1943 US Army WWII Bayonet Training Manual 65p. Knife

8/14/2019 1943 US Army WWII Bayonet Training Manual 65p. Knife

1/65

M H IC o p y 3W A R DEPARTMENT BASIC FIELD MANUAL

BAYONET

W AR DEPARTMENT 7 SEPTEMBER 1943


2/65

C H A N N O N , " K .W A R D EPA R TM EN T B A SIC FIELD M A N U A L

FM 23-25

BAYONETTHIS m anual supersedes F M 2 3 -2 5 ,2 January 1940. A ttention is directed toFM 21 -7 for details as to how appropriate T raining Films and Film S trip sare intended to be used and how theyare'm ade available for use during trainin g with the bayonet.

WASHINGTON, 1943.


3/65

W A R DEPAR TMENTWASH IN G TON 25, D. C., 7 September 1943 .

FM 23-25, War Departm ent Basic Field Manual,Bayonet, is published for the information and guidanceof all concerned.[A.G. 300.7 (23 Jul 43).].

BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:G. C. M A R SHALL,

Chiefof Staff.O FF I CIAL :

J. A . ULIO,M ajor General,

The Adjutant General.D ISTR IBUT IO N :

R 2, 4, 4 4 (5),7 (15); Bn 2, 4 , 7 ,19 , 4 4 (5); C 2, 4 , 4 4 (10), 7 ,19, (20),9 (2); 1C and H 5 (10).(For explanation of symbols see F M 21-6.)


4/65

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T SS e c t i o n P a r . P a g e

I . G E N E R A L :- The spirit of the bayonet 1 1

U ses of the bayonet 2 1Principles of bayo net fighting 3 2Developing bayonet fighter 4 2

II. P O S I T I O N S A N D M O V E M E N T S :General 5 3Guard 6 4High port 7 5Whirl 8 7Long thrust 9 7Withdrawal from long thrust 10 9Short thrust and withdrawal 1 1 1 1Parries 12 1 1Butt strokes and slashes 13 14


5/65

S e c t i o n P a r . P a g e

I I I . G R O U P A S S A U L T T A C T I C S :GeneralGroup assault tactics

I V . B A Y O N E T A N D K N I F E D I S A R M I N G :GeneralBayonet disarmingKnife disarming

V . A D V I C E T O I N S T R U C T O R S :The instructorConduct of classesSequence of trainingConduct of trainingTraining aidsTraining in group assault tacticsAssault courseBayonet and knife disarming

1 41 5

1 61 71 8

1 920212223242526

. 202 1

262729

3435374041575860


6/65

S E C T I O N IG E N E R A L

1 . T H E S P I R I T O F T H E B A Y O N E T T h e w i l l t omeet and destroy die enemy in hand-to-hand combat isthe spirit of the bayonet. It springs from die fighter'sconfidence, courage, and grim determination, and is theresult of vigorous training. Through training, the fighting instinct of die individual soldier is developed to diehighest point. Thewill to use the bayonet first appearsin the trainee when he begins to handle it w ith facility,and increases as his confidence grows. The full development of his physical prowess and complete confidencein his weapon culminates in the final expresssion of thespirit of the bayonet fierce and relendess destructionof the enemy. For the enemy, demoralizing fear of thebayonet is added to the destructive pow er of every bomb,shell, bullett, and grenade which supports and precedesthe bayonet attack.2. USES O F T H E B A Y O N E T a. A determined enemy may not be driven from his position by fire alone.Making full use of cover and concealment, he will oftenremain in his position until driven out in hand-to-handcombat. The bayonet or the threat of it, therefore, is theultimate factor in every assault.b. At night, on infiltration missions, or whenever secrecy must be preserved, the bayonet is the weapon ofsilence and surprise.c. In close combat, when friend and foe are too closely

1


7/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

intermingled to permit the use o fbullets o r grenades, thebayonet is the primary weapo n o f the infantrysoldier.3 . P R I N C I P L E S O F B A Y O N E T F I G H T I N G a T h e b a yo net is an offensive weapon. With it, aggressivenesswins. Hesitation, preliminary maneuvering, and fencingare fatal. The delay o f a fractio n o f a second may meandeath.b. The bayonet fighter attacks in a fast, relentless assault until his opponent is destroyed. He takes instantadvantage o f any o pening; if the enemy gives no o pening,theattackermakes o ne by parryinghis oppo nent's weaponand driving blade o r butt into him with killing force.

c. A s the throat area is especially sensitive to attack bythe bayonet, an opponent will act instinctively to protectthis area from a thrust. By threatening his opponent'sthro at withthe pointo f thebayonet, the attacker will frequently cause him to uncover o ther vulnerable parts o fthe body. Other sensitive partsfrequently exposed to theattacker's thrust are the face, chest, abdomen, and groin.4 . D E V E L O P I N G B A Y O N E T F I G H T E R F r o m t h e o u tset bayonet training will be conducted with co nstantemphasis on developing proper form, quickness with therifle and bayonet, footwork, and accuracy. Continuedstriv ing fo r these fo ur essential qualities will develop thecoordination, balance, speed, strength, and endurancethat mark theexpert'bayonet fighter. Differences in confo rmation o f individuals may require minor deviationsfro m the prescribed bayonet technique. Those deviationswhich do not detract fro m the effectiveness o f the individual's attackwill bedisregarded.


