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Milihistriot Quarterly


The Journal for Military Miniature Enthusiasts


American Bayonet Technique

Civil War to 1916

Part I


The 1889 manual of U.S. Army Infantry Regulations included this bayonet drill.  The method is derived directly from techniques of the Civil War, especially those used in McClellan's course of bayonet technique.  The origins of this system are French.  McClellan adapted a French system for the United States Army. Some time after the War, the Army streamlined the bayonet fighting repertoire, retaining only the most useful techniques. Otherwise, they are the same as those used during the Civil War.  The system given here worked in the Indian Wars, Spanish American War, Boxer rebellion, Phillipine Insurrection and Mexican Expedition.  Updates of the method in 1904 show only adaptations for a different rifle.  It was not until 1917 that the system of bayonet fighting changed.

Unfortunately, sculptors rarely consult bayonet manuals before making miniature bayonet fighters.  It would be wonderful to find Civil War figures posed in the bayonet drill as given here.

Click here to go to Part II

 

 

Disclaimer: the bayonet methods shown here are for illustrative purposes only.  They are not intended as actual instruction in bayonet fighting and should not be used as such.  Bayonet training is dangerous.  It can be as dangerous for the user as it is for the target.  If you wish to learn close combat, seek a qualified instructor. One should never attempt close combat without the instruction and supervision of a qualified expert instructor .


 

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