advance, is slow and steady—not faster than the pace of the slowest man.

Such an advance has a decided moral effect on the enemy. It will produce the maximum shock at the moment of impact. It allows the attacking force to reach its objective without undue exhaustion. On the other hand, if the assault is allowed to develop without control and in a haphazard fashion, the moral effect of the steady advance of a resistless wall of men is lost and the defenders will be given time to dispose of their opponents in detail.

The Charge

The actual charge will not be delivered over a greater distance than 20 paces. Within the last ten paces the piece will be brought to the position of guard. The alignment will be maintained as far as possible until actual contact is gained.

As soon as a position is carried and prior to any further advance or any other operation whatsoever, the line must be reformed and every precaution taken against a counter attack. In Trench Warfare, the indiscriminate pursuit with the bayonet must never be permitted unless orders to that effect have been given by the leaders of the assaulting party. The attacking troops are not so fresh as the enemy and experience has shown that unorganized pursuit is exposed to ambuscades and machine gun fire. In most cases the work of immediate pursuit is better accomplished by the supporting artillery assisted by the rapid fire of the infantry on the retreating enemy.