8/65

S E C T IO N I IP O S I T I O N S A N D M O V E M E N T S

5. G E N E R A L a - Inassum ing any position or executingany m ovement, the bayo net fighter relaxes the m usclesno t used directly in the effort. He ho lds the rifle firmlybut without tenseness. Tense muscles induce fatigueand retard speed.b. By pro per em phasis in training, all m ovementsbecom e instinctive. The bayonet fighter strikes autom atically at openings and presses the attack relentlessly.He avoids any fixed sequence o f m ovements. He achievesbalance in all his m ovements and co nstant readiness to strike instantly in any direction and to keep strikinguntil his opponent has been destroyed. At all times hewatches his oppo nent's bayonet and body. Thepositionsand movements described in this section are designed toaccomplish these ends.c. The bayonet fighter's positions are GUARD , SH O R T GUARD , and HIGH PO R T . Heexecutes thefollowing m o vements: W H IR L, LONG T H R UST , SH O R T TH RU ST , W I T HDRAW AL , PA RRY R IGH T AND LEFT , VE R T IC AL AND H O R IZONTA L BUT T STROKES, SM ASH, and SLA SH . The beginner learns thesemovements as separateactions. B y training, however, he learns to execute them in varyingcombinations as swift, continuous actions.


9/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

6. G U A R D a . TOA SSU M E POSITIONOF G UAR D(1) F ace the opponent.(2) Leadingwith the le ft foot, take a short step andspace the feet la terally as w ell as in depth, toes pointingtow ard the opponent. Bending the knees slightly, in- .cline thebody slightly forw ard, hips level (fig. 1).(3)A t the sam e tim e th row the rifle forw ard, point ofthe bayonet m oving straight tow ard the opponent, andcatch the rifle with both hands. This m ovem ent m ustbe sw ift and sure.(4) G rasp the riflewith the le ft hand, palm against theleft side of the rifle at them ostconvenient pointforw ardof the balance, usually just in front of the lower band,w ith the left arm slightly bent. With the right hand,palm to the left, grasp the sm all of the stock. To prevent bruising the right forefinger, hold the small of the

4


10/65

BAYONET

stock so that the finger is not touching the trigger guard.Hold the under and inside portion of the forearm againstthe comb of the stock, with the base of the butt snuglyagainst the side of the hip . Hold the rifle firmly butno t rigidly with both hands, without canting it. Pointthe bayonet at the base of the opponent's throat.(5) Balance the weight of the body on both legs, readyfor instant movement in any direction.(6) Keep the eyes on the opponent's bayonet and body.b. SHORT GUARD To assum e the position ofS H O R T G U A R D from G U A R D , bring the rifle back so thatthe right hand is at the right hip. This is a convenientcarrying position when moving through dense woods,brush, trenches, around buildings, or when the enem ym ay be encountered suddenly at very close quarters.

c . C O M M O N E R R O R S(1) Fee t not separated in a well-balanced stance.(2) Hips not facing straight forward.(3) Body too erect.(4) Right forearm not firmly pressing comb of stockagainst the body.(5) Left arm straight, or bent to o much.(6) Rifle gripped tensely, restraining freedom of m ovement.(7) Point ofbayonet too high.7 . H I G H P O R T a . T O A S S U M E P O S I T I O N O FHIGH PORT F rom the position of G U A R D , withoutchanging the position of the feet or the grasp of thehands on the rifle, carry the piece diagonally across thebody, sling to the front, until the left wrist is level withand in front of the left shoulder (fig . 2).


11/65

B A S I C FIELD M A N U A Lb. EMPLOYMENT IN JUMPINGTRENCHES

AND HURDLING OBSTACLES-CO To jump holding the rifle at high_port, throw thepiece sharply upward and forward from the H I G H P O R Ton taking off, andbring it back on landing. This jumping will also be practiced w ith the position of the pieceapproximately maintained w ith the left hand alone,leaving the right hand free to assist in clearing theobstacle.(2) To jump holding the rifle in the G U A R D position,snap it up quickly on taking off, maintaining the graspof the hands, and start the piece dow n from the highest


12/65

BAYONET

point in the jump. The piece will be snapped down toG U A R D position as the jumper alights.8. W H I R L To execute the W HIRL from the positionof G U A R D , bring the piece to H IG H PO RT , whirl to the leftabout by pivotingon the ball of the left (leading) foot,and resume the position of G U A R D .9 . L O N G T H R U S T a . E X E C U T I O N(1) To execute the L O N G T H R U S T from the G U A R D position, advance the rear foot and lunge forward, extending the entire body (fig. 3).(2) Complete the extension of the body as the rear footstrikes the ground. During this movement drive therifle, gripped firmly by both hands and guided by theleft hand, forcefully in a straight line at the opponent'sthroat or other opening on his body. Quickly extendthe left arm to its full length so that the bayonettoward the target. At the instant of full extension, holdthe butt of the rifle inside of and pressed against theright forearm, bend the leading knee, incline the bodywell forward, and straighten the rear leg.(3) Keep the eyes on the point of attack during theentire movement.(4) If the thrust is evaded, move in swiftly withanotherthrust, or butt stroke. Retraction and recovery after thethrust w ill be instantaneous. There must never be anylingering in the extended position.(5) The power of the L O N G T H R U S T comes from thearms, shoulders,back, legs, and weight of the body. Thedistance from which the L O N G T H R U S T is launched de-


13/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

8


14/65

BAYONET

pends on the reach and speed of advance of the attacker.The maximum distance for each individual is determined by tr ial at the thrusting dummies. It is imperative for each soldier to know his reach and be able tojudge his attack distance accurately so that his thrustwill reach the target. B y increasing the number of steps,the soldier will be trained to execute the thrust witheither foot forward,

b. COMMON ER R O R S(1) "Telegraphing" the thrust by drawing the riflebackjust before delivering the thrust.(2) Thrust made with the arms alone and not with thepower of the legs and body.(3) Thrust accompanied by a slight slash, preventingstraight forward penetration.(4) Point of bayonet carried too high, or at a lateralangle to target.(5) Butt not braced against inside of the right forearm.(6) B ody not inclined far enough forward.(7) L oss of balance, caused by taking too long a step.(8) Leading knee not sufficiently bent.(9) Eyes not on the point of attack.

