Bayonet Attack

[staffman]

Hi

Was it normal for British infantry to have bayonets fixed when attacking an enemy trench?

John

[Ron Clifton]

Hello John

 

For night attacks, use of the bayonet in preference to rifle fire is specifically ordered in Field Service Regulations.

 

Infantry Training 1914 prescribes that, in an attack, "Subordinate commanders in the firing line will decide when bayonets are to be fixed, in accordance with the local conditions of the combat and the nature of the ground." (para 124, 3.) It also provides with use of the bayonet in defence, to resist any enemy assaults.

 

You might like to delete the duplicate threads, or ask the Mods to do so.

 

Ron

[staffman]

Thanks Ron,

 The attack was carried out at 5.30am it was dark with heavy rain, the terrain was fields ( Springtime ).

I will assume that it was possible they could have fixed bayonets

...............Not sure what you mean about duplicate threads?

Thanks again John

[staffman]

                   Hi,
                          Could anyone please tell me the difference between  "Posts" and " Trench" as  mentioned in the attack order below?

                              Regards John                        

50^th Inf.  Brigade   order 229                                                      

Ref:  Map    Albert sheet   1/40000

1.    An attack will be carried out  tomorrow 31st March on ( Machine gun ? )  Posts, along West of road running NW + SE  to W15a,  and on a new trench about 200 yards beyond, running parallel to the road.
Zero Hour will be notified later.

2.  The East Yorkshire regiment will carry out the attack. Tanks and Artillery will cooperate.

3. objectives    1^st Objective  posts along west side of road running NW + SE  in W15a.
                           2^nd Objective trench about 200 yards beyond and running parallel to road.
                          These objectives will be held and consolidated

[Ron Clifton]

2 hours ago, staffman said:

Not sure what you mean about duplicate threads?

There were originally three copies of your original post. One of them has disappeared, but the other is still there.

 

Ron

[staffman]

OK Thanks