Copyright 2006 T. Sheil & A. Sheil All Rights Reserved
There was mixed opinion on bayonet training in the British Army prior to the Crimean War. Many old soldiers believed that bayonet training would run counter to keeping strong formations. They felt the charge alone, with fixed bayonet, would carry the day.
Sir Richard Burton believed differently. He was already skilled swordsman. In search of a technique for British and Indian troops, Burton had learned French bayonet fencing. He refined and adapted it, creating a simple system that could be taught and learned easily.
Burton's book contains only six illustrations. Most of the instructions are text. The system made its way to the British and Indian armies. Though a few moves are similar to the French bayonet style of 1837, it appears likely that Burton learned a different French style. There were several schools in France at the time such as Pinette's and Goumand's
Burton's book was published in London in 1853. It is unlikely it was used in the first year of the Crimean War. I have no evidence of its acceptance during that war. There is ample evidence that Britain's French allies in the Crimea were well-trained in the bayonet.
Keep in mind that Burton's system has many similarities to conventional sword fencing.
The instructions under the captions are quotations from Burton's original work.
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Guard Against Infantry on left, Guard Against Cavalry to the Right One.On the word Guard, half-face to the right on the heels as pivots, without altering the ground, the right toe straight off to the right, and the left toe full to the front, so that the feet may be at right angles to each other. Two. Move the right foot 18 inches in rear of the left, the heels on a line with each other, and the toes at right angles. At the same moment give the firelock a cant with the right hand, and bring it to the position of Charge, the point of the bayonet raised to the height of the adversary’s breast, and the right wrist resting against the hollow of the thigh below the hip. Three. Bend the legs so that the kneepans may be on a line with the tips of the toes, the weight of the body resting equally upon both legs No. 1 is the position of the Carte and Tierce Parries; only in Carte the point of the Bayonet must be directed 6 inches towards the left; in Tierce, 6 inches towards the right. |
Prime Point One. On the word Point, draw the firelock smartly back with both arms and loosen the hands, so that the weapon may be supported by the thumbs and the forefingers. Two. Deliver the thrust smartly, stretching both arms to the front, till the butt of the firelock rests in the hollow of the right shoulder, throwing the chest a little forwards, bending the left leg, and straightening the right. Three The thrust being delivered, return at once to the guard. The Carte and Tierce Points are delivered in a similar way; only in Carte the butt must rest against the left breast, and the lock must be turned downwards; in Tierce the butt must rest against the right breast, and the lock must be turned upwards. |
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High Point One. Raise the bayonet by bringing the left hand to the level of the right breast. Two. Deliver the thrust smartly to the front, directed upwards, so that the firelock forms an angle of 45° with the head. Three. Return to guard.
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Low point One. On the word Point, raise the butt and the elbow to a level with the head, the trigger-guard of the firelock being upwards; and the back of the hand close to the right ear. Two. Deliver the thrust smartly downwards, but gradually, as the bayonet descends, turn the barrel upwards. Three. Return to guard.
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Lance Point One. On the word Point, quit the barrel with [the] left hand, and at the same time smartly throw out the firelock with the right arm stretched to its full extent, leaning the chest a little forwards, bending the left leg, and straightening the right. Two. Instantly draw back the firelock with the right hand to its former position, at the same time seizing the barrel with the left, and return at once to the guard.
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Prime Parry One.On the word Parry, raise the firelock, with both arms extended to the full above the head, so as to guard it, the trigger-guard upwards, and the point of the bayonet slightly inclined towards the left. The left hand must be doubled as in shutting the fist, the barrel resting between the third joint of the forefinger and the thumb; and the ridge of the butt must be firmly supported between the thumb and the fingers of the right hand, which should lie flat along the stock, so as to be out of the way of a sword cut. Two. Return to guard.
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Disclaimer: the fighting 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. Close combat 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 .