1 0 . WITHDRAWAL FROM L O N G THRUSTa. EXECUTION To w ithdraw if the L O N G T H R U S T hasbeen made w ith the right foot forward, advance the leftfoot and jerk the rifle straight back along the line ofpenetration with the force and weight of theentire body,carrying thebody to the rear by straightening the forwardleg (fig. 4). If necessary, maintain balance by shiftingthe right foot to the rear. If the L O N G T H R U S T has been9


15/65

BAS IC FIELD MANUAL

10


16/65

BAYONET

m ade with the left foot leading, bring up the right footsufficiently to maintain balance, and withdraw in thesam e manner as above. If the opponent is down, placeone foot on him and withdraw. In any event, withdrawprepare to execute the S H O R T THRUST or aBUTT S T R O K E or assume the position of G U A R D or S H O R TG U A R D . Do no t linger in the extended position,

b. COMMON ERRORS(1) Not m aking the withdrawal vigorously, caused byusing the arms alone to make the withdrawal.(2) Not withdrawing the bayonet back on the line ofpenetration, caused by allowing the butt of the rifle todrop.11 . SHOR T THRUST A N D W ITHDRAWALa. EXECUTION Being in the G U A R D or S H O R T G U A R D position, or on withdrawal from a L O N G THRUST , executethe S H O R T THRUST in the same manner as the L O N GTHRUST , except that the foot is advanced inlunging forward (fig. 5). The S H O R T THRUST is usedwhen an opponent is encountered suddenly or at a rangetoo close for the L O N G THRU ST . Practice will includeexecuting the S H O R T THRU ST with either the right or leftfoot forward.b. WITHDRAWAL Withdrawal from a SHORTTHRUST in the same manner as from a L O N G THRUST .Upon completion of the .withdrawal, recover to theG U A R D position, or execute another thrust or butt stroke.12. PARRIES a. PURPOSE The P A R R Y is an offensive blow to create an opening by beating the opponent's

11


17/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

bayonet out of the way. It is made by forw ard andlateral movement of great force and speed. The lateralm ovem ent of the blade is limited to theextent necessaryto beat theopponent's w eapon clear of your body. Themomentum of the P A R R Y is continued into a thrust orbutt stroke. The position of the opponent's weapon w illdetermine the direction of the parry. The parry invari-12


18/65


19/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

the same fo rward step. As the bayonet strikes the opponent's blade, beating it clear of the body, and at theinstantthebayonet glances off of the opponent'sweapon,drive it into him in the same continuous movement.(d) To P A R R Y R I G H T preceding a S H O R T THRUST ,execute the movem ent as described above, making theP A R R Y just prio r to the forward lunge with the forwardfoot.(2) PA R R Y LEFT To P A R R Y LEFT , lunge forward asin the P A R R Y R I G H T , thrust the rifle fo rward and to theleft so that the butt is approxim ately in front of the leftgroin, deflecting the opponent's bayonet cle ar of the body(fig. 7). The P A R R Y LEFT is followed by a thrust, or bya butt stroke in case the point of the bayonet is not on aline toward the opponent.c . C O M M O N E R R O R S(1) Failure to use sufficient force and speed, caused byusing the arms alone withouttheweightand m o m entumof the body.(2) Making a wide sweeping m ovement, without anyforward movement of the piece.(3) Eyes not-on the opponent's weapon.1 3 . B U T T S T R O K E S A N D S L A S H E S a G E N E R A LThe bayonet fighter does not use butt strokes and slashesin com bat when it is possible to use a thrust. But hecan use them advantageously in many situations, particularly in close-in fighting when there is not enoughroom to deliver a thrust or im m ediately after a thrustthat has been evaded. When using a butt stroke thefighter can often knee his opponent in the groin, trip14


20/65

BAYONET

him, or kick him in the legs. Butt strokes and slasheslend themselves especially to fighting in trenches, woods,and brush, or in a general melee when lateral m ovem ents are restricted.

b.- EXECUTION(1) V ERTICAL BUTT ST R O K E SERIES

(a) To m ake the vertical butt stroke from the G U A R Dposition, step in with the rear foot and, at the sametime, drive the butt fo rward and upward in a verticalarc to the groin, solar plexus, or chin. Put the force ofthe whole body into the blow (fig. 8). Thevertical buttstroke m ay also be started from a crouched position so as to hit lo w points on the opponent's body while offering him a small, difficult target.

(b) SMASH If the opponent moves backward andthe vertical, butt stroke misses, step forward swiftly withthe left foot (fig. 9) and drive the butt at his head,extending the arms fully forward, and advancing theright foot to retain balance.

(c) S L A S H If the opponent again retreats out ofbutt range or falls, continue to advance, slashing diagonally downward with the bayonet. Guide the slashtoward the junction of the neck and shoulder, hittingeither this point or the head, throat, or arm s. If the slashmisses (note that a miss brings the m ovement close to the position of GUARD ) , continue the attack vigorously.(2) HORIZONTAL BUTT STROKE SER IE S In thisseries the plane of the rifle and bayonet is horizontalinstead of vertical.

(a) HORIZONTAL BUTT STROKE To make thehorizontal butt stroke from the G U A R D position (fig. 1 1 ),15


21/65

B A S I C F I E L D M A N U A L

16


22/65

BAYONET

drive in vigorously, advancing the rear foot, and swingthe butt diagonally upward through an arc to the opponent's head or body.(b) SMASH If the horizontal butt stroke misses because the opponent has moved backward, deliver a17


23/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

smash, maintaining the butt in the same horizontalposition.(c) SLASH If the smashmisses, continue the attackwith a slash, executing themovement as directed in thevertical butt stroke series.c. COMMON ERRORS(1) Failure to reach out at the opponent.

