Silly Sword Fights
This is a photograph of my great-grandfather’s bayonet fencing team (yeah, it runs in the family) in Malla, Barcalona in 1906.
Its stunning to have a photo thats over 100 years old and to be able to see people i never had the fortune to meet.
Sadly I cant make out what most of the tattoos show but they all look like utter G’s haha
(Source: oliverdoefineart)
Col. Anthony Joseph Drexel Biddle giving a bayonet class at Parris Island Recruit Training Depot, South Carolina in August 1942.
Colonel Biddle was recalled to active duty during the Second World War when he was 68 years old and served for the duration.
How to score bayonet fencing. Apparently, bashing your opponent in the head with the butt is worth more than stabbing them in the neck.
40. 1. Parry, 2. HIGH
Raise the rifle with both hands high enough to clear the line of vision, barrel downward, point of the bayonet to the left front.
When necessary to raise the rifle well above the head, it may be supported between the thumb and forefinger of the left hand. This position will be necessary against attacks from higher elevations, such as men mounted or on top of parapets.
41. 1. Low parry, 2. RIGHT (LEFT)
Carry the point of the bayonet down until it is at the height of the knee, moving the point of the bayonet sufficiently to the right (left) to keep the opponent’s attacks clear of the point threatened.
These parries are rarely used, as an attack below the waist leaves the head and body exposed.
— United States Army Manual of the Bayonet, 1911
