Preparatory Exercises
PART I. WITHOUT ARMS
| S.1. Position of a Soldier | S.2. Standing at Ease. & Attn |
| S.3. Eyes to the Right | S.4. The Facings. |
| S.5. Position on Marching | S.6. Ordinary Step |
| S.7. The Halt. | S.8. Dressing when Halted. |
| S.9. Oblique Step. | S.10. Stepping Out. |
| S.11 Mark Time, Ordinary Step. | S.12. Changing the Feet. |
| S.13. The Closing Step. | S.14. Back Step. |
| S.15. The Quick Step. | S.16. The Quickest step. |
| S.17. File Marching. | S.18. Wheeling in a Single Rank In Ordinary Time From The Halt. |
| S.19. Wheeling in a Single Line From The March. | S.20. Wheeling Backwards, A Single Rank |
| S.21. Position Of the Soldier Under Arms. | S.22. Different motions of the Rifle. |
| S.23. Attention in Forming a Squad. | S.24. Open Order. |
| S.25. Close Order. | S.26. Pile Arms. |
| S.27. The manual exercises of the rifle | |
| S. 28. Present Arms. (3motions). | S.29. Shoulder Arms. (2 motions) |
| S.30. Order Arms. | S.31. Shoulder Arms. |
| S.32. Support Arms. | S.33. Carry Arms. |
| S.34. Trail Arms. | S.35. Shoulder Arms. |
| S.36. Trail Arms. | S.37. Order Arms. |
| S.38. Fix Swords. | S.39. Shoulder Arms. |
| S.40. Port Arms, or Prepare to Charge. | S.41. Charge Swords. |
| S.42. Shoulder arms. | S.43. Order arms. |
| 25. S.44. Unfix swords. | S.45. Shoulder Arms. |
| S.46. Sling Arms. | S.47. Draw Swords. |
| S.48. Return swords. | S.49. Carry Arms. |
| S50. Order arms. |
| S.51. Of Loading and Firing with
Cartridge.
( Prepare to Load, Pan, Cartridge, Prime,) (Shut Pan, About, Rod, Home, Return, Shoulder). NOTES. |
S.52.
1/. The Company will Prime and Load. 2/. Prepare to Load. 3/. Load. NOTES. |
| S.53. To Fire on the spot with
closed Ranks.
1/. The Company will Fire.
|
PART IV. FIELD, MANOEUVRING and SIMULATED COMBAT.
| S.54. SAFTEY NOTES. |
|
| S.56. Priming and Loading in Simulated
Combat
Drill used in Closed and extended Ranks. The Company will Prime and Load, Firing Commands Make-Ready. Firing commands. |
S.57. Formations of the company. |
| S58. Of Extending and Closing. To the Left. Right, Center. Taking ground, Closing. | S.59. Firing in Extended Order. On the Spot, In advance, In Retreating, On March |
| S.60. Skirmishing with Line Troops or independently. Close Signals. | S.61. Firing Positions. |
| S.62. Skirmishing as a Separate Detachment. Prepare to Skirmish, Right Platoon March, Advance, Commence Firing, Fire and Retreat. |
In compiling the rules I have used the original grammar, spelling, and punctuation which has given the word processor some problems at times. I have deleted some sections, as they do not concern us as re-enactors. All Rifle drill books start off by stating that the soldier should first learn the drill of the line regiments. So I have put this in first, for this I used the Regulations of 1807.
Certain movements have been changed to bring them in line with modern safety practices, e, g, ramrod drill.
I have also kept to the historically correct terms regarding the lock parts.
The word FRIZZEN was not used in the British Army. (As far as I can find out it was not in common usage elsewhere until fairly recently).
The part in question was called the pan cover and the face of it that is struck by the flint was called the hammer, (or in civilian life the steel, battery or chop). What is usually referred today as the Hammer was the Cock, you Cock a firelock not hammer it. The term hammer only came into usage in the late percussion period.
The British Army and the sportsmen and civilian always primed with the same powder that he loaded with. The advantages of using fine priming powder were negligible. They also filled the pan up to the brim, it is no use only putting a small amount of powder on the bottom of the pan when you are doing drill as it will probably end up in one corner instead of where the sparks are.
If you are taking re-enacting seriously you should stay with the correct terms, fore instance the word SHUN was not used for ATTENTION, and you do not march down the road saying HUP TWO THREE as in the American Army.