18


24/65

BAYONET

(2) The force o f the arm and hody no t in the movement, o ccurring when the plane of the bent right armis not in the plane o f the rifle and bayo net.(3) Insufficient speed.19


25/65

S E C T IO N IIIG R O U P A S S A U L T

T A C T I C S14. G E N E R A L a. While "actual bayonet fighting isindividual, each m an must understand from the veryfirst that he is fighting fo r his o rganization and no t forhimself alone. When one body o f soldiers assaults theposition o f anothergroup, none can know which enemyhe will engage until the attackers get within bayonetrange-. No m an knows whether hewill be suddenlyconfronted and attacked by several enemies at the sametime, o r if one o f several friends will confro nt a singleenem y. The fighters who have the team work, skill, andpresence o f m ind to capitalize quickly on such inequalities will gain m om entary num erical advantage.b. If two soldiers, suddenly co nfronting one of theenem y,are able to put him out of action in a few seconds,they can quickly turn on another opponent. Such system atic assaults occurring in the first critical seconds ofmeeting in hand-to -hand fighting may reduce the enemy'sinitial strength by m any m en. In another few secondsthese tactics can operate with annihilating effect on theremainder of the enem y. H owever, if assault groupslack a prearranged system of team attack, a single enem y20


26/65

BAYONET

can hold off a pair of bayonet fighters for a few seconds,by w hich time one of his com rades m ay rush to his assistance and end the tw o : to-one advantage w hich existed.c. To beeffective, group assault tactics must be sim pleand flexib le, since it is impossible to predict w hat the exact situation will be until the opposin g fighters arew ithin a few paces of each other. M ovem ents are fastand autom atic, for the quickness and turm oil of hand-to-hand fighting will rarely perm it verbal coordinationof attack.1 5 . G R O U P A S S A U L T T A C T I C S a T W O A G A I N S TO N E(1> APPROACH Two bayonet fighters, partof an assaulting echelon, approach a single enem y. S ince thesefighters cannot know what the opponent will do, theycannot plan for coordinated action at th is stage. Hencethey advance directly forward on a run, neither one converging on the opponent.(2) CONTACT A s the fighte rs get w ithin bayonetrange, one of them initially will be opposed by the singleenem y. The selected m an advances up on him in afrontal attack.

Q Q

21


27/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL;'"' OV V

I . I

The other man quickly advances until opposite the opponent's flank and then turns sharply to strike his exposed flank or rear. (Seealso figs. 12 and 1 3.)(3) ALTERNATIVE ATTACK If the enemy turnssuddenly toward the flanking fig hter to fend him off, hethereby exposes himself to the fighter making the frontalattack. This man strikes instantly.-O O

I )In any such coordinated attack, the man who makes thekill usually is the one who is not closely eng aged withthe enemy's bayonet (fig . 1 4). The entire operation iscarriedout in a few seconds. The approach, contact, andattack flow into one continuous assault.

22


28/65

BAYONET

23


29/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

b. THREE AGAINST TWO(1) APPROACH Threeattackers approach tw o ofthe enemy. At this stagenone of the three know sw ho will b e engaged initially by the enemy. Theyadvance directly forw ardat a run.

o 9 Q* * i4 4(2) CONTACT A s theyget within bayonet range, tw oof the attackers will normally b e engaged b y tw o of theenemy. One attacker is thus left m omentarily free. He

continues directly forward until opposite the flank ofthe nearest or most accessible enemy, at w hich pointheveers suddenly toward that enemy and strikes him inthe exposed side, as in the tw o-against-one m aneuver.The other tw o attackers maintain their frontal attacks.With one enem y disposed of, the other enem y i s struckin the flank by the first free attacker who can reach him.If either enemy being attacked on his flank turns todefend himself, he leaves himself open to the attackerm aking the frontal assault.

24


30/65

BAYONET

" >V

c. TWO A G A INS T THREE In a situation wheretwo bayonet fighters are confronted by three of theenemy, they dart to the flanks, leaving the enemy in thecenter the last to be encountered. When one of theattackers has disposed of his opponent, he immediatelyattacks the remaining enemy.Q d. ONE AGAINST TWOWhere tw o of the enemy confronts one soldier, this man dartsforward and im mediately turns

to the flank of one or the other, I enemy.

B y moving quickly to one sideor the other, whichever isI more expedient, he keepsJ the nearer enemy betw een.'"""" ~ ~ ~ ~ him self and the farther en-

emy, and concentrates ondisposing of one enemy ata time.25


31/65

S E C T I O N I V

B A Y O N E T A N D K N I F ED I S A R M I N G16. GENERAL a. The soldier who in combat becomesunarmed because of a lost or useless weapon, is not helpless. He does one of two things: he immediately securesanother weapon, and continues to fight; ifthis is not possible, he disarms his opponent and killshim with his own weapon.b. The temporarily unarmed fighter reacts just as aggressively as if he were armed. With his eyes, his brain,and his muscles he gets set for a timed, close-in attack.The is that instant when the opponent has charged,or committed himself to a thrust from which he isunable to recover or to counter the unarmed fighter'ssudden maneuver.c. The basic principles in disarming are:(1) Do not "telegraph" or give away the intended disarming movement to the attacker before he charges."(2) Whatever the movement used, use it at the lastpossible moment and at top speed.d. The disarming movements described herein aresimple maneuvers. Through training they become in-26


32/65

BAYONET

stinctive. If the soldier does not immediately succeed inwresting the enem y's weapon from him , several supplementary attack m ovements may b e employed effectively.Such m ovements include(1) Kneeing him in the groin and kicking him in theknee, shin, or instep.(2) Hitting him w ith the elbow, fist, and heel or outeredge of the hand on the face, throat, neck, or solarplexus.(3) Jabbing his eyes or throat with stiff fingers.(4) Suddenly throwing anything at theeyes of an armedattacker, as he closes in, that will distract him momentarily and provide an opening for the disarmer.

