From: "Squad Drill Illustrated" by Capt. G.C.Esson (Harrison & Sons).
One of a number of Great War private publication to supply Officers & NCOs of the new "Kitchener" Bns when the official sources couldn't deal with the demand.
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The following are the instructions from "Infantry Training 1914" (War Office Manual) while the illustrations are from a set of cigarette cards (dated 1915) aimed (again) at the 'K' Bns and New Army voluntiers.
57. To fix bayonets from the order.-
Fix Bayonets-
One.
Seize the handle of the bayonet with the left hand, knuckles to the front, thumb and fingers to the rear; at the same time push the muzzle of the rifle sharply forward and turn the head and eyes to the right, the right-hand man looking to the left.
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Fix Bayonets -
One
Two.
Taking the time from the right-hand man, draw the bayonet, turning the point upwards and keeping the elbow down. Place the handle on the bayonet standard, with the ring over the stud on the nose-cap (with the Lee-Enfield or Lee-Metford rifle, over the muzzle), pressing it home to the catch. Body and head to he erect.
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Fix Bayonets -
Two
Three.
Taking the time from the right-hand man (who will raise his disengaged arm to the full extent and in line with the shoulder), bring the rifle to the order; at the same time cut away the left hand to the side, turning the head and eyes to the front.
Note. - On the word Fix, the right-band man of the unit will take three paces forward, resuming his place in line when the third motion is completed.
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Fix Bayonets -
Three
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Fix Bayonets - Right Marker's move
58. Unfixing bayonets.
Unfix Bayonets-
One.
Keeping the heels closed, place the rifle between the knees, guard to the front, and grasp the handle of the bayonet with the right hand, knuckles to the front, thumb of left hand on bayonet bolt spring; draw the rifle into the body with the knees, and press the spring. Raise the bayonet about 1 inch, and at the same time turn the head and eyes to the left.
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Unfix Bayonets -
One
Two.
Taking the time from the left-hand man, raise the bayonet off the bayonet standard, drop the point to the left side, ring to the rear, and, raising the right band, seize the scab-bard with the left band and guide the bayonet into it.
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Unfix Bayonets -
Two
Three.
Taking the time from the left-band man (who will look inwards and raise his right arm), force the bayonet home, and bring the right hand to the band (Lee-Enfield and Lee--Metford rifle, to the lower band).
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Unfix Bayonets -
Three (first part)
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Unfix Bayonets -
Three (second part)
Four.
Taking the time from the left-hand man, cut away the left band to the side and return to the order, turning the head and eyes to the front.
Note. - On the word Unfix, the left-hand man of the unit will take three paces forward, resuming his place in line when the fourth motion is completed.
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Unfix Bayonets - Left Marker's Move.
And, as a bonus:
66. Fixing bayonets on the march.
Fix-Bayonets.
1. When at the slope seize the rifle with the right hand at the point of balance and bring it to the trail, 'with the muzzle sloping upwards in front of the right breast. Draw and fix the bayonet with the left hand. Bring the rifle to the slope.
2. When at the trail raise the muzzle of the rifle and proceed as above described.
I hope these work.
Tom
The Truth IS Out There, The lies are in your head. (T. Pratchett - 'Hogfather'))