As the black powder scene is so heavily dominated by the Americans, I would suggest that advice given by the average club shooter be looked at carefully. Although this advice is given in good faith, it often is wrong for groups re-enacting British Regiments and things Civilian.
I have omitted some sections from the drill books, as we will never have sufficient men to perform them e.g. battalion strength and other exercises will never be used by us.
This document contains probably far more exercises than we will use. But these have been included just in case they may one day be needed.
PREPARTORY EXERCISES.
S.1 POSITION OF THE SOLDIER.
The equal squareness of the shoulders and body to the front, is the first and great principle of the soldier, - The heels must be in a line, and closed, - The knees straight, without stiffness- the toes a little turned out, so that the feet may form an angle of about 60 degrees. – Let the arms hang near the body but not stiff, the flat part of the hand and little finger touching the thigh. – The elbows are to be back; the belly to be rather drawn in, and the breast advanced, but without constraint; the body straight but inclined forward, so that the weight of the man principally bears on the fore part of the feet; the head to be erect, and neither to the right nor left.
WORDS OF COMMAND. Every officer and non-commissioned officer must be accustomed to give his words of command even to the smallest body of men, in the full extent of his voice. The justness of execution, and the confidence of the soldier, can only be in proportion to the firm, decided, and proper manner in which every officer and non commissioned officer of every rank gives his orders.
S.2 STANDING AT EASE.
STAND AT EASE.
On the word STAND AT EASE, the right foot is to be drawn back about six inches, and the greatest part of the weight of the body brought upon the left knee a little bent; the hands brought together before the body; the shoulders to be kept back and square; the head to the front, and the whole attitude without constraint.
ATTENTION.
On the word ATTENTION, the hands are to fall smartly down the outside of the thighs, the right heel to be brought up in line with the left and the proper unconstrained position of a soldier immediately resumed.
When standing at ease for any considerable length of time, or in cold weather, the men may be permitted by command to move their limbs, but without quitting their ground, so that on the word attention no one should have materially lost his dressing in the line.
S.3 EYES TO THE RIGHT.
EYES RIGHT.
At the words EYES TO THE RIGHT glance with the eyes to the right, with the slightest possible turn of the head.
EYES LEFT.
At the words EYES TO THE LEFT, cast the eyes in like manner to the left.
EYES FRONT.
On the words EYES TO THE FRONT, look and head are to be directed to the front, the habitual position of the soldier.
These motions are only useful on the wheeling movement, or when dressing is ordered after a halt; and particular attention must be paid in the several turnings of the eyes to prevent the soldier from moving his body, which should be preserved perfectly square to the front.
S.4. THE FACINGS.
In going through the facings, the left heel never leaves the ground; the body must rather incline forward, and the knees be kept straight.
TO THE RIGHT FACE.
1st/ Place the hollow of the right foot smartly against the left heel, keeping the shoulders square to the front.
2nd/ Raise the toes, and turn to the left on both heels.
TO THE LEFT FACE.
1st/ Place the right heel against the hollow of the left foot, keeping the shoulders square to the front.
2nd/ Raise the toes, and turn to the left on both heels.
TO THE RIGHT ABOUT FACE.
1st/ Place the ball of the right toe against the left heel, keeping the Shoulders square to the front.
2nd/ Raise the toes, and turn to the right about on both heels.
3rd/ Bring up the right foot smartly back in line with the left.
TO THE LEFT ABOUT FACE.
1ST/ Place the right heel against the ball of the left foot, keeping the shoulders square to the front.
2nd/ Raise the toes and turn to the left on both heels.
3rd/ Bring up the right smartly in line with the left.
The greatest precision must be observed in these facings, for if they are not exactly executed, a body of men, after being properly dressed, will lose their dressing on every small movement of facing.
THE FACINGS
In going through the facings, the left heel never leaves the ground; the body must rather incline forward, and the knees be kept straight.
TO THE RIGHT FACE.
1st. 2nd.
TO THE LEFT FACE.
1st. 2nd.
TO THE RIGHT ABOUT FACE.
1st. 2nd. 3rd.
TO THE LEFT ABOUT FACE.
1st. 2nd. 3rd.
The greatest precision must be observed in these facings, for if they are not exactly executed, a body of men, after being properly dressed, will lose their dressing on every small movement of facing.
S.5 POSITION ON MARCHING.
MARCH.