1 7 . B A Y O N E T D I S A R M I N G a . F I R S T M E T H O DWith the right hand, parry the opponent's bayonet tothe at thesame time side-stepping to the right. Withthe lethand, palm up, grasp therifle between the b ands.Then X vith the outer edge of the, right hand, strike theinside of the attacker's left elbow and grasp his upperforearm. Keeping a firm hold on the rifle, move quicklypast the attacker on his left, jerking the rifle up andbackw ard in an arc over his shoulder. If he still retains his hold on the rifle, kick and hit him,yanking thepiece loose; w hirl, and attack him with the bayonet.b . SECOND METHOD With the left hand, parrythe -opponent's b ayonet to the at the same timeside-stepping to the left. With the right hand, palm up,grasp the rifle b etween the bands. Then with the lefthand, palm dow n, grasp the receiver and je rk the piecesharply up and backw ard in an arc over the attacker's

27


33/65

BASIC FIELDMANUAL

28


34/65

BAYONET

shoulder. Keeping a firm hold on the rifle with bothhands, m ove quickly past the a ttacker, tw isting the rifleout of his hands; sm ash him with thebutt,or whirl anda ttack him with the bayonet.

1 8 . K N I F E D I S A R M I N G a . G E N E R A L T O d i s a r man opponent arm ed with a knife, thebasic actionsare todeflect the knife and im m ediately apply pressure, or ablow, to cause the a ttacker to release the knife. Thedisarm ing m ovem ents described are those which the soldier uses to m eet a right-handed a ttacker. For a left-handed a ttack, the directiona l m ovem ents of the dis-a rm er are reversed.

b. OVERHANDATTACK With the left forearm ,block the knife a rm before it becom es extended. Theforearm is bent a t the wrist to prevent the knife a rm from slipping sideways. Bring the right foot forward,driving the knee into the groin, or, if that is not possible, stepping past to protect the front of the body.Carry theright forearm under and behind the opponent'supperarm and grasp your left wristwith the right hand.Backward pressure will cause the opponent to drop theknife and will probably break the elbow.c. UNDERHAND ATTACK Side-step quickly tothe left outside of the thrust and knock the knife a rmto the side with the left forearm . With the right hand,grasp the opponent's right wrist, and a t the sam e tim ebring pressure on the right elbow with the left handor forearm . A s the opponent's wrist is tw isted, the lefthand continues to put pressure on the right elbow fromabove. By placing a leg in front of the opponent's near-

29


35/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

30


36/65

BAYONET

est leg, you are in a position to kick o ut the leg andthro w him to the ground.d. AGAINST OTHERTACTICS Against a knifefighter who does no t use o verhand or underhand thrustsor slashes, but moves his weapo n in swift arcs in alldirections, disarming tactics are extrem ely difficult if

not impossible. Against such an opponent, it is best tokeep out o f range of his blade and to attack him bythrowing anything at his face and kicking at his knees,m eanwhile keeping alert fo r an opening to get inside therange of his weapon.

31


37/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

32


38/65

BAYONET

33


39/65

S E C T IO N VA D V I C E T O

I N S T R U C T O R S19. T H E IN S T R U C T O R a. The instructor should havea good physique and be able personally to dem onstrateall the positions and movem ents. He mus.t possess anintense enthusiasm , vigor, and those qualities of leadership which will inspire the best efforts of the m enbeingtrained. These qualities, or their lack, will be reflectedin the efforts of the m en.b. The instructo r impresses upon the m en that thebayo net fight may be the culm ination of a gruelling advance or a determ ined defense under conditions whenm en approach exhaustion. Therefore, througho ut thetraining, he em phasizes continueddriving forward withthe bayonet by sheer power o f will even though thebody m ay be ready to collapse.c. The instructo r avoids boisterous, bullying, impatient -methods. He uses a clear, earnest, and encouraging delivery to secure alert and willing response.

a. The instructor does no t use or encourage the useo f profanity to instill fighting spirit. He encourages34


40/65

BAYONET

spontaneous yelling but does not demand forced yelling.Noise is no substitute for enthusiasm of ability.e. Men must be in good physical condition beforecommencing bayonet training. Further conditioning is progressive. To obtain best results the instructor doesnot permit the men to become unduly muscle-sore.f. Explanations and demonstrations are concurrent.They are brief and clear. The instructor and assistants

first demonstrate at full speed; then at slow motion,broken down and analyzed so that the details of themovement are clear to the pupils.g. The instructor stresses speed, balance, timing, andjudgment of distance. Since tenseness counteracts allthose qualities, he emphasizes relaxation of muscles.

h. Each man must think andact for himself. Therefore, the instructor avoids the harmful practice of turning bayonet work into a drill. Training by commandshould be used only at the start of the training. A squickly as possible, training should be by coach-and-pupil methods, in order to insure eye and muscle coordination, without command.i. Teamwork is instilled in the men during instruction in g roup assault tactics and on the assault course.(See pars. 2 4 and 25.)

2 0 . C O N D U C T O F C L A S S E S a . M A S S F O R M ATION A mass formation; preferably of not more than2 00 men, maybe used during training in the fundamentals of bayonet technique, positions, and movements.The formation is similar to that used in massed calisthenics except for increased distances and intervals be-35


41/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

tween men. This formation will frequently be foundadvantageous in order to utilize the services of an instructor of outstanding qualities of leadership who canimbue a mass with enthusiasm and effort. Trained assistants aid in making corrections. Backward men are ,taken out of the formation for additional instruction,b. GROUP FORMATION (1) For bayonet training in platoons or smaller groups, the men form in tworanks at normal interval. The instructor designates oneman in the rear rank as "base man," who immediatelyassumes the position of HIGH P O R T . The instructor thencommands: 1 . FORM F O R B A Y O N E T T R A I N I N G , T H IS M A N(pointing) B A S E , 2. MOVE. At the command M O V E ,the base man assumes theguard position. The remainderof the men of the rear rank run to the right and left, respectively , to secure 3-pace intervals, face to the front,and assume the position of G U A R D . Each front rank manruns by the shortest route to a position about 10 pacesfrom and immediately in front ofhis rearrank file, whirlsabout, and assumes the position of G U A R D . While moving to positions all men carry rifles at HIGH P O R T .(2) To assemble thegroup, the instructor commands: 1 .A S S E M B L E , 2. MARCH. At the command M A R C H , thebase man originally designated assumes the position of"attention." All others form on him at a run and assume the position of "attention."(3) To form for more detailed instruction, being intw o ranks facing in as described in (1) above, the instructor stands at one end of the formation and directsthe opposite ends to close toward the center, producinga three-sided formation. This position is suitable forconducting a conference or demonstration that can be36


42/65

BAYONET

seen and heard by the entire group. Upon completion,the instructor directs "Back to your places."c. EMPLOYMENT OF TRAINING STICK Assoon as working knowledge of positions and movementsh a " s been learned, either in a mass formation or in platoon or smaller group formations, the men continue topractice working in pairs as coach and pupil, using thetraining stick. (See par. 23d.) In handling the trainingstick, the coach is speedy and aggressive. He moves fastin offering logical targets at proper distances and avoidsrestricting the pupil's freedom and vigor of movement.He is on the alert to detect and correct errors madeby the pupil. The coach-and-pupil method permits individual instruction, provides variety in the frequentinterchange of duties, and affords an excellent meansof developing coordination in both coach and pupil.(See FM 21-5.)d. QUICKENING EXERCISES Five or ten m inutes devoted to quickening exercises at the beginning oftraining periods relax the men and help to develop co-, ordination of muscles used in bayonet combat. The exercises may include boxing, wrestling, personal contests,and group games involving teamwork. (See FM 21-20.)Calisthenics are not recommended for this purpose.

2 1 . S E Q U E N C E O F T R A I N I N G T h e f o l l o w i n g


43/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

(a) Guard and short guard.(t> ) High port.(c) Whirl.(d) Long thrust and withdrawal.(e) Short thrust and withdrawal.

(3) Practical work under centralized control in massformation or in platoon or smaller groups underassistantinstructors.

b . SECOND PERIOD(1) Review previous lesson.,(2) New movements.

(a) Vertical butt stroke and return to guard.(b) Horizontal butt stroke and return to guard.(c) Parry right, thrust, withdrawal; against each otheradvancing; repeated on the run.(d) Parry left, vertical butt stroke; ag ainst each other.c . THIR D PERIOD

(1) Review previous lessons.(2) New movements.(a) Vertical butt stroke series.(b) Horizontal butt stroke series.(c) Thrustingat swinging dummies from a halt andfrom a walk.d. FOURTH PERIOD(1) Review previous lessons.(2) Training sticks introduction.(3) Thrusts andparries with training stick coach andpupil without scabbards.(4) Thrusting at swing ing dummies from a run.

38


44/65

BAYONET

e . FIFTH PERIOD(1) Review (practice thrusts and parries with the training stick).(2) Butt strokes with the training stick.(3) Group assault tactics two against one with scabbards.(4) Parries and thrusts at dummies from a run.

f. SIXTH PERIOD(1) Review all movements with training stick.(2) Group assault tactics:(a) Two against one.(b) Three against two.(c) Two against three.(d) One against two.(3) Assault course, at a walk.

g . SEVENTH PERIOD(1) Review.(2) Assault course, at a run.

h. EIGHTH PERIOD(1) Review.(2) Assault course, at a run.

i . NINTH PERIOD(1) Disarming, bayonet and knife.(2) Assault course, at a run.

j. TENTH PERIOD(1) Review disarming, bayonet and knife.(2) Assault course, at a run, with pack and haversack,

k. Continuing and repeated periods of bayonet prac-39


45/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

tice are necessary to train and keep the bayonet fighterin co ndition. These periods should fo llow the basictraining outlined above. Twenty minutes of practiceduring 3 days o f each week are required to maintainform and physical perfection. Emphasis during suchperiods will be placed on assault course practice andother training pro cedures o f a varied andvigorous nature.22. CO N D U CT O F T RAININ G a Front sight coversfo r rifles so equipped will always be attached for bayonettraining.

b. The pupil first practices movements in slow motion, rather than by the numbers, to acquire fo rm andprecision. He then increases his pace in order to develop pro gressively greater speed and aggressiveness.

c. Initial training in parries includes the actual parrying o f an o pponent's piece to acquire a sense of distance,force, and timing. The men work by the coach-and-pupil method in tw o ranks. Both ranks have rifles withbayonets fixed and scabbards on. The instructor directsthe coaches to thrust at half speed. Thepupils, in theo ther rank, parry right and thrust, o r parry left andthrust, or butt stro ke at half speed. After practicing fo rabo ut 1 . minute at will, the instructo r directs the coachand pupil to reverse their relation. He supervises andcontrols the exercise to detect erro rs , to avo id sparringtactics, and to give equal practice to both ranks. Helimits this exercise to brief periods only.d. A s soon as men attain a degree o f proficiency inpositions and movements, they use the training stick.Its purpose is to give the soldier a small target which40


46/65

BAYONET

he can attack with speed, force, accuracy, and aggressiveness without endangering the coach. The pupil usesthe bare bayonet so that both coach and pupil will become accustomed to seeing it..e. Training on the swinging dummies emphasizes

judgment of distance, balance, and force. The instructorstresses full extension of the body and piece to attain amaximum reach.f. Practice in group assault tactics and on the assaultcourse develops the essential element of teamwork.

g. Throughout bayonet training the instructor trainsthe men to see and strike instantly at any opening, thusdeveloping coordination between eyes and muscles, andmental and physical alertness. He combats all tendencies toward tense, mechanical, plodding motion and slowreaction to sudden situations.

h. Instructors may improvise training techniqueswhich will assist in developing the essential qualities ofthe bayonet fighter and add them to the training procedures outlined herein.

2 3 . T R A I N I N G A I S D a . D U M M I E S D u m m i e s o fvarious types should be constructed as an aid to training.(1) Thrusting dummies can be made by pressing suitable materials, such as cane, willow, bamboo, swampgrass, or small brush, into a rectangular form approximately 3 6 by 12 by 9 inches. This material is boundtogether with wire or rope, a heavy cardboard placedon one side, and the bundle covered with burlap orother suitable material.

41


47/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

42


48/65

BAYONET

(2) Suggested framesand theirspecifications are shownin figures 19, 20,and21 .(3)Where the construction of thrust dummies is required in large quantities, some mechanical method ofconstruction should be improvised. For details of construction of a hand-powerpress, see figure 22.(4) Details of construction of the vertical butt strokedummy are shown in figure 23.(5) Thehorizontalbuttstrokedummy ismadebystuffingheavy cloth orburlapbagswith some lightmaterial

43


49/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

such as strawo r o ld rags. Fordetails o fconstructio n, seefigure 24.(6) Additional dummies fo r use on the assault course,and suggested types o f obstacles, include those sho wnin figures 25 to 3 5, inclusive. (See par. 25.)b. SWINGINGDUMMIES When the techniqueso f the L O N G THRUST and S H O R T TH RUST have beenlearned, the men practice thrusting at paper disks o r

THRUST ING DUMMYWVDDING

DOOR SPR ING1 "B RUBBER

^- 2" x 2" .TAPERING ATTOP

44


50/65

BAYONET

GROUNDLINE

45


51/65

BASIC FIELD MANUALPIPE LEVER

circles painted on swinging dummies. Groups consist ofnot more than six or eight men per dummy. They remove scabbards and proceed as follows:(1) The soldier scratches a take-off line on the groundfor the first few thrusts. He makes a full extension of46


52/65

BAYONET

- ^ - V E R T I C A L BUTT S T R O K E

the body and rifle in a co rrect L O N G THRUST , to determine the proper locatio n o f this line. The position o fthe leading foo t is the locatio n of the take-off line. Hediscontinues the use o f the take-off line as soon as helearns the range of his thrusts , since its continued usewill cause him to concentrate o n his feet rather than onexecuting a pro per thrust.(2) The soldier first executes the thrust from a halt.He then executes it after advancing several paces. Hegradually increases the distance and speed of advance.Finally, he makes the advance at a run from a pointabout 20 paces fro m the dummy. When he is about 5paces fro m the dummy he assumes the G U ARD'positionbefore executing the thrust. He advances in a practical

47


53/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

B O R E D H O L E F O RS A S H C O R D10 IB.W E IG H T

4"x4"

G R O U N D L IN E

H O R I Z O N T A L B U T T S T R O K E

48


54/65

BAYONET

49


55/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

VARIABLE HEIGHTS-27" MAX .VARIABLE INTERVALS

!///" f

50


56/65

BAYONET

51


57/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

and natural w ay, without regard to w hich foot is to thefront when m aking the thrust.(3) After m astering the procedure outlined above, thesoldier w ill execute a long thrust at onecircle andone orseveral short thrusts at other circles in quick succession.

c. WITHDRAWAL BOARDS(1) The instructoruses withdraw al boards to teach the52


58/65

BAYONET

53


59/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

use of the weight of the entire body in making a withdrawal when the bayonet has become tightly im bedded.(2) The boards m ay be any pieces of lumber to 1 inchthick, 4 inches wide, and to 2 feet long, placed onthe 4 by 4 swinging dumm y uprights by nailing orscrewing the lower end of the board to theupright about3% feet from the ground.(3) The pupil inserts his bayonet, scabbard removed,between the board and upright. The coach presses theupperend of the board so that the bayonet is clamped.The difficulty of withdrawal illustrates the necessity fo rproper technique.d . TR A I NI NG STICK(1) The training stick is m ade from any light piece ofwood about 6 feet long and 1 inch thick. O ne end ispadded with cloth or waste; a 5-ineh loop of stiff ropeor insulated thick wire is attached to the other end.-(a) When the coach places either end of the training stick on the ground, the pupil immediately assum es theG U A R D position (fig? 36(1)), and threatens the coachwith his point as long as he is close enough to attack.The coach then offers either end of the stick in varying positions.

(b) If the ring is presented, the pupil attacks eitherwith a long or short thrust, as indicated by the distancebetween his point and the stick (fig. 36(2)). If thering is holed, the withdrawal is made and the positionof guard resum ed, or the attack continued if anothertarget is offered.

(c) If the padded end of the stick is at thepupil (fig . 37(1)), he executes a right or left parry(fig. 37(2)). C are will be exercised that the coach does54


60/65

BAYONET

55


61/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

not swing the stick into the pupil. If sweeping movements are made with the stick, the pupil will probablydevelop a sweeping parry.(d) If the coach the padded end of the stick,the pupil delivers a butt stroke at it. If this is a miss,he comes on with a smash and slash until he hits thepadded end. As soon as he hits it, he resumes theG U A R D , or continues the attack if the coach continuesto offer a target.(2) To develop the pupil's accuracy in hitting a target,the coach initially lets the pupil penetrate or strike the.target. As the pupil attains accuracy and speed, how-56


62/65

BAYONET

ever, thecoach draws the target aw ay to cause the pupilto m iss. The coach then quickly places the target toindicate the next attack. Whenever the pupil pierces theloop in a thrust or str ikes the padded end in a buttstroke, he autom atically assum es the G U A R D position,ready to continue the attack.(3) For P A R R I E S , the coach holds the training stick attheloop endin the manner of a pool cue, w ith the paddedend tow ard the pupil. The coach stands about 12 feetin front of the pupil. Guiding the stick initially w ith hisleft hand, the coach thrusts the padded end directly atthepupil'shead or body, lunging forw ard as he thrusts.The pupil parries the stick in them ost expedient direction. The coach im m ediately follows up by presentinga suitable target for the attack w hich m ust follow theparry.

24 . T R A IN IN G IN G R O U P A S S A U L T T A C T I C Sa. GENERAL v Training in group assault tactics w illnot begin until the soldier has becom e proficient inbayonet technique.The m en practice group assault tactics in groups of three and five, w ith fixed bayonetscovered with scabbards. The m ovem ents are gonethrough as.inactual com bat, except that the representedenem y is struck lightly, sim ulating the actual killingblow. Indiv iduals w ho sim ulate the enem y in groupassault practice w ill not take the offensive, but w ill re m ain on the defensive in order to illustrate plainly tothe attacker the principles and tactics involved. Whenth e enem y (or any attacker) has been to uched on thebody by the opponent's bayonet, he drops to one knee

57


63/65

BASIC FIELD MANUALand remains out of action until that bout term inates.A fter the principles have been learned, the men ro tateso that each fights in every position several times.Initially , practice will be at half speed, em phasizingposition andcoordination. When the m en acquire theseessentials , they accelerate the pace to top speed.b. SEQUENCEOFTRAINING Group assault tactics w ill be practiced in the fo llowing sequence (seepar. 15):(1) Two against one enemy.(2) Three against two of the enem y.(3) Two against three of the enem y.(4) One against two of the enem y.

2 5 . " A S S A U L T C O U R S E a P U R P O S E Ation course requiring the execution of fixed sequences ofm ovem ents to achieve a score in points as an indicationofproficiency of thebayonet fighter has been elim inatedfrom bayonet training. A ssault course practice incorporated in the sixth and subsequent periods of training(seepar. 21) accomplishes the following:(1) Itprovides practice in bayonet fighting under conditions approxim ating com bat conditions.(2) It aids the bayonet fighter to develo p speed,strength, and endurance.(3) It offers a challenge to the soldier's determ inationandw ill pow er w hich are so essential in com bat.(4) It provides a m eans of instilling habits of groupaction and team work in assault tactics.(5) It furnishes agage of proficiency inbayonet fighting.(6) Itprovides a m eans for maintaining a state of pro-58


64/65

BAYONET

ficiency by continued periodic training, including practice after hours,b. DESCRIPTION

(1) Assault courses should be laid out on rough terrain,preferably wooded. The length of the course may varyfrom 200 to 3 00 yards. The number and type of obstacles on the course will depend upon local conditionsand the ingenuity of the builder. The builder shouldm ake effective use of natural obstacles, such as stream s,ravines, ridges, and thick woods. He should improviseartificial obstacles, such as trenches, ditches, craters,wire'entanglements, fences, lo g walks, hurdles, and horizontal ladders.(2) Targets should consist of lo gically placed dumm ies,preferably m ovable, so that the course can be alteredfrequently. The builder should place surprise targets atvarious points, and suspend dum m ies from trees to swingout as the attacker approaches. He m ay hinge othersto swing out from behindtrees or thickets. He can buildthrusting and butt stroke dummies with 4- by 4 -inchtimbers, set into boarded holes. Hecan m ove the dummies by placing similar holes at different points on thecourse. He should include several targets for employment of group assault tactics.(3) The course should have six lanes, permitting one-half squad to run the course under the squad, assistantsquad, or other designated leader.

c. RUNNINGTHE COURSE(1) Because of variations in local terrain and differencesin the placementof obstacles and dummies, there shouldbe no fixed tim e limit. The soldier first runs the course

59


65/65

BASIC FIELD MANUAL

at a moderate pace, and increases the speed as his technique and physical condition develop.(2) The instructor insures discipline and organized control. He designates one man in each assaulting group asthe leader, and the group operates as a team.(3) The instructor and his assistants will be stationedalong the course to observe the methods of attack andto make corrections, when necessary.26 . B A Y O N E T A N D K N I F E D I S A R M I N G a P r a c t i c ein disarming methods will not be undertaken until thesoldier has had thorough training in bayonet fighting,since the instinctive movements and basic principles ofbayonet righting form the basis for disarming techniques.This practice will follow the training in groupassault tactics and in running the assault course.b. The instructor should first conduct practice inbayonet disarming with scabbards on; or in the case ofknife disarming, with empty scabbards or sticks representing knives. As the m en gain proficiency and confidence, they will practice with bare blades.c. The skill and speed necessary in the execution ofdisarming tactics will be acquired through frequent practice periods of brief duration. However, since disarmingis an expedient rather than a basic method of combat,time will not be devoted to this training at theof training in bayonet fighting.

Documents

1943 US Army WWII Bayonet Training Manual 65p. Knife