Fair use notice.
This website may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorised by the copyright owner.
We are making such material and images are available in our efforts to advance the understanding of the “Anglo Zulu War of 1879. For educational & recreational purposes.
We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material, as provided for in UK copyright law. The information is purely for educational and research purposes only. No profit is made from any part of this website.
If you hold the copyright on any material on the site, or material refers to you, and you would like it to be removed, please let us know and we will work with you to reach a resolution.
Subject: Bayonet drill Khambula Sat Feb 21, 2009 11:54 am
I was reading a reference book relating to the Battle of Khambula.
"Major Hackett and Lieutenant Bright were formed up outside the laager gate, ordered to fix bayonets and advance. The British soldier has always been renowned for his bayonet drills".
My question is "was there a special Bayonet drill formulated when fighting Zulu's. Or was it the standard drill of that time...
sas1
ADMIN
Posts : 4175 Join date : 2008-11-01 Age : 62 Location : KENT
Subject: Re: Bayonet drill Khambula Sat Feb 21, 2009 3:32 pm
Nice display of the regulation bayonet drill. (Very Clever)
There is a book that explains the points and moves of the drill.
Cheers Old Historian 2
sas1
Posts : 629 Join date : 2009-01-20 Age : 42
Subject: Re: Bayonet drill Khambula Sun Mar 01, 2009 10:20 am
Bayonets are more likely to figure in parades and inspections than any realistic training for combat. Realization that the awkwardness of stylized bayonet fighting movements is outdated is far from new. In the 1890s, General Evelyn Wood, VC, remarked that the bayonet training of the day was "more suitable for a Music Hall than for training men to fight."
There is no perfect close quarter weapon because attack and defence are very individualistic. The bayonet has to be one of least efficient close quarter weapon.Compare this stylized training approach to the fact that soldiers will often "club" their weapon, swinging the mass of the butt, the barrel as handle, because it was more effective.
Its looks like bayonets were mainly used to remove fouled cartiridges from breeches, and open ammunition boxes.
Captain Essex's Evidence. Rorke's Drift, January 24, 1879.
With refrence to Isandlwana.
In a moment all was disorder, and few of the men of 1st Battalion 24th Regiment had time to fix bayonets before the enemy was among them using their assegais with fearful effect.
sas1
ADMIN
Posts : 4175 Join date : 2008-11-01 Age : 62 Location : KENT