In marching, the soldier must maintain as much as possible, the position of the body as directed as in Sect.1. And must be well balanced on his limbs. His arms and hands without stiffness must be kept by his sides, and not suffered to vibrate. He must be allowed to stoop forward, and to lean back. His body must be kept square to the front, and thrown rather more forward in marching than when halted. That it may accompany the movement of the leg and thigh, while movement must spring from the Haunch. The ham must be stretched but without stiffening the knee. The toe a little pointed, and kept near the ground, so that the shoe soles are visible to the person in front. The head to be kept well up, straight to the front, and the eyes not suffered to be cast down. The foot, without being drawn back, must be placed flat on the ground.
S.6. ORDINARY STEP.
The length of each pace, from heel to heel, is 30inches, and the recruit must be taught to take 75 of these steps in a minute, without tottering, and with perfect steadiness.
The ORDINARY STEP being on all occasions whatever, unless greater celerity be particularly desired, the recruit must be carefully trained, and thoroughly instructed in this most essential part of his duty, and perfectly made to understand that he is to maintain it for a long period of time together, both in one and in column, and in rough as well as smooth ground. Which may be required to march over. This is the slowest step, which a recruit is taught, and is also applied in all movements of parade.
S.7. THE HALT.
HALT.
On the word HALT, let the rear foot be brought upon a line with the advanced one, So as to finish the step, which was taken when the command was given.
Note: The words (HALT, wheel-HALT, front HALT, dress-) are each to be considered as one word of command, and no pause made betwixt the parts of their execution.
S.8. DRESSING WHEN HALTED.
DRESS
Dressing is to be taught equally by the left as by the right. On the word DRESS, each individual will cast his eyes to the point to which he is ordered to dress, with the smallest possible turn of the head, but preserving the shoulders and body square to their front. The whole person of the man must move as may be necessary and bending forwards or backwards is not permitted. He must take short quick steps thereby gradually and exactly to gain his position, and on no account be suffered to attempt it by any sudden violent action alteration, which must infallibly derange whatever is beyond him. The faces of the men, and not their or feet, are the line of dressing. Each man is to be able just to distinguish the lower part of the face of the second man beyond him.
IN dressing the eyes of the men are always turned to the officer, who gives the word DRESS. The faults to be avoided, and generally committed by the soldier in dressing, are passing the line; the head to far forward and the body kept back; the shoulders not square; the head turned too much.
EYES FRONT
As soon as the dressing is accomplished, the words EYES FRONT will be given, that heads may be replaced, and remain square to the front.
No rank or body ought ever to be dressed, without the person in its flank appointed to be the point of dress, determining, or at least supposing a line, on which the rank, or body is to be formed.
S.9. THE OBLIQUE STEP.
TO THE LEFT OBLIQUE MARCH.
When the recruit has acquired the regular length and cadence of the ordinary pace, he is to be taught the oblique step. At the words, TO THE LEFT OBLIQUE MARCH, without altering the scariness of his position, he will, when he is to step with his left foot, point and carry it forward 19 inches in the diagonal line to the left. Which gives about 13 inches to the side, and about 13inches to the front. On the TWO, he will bring his right foot 30 inches forward, so that the right heel is placed 13 inches directly before the left one. In this position he will pause, and on the word TWO, continue to march, as before directed, advancing his left foot 19 inches, pausing at each step to confirm his position-, it being essentially necessary to take the greatest care his shoulders be preserved to the front. From the combination of these two movements, the liquity gained will amount to an angle of about 25 degrees. When the recruit is habituated to the lengths and directions of the step, he must be made to continue the march, without pausing, with firmness, and in the cadence of the ordinary pace, vis, 74 steps in one minute.
As all marching (the side step excepted) inevitable begins with the left foot, whether the obliquing commences from the halt, or on the march, the first diagonal step is taken by the leading foot of the side inclined to, when it comes to its turn, after the command is pronounced.
S.10.STEPPING OUT.
STEP OUT.
The squad marches as already directed in ordinary time. On the word STEP OUT, the recruit must be taught to lengthen his step to 33 inches, by leaning a little forward, but without altering his cadence.
This step is necessary when a temporary exertion in line and to the front, is required.
S.11. MARK TIME.
MARK TIME.
On the words MARK TIME, the foot then advancing completes its pace, after which the cadence is continued, without gaining any ground, but alternately throwing out the foot and bringing it back square with the other.
ORDINARY STEP.
At the words ORDINARY STEP, the usual pace of 30 inches is taken.
This step is necessary marching in line, when any body is advanced, and must temporarily wait while in motion, is required.
S.12. CHANGING THE FEET.
