Skirmishers' Drill and Bayonet Exercise: (as Now Used in the French Army) with Suggestions for the Soldier in Actual Conflict

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West & Johnston, 1861 - Bayonets - 48 pages
 

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Page 26 - To assemble the line of skirmishers at a halt, and on the line they occupy, the captain will give the same commands ; the skirmishers will face to the right or left, according as they should march by the right or left flank, re-form the groups while marching, and thus arrive on the file which served as the point of formation. As they successively arrive, the skirmishers will support arms. ARTICLE FIFTH. To deploy a battalion as skirmishers, and to rally this battalion. To deploy the battalion a
Page 21 - ... group whose position might offer a shelter, or other particular advantage; the skirmishers will collect rapidly at a run on this group, and without distinction of numbers. The men composing the group on which the formation is made, will immediately form square, as heretofore explained, and elevate their pieces, the bayonets uppermost, in order to indicate the point on which the rally is to be made. The other skirmishers, as they arrive, will occupy and fill the open angular spaces between these...
Page 23 - At the command march, each platoon will dress on its centre, and the platoon which was facing to the rear will face about without command. The guides will place themselves on the right and left of their respective platoons, those of the second platoon will place themselves at half distance from those of the first, counting from the rear rank. These dispositions being made, the captain can move the column in whatever direction he may judge proper.
Page 21 - ... immediately form square, as heretofore explained, and elevate their pieces, the bayonets uppermost, in order to indicate the point on which the rally is to be made. The other skirmishers, as they arrive, will occupy and fill the open angular spaces between these four men, and successively rally around this first nucleus, and in such manner as to form rapidly a compact circle. The skirmishers will take as they arrive, the position of charge bayonet, the point of the bayonet more elevated, and...
Page 15 - A line of skirmishers marching in retreat will change direction by the same means, and by the same commands, as a line marching in advance ; for example, if the captain should wish to refuse his left, now become the right, he will command: 1. Left wheel. 2. MARCH. At the command halt, the skirmishers will face to the enemy.
Page 20 - ... the front-rank man of the odd file, and the rearrank man of the even file, will also place themselves back to back, taking a like position, and between the two men already established, facing to the right and left; the right feet of the four men will be brought together, forming a square, and serving for mutual support. The four men in each group will come to a ready, fire as occasion may offer, and load without moving their feet. 130. The captain and chiefs of sections will each cause the four...
Page 19 - In retreating, the officer commanding the skirmishers should seize on every advantage which the ground may present, for arresting the enemy as long as possible.' 124. At the signal to cease firing, the captain will see that the order is promptly obeyed ; but the men who may not be loaded, will load. If the line be marching, it will continue the movement; but the man of each file who happens to be in front, will wait until the man in rear shall be abreast with him. 125. If a line of skirmishers be...
Page 11 - The chiefs of sections will pay particular attention to the successive deployments of the groups, keeping near the group about to halt, so as to rectify any errors which may be committed. When the deployment is completed, they will place themselves thirty paces in rear of the centre of their sections, as has been heretofore prescribed. The non-commissioned officers will also place themselves as previously indicated.
Page 9 - When the movement begins, the first lieutenant will face the second platoon about, and march it promptly, and by the shortest line, to about one hundred and fifty paces in rear of the centre of the line. He will hold it always at this distance, unless ordered to the contrary.
Page 22 - The captain will also profit by every moment of respite which the enemy's cavalry may leave him ; as soon as he can, he will endeavor to place himself beyond the reach of their charges, either by gaining a position where he may defend himself with advantage, or by returning to the corps to which he belongs. For this purpose, being in square, he will cause the company to break into column by platoons at half distance; to this effect, he will command: 1.

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