CHANGE FEET.
To change the feet in marching, the advanced foot completes its pace, the ball of the other foot is brought op quickly to the heel of the advanced one, which instantly makes another step forward, so that the cadence may not be lost.
S.13. THE CLOSING STEP.
The side or closing step is performed from the halt, in
ordinary time, by the following commands.
CLOSE TO THE RIGHT –MARCH.
CLOSE TO THE LEFT –MARCH.
CLOSE TO THE ?
MARCH.
HALT.
In closing to the right, on the word MARCH, eyes are turned to the right and each man carries his right foot about 12 inches directly to his right, (Or if the files are closed, to his neighbors left foot), and instantly brings up his left foot, till the heel touches his right heel. He then pauses so as to perform this movement in ordinary time, and proceeds to take the next step on the same manner; the whole with perfect precision of time, shoulders kept square, knees not bent, and in the true line on which the body is formed,- at the word HALT, the whole halt, turn their eyes to the front, and are perfectly steady.
S.14. BACK STEP.
STEP BACK.
MARCH.
HALT.
The STEP BACK is performed in the ordinary time and pace from the halt. On the command STEP BACK, MARCH - the recruit must be taught to move straight to the rear preserving his shoulders square to the front, and his body erect, - On the word HALT, the foot in front must be brought back square to the front, and his body erect, - on the word HALT the foot in front must be brought back square with the other.
A few paces only of the back step can be necessary at the time.
S.15. THE QUICK STEP.
QUICK MARCH.
The cadence of the ordinary pace having become perfectly habitual to the recruits, they are now taught to march at quick time. Which is 108 steps to the minute, each of 30 inches, making 270 feet in a minute. –The command QUICK MARCH, being given with a pause between them; the word QUICK is to be considered a caution, and the whole to remain perfectly still and steady; on the word MARCH they step off with the left foot, keeping the body in the same posture and the shoulders to the front; the foot to be lifted off the ground, that it may clear any stones or other impediments in the way; and to be thrown forwards and placed firm; the whole of the sole to touch the ground, and not the heel alone; the knees are not to be bent, neither are they to be stiffened so as to occasion fatigue or constraint.- the arms to hang with ease down the outside of the thighs; a very small motion to prevent constraint may be permitted; but not to swing out and thereby occasion the least turn, or movement of the shoulder; the head is to be kept to the front, the body well up, and the utmost steadiness to be preserved.
N.B. The word MARCH, given singly, at all times denotes that ORDINARY time is to be taken; when the QUICK –MARCH is meant, that word will proceed the other. – The word MARCH marks the beginning of movements from the HALT: but is not given when the body is in previous motion.
S.16. THE QUICKEST PACE.
The QUICKEST TIME or WHEELING MARCH, is 120 steps of 30 inches each or 300 feet in a minute, The direction already given for the march in quick time relates equally to the march in quickest time.
This is chiefly for the purpose of wheeling and is the rate at which all bodies accomplish their wheels, the outward files steeping 33 inches, whether the wheel is line into column, or from column into line. – In this TIME, also divisions double and move up, when passing obstacles in line; or when, in column of march, the front of the divisions is increased or diminished.
Many different times of March must not be required of the soldier,-these four(??) must suffice:
TO THE ------------FACE.
The recruit must first FACE, and then be instructed to cover each other in files, so that the head of the man immediately before, may conceal the heads of all the others in his front. – The strictest observance of all the rules for marching is particularly necessary in marching by files, which is the first to be.
MARCH.
On the word MARCH, the whole are immediately to step off together, gaining at the first step 30 inches, and so continuing each step without increasing the distance betwixt each recruit, every man locking or placing his advanced foot on the ground, before the spot from whence his preceding man had taken up his, - no looking down nor leaning backwards is to be suffered, on any pretence whatever, - the leader is supposed to be directed to march straight torward some distant object given him for that purpose, great attention must be paid to prevent them from marching with their knees bent, which they will be very apt to do and the recruits made to cover one another during the march , with the most scrupulous exactness,- at first from an apprehension of treading upon the heels of those before them.
S.18. WHEELINGS OF A SINGLE RANK, IN ORDINARY TIME FROM THE HALT
TO THE ------------WHEEL MARCH.
At the word TO THE RIGHT WHEEL, the man on the right of the right rank faces to the right; on the word MARCH, they step off together, the whole turning their eyes to the left (the wheeling flank) except the man
On the left of the rank, who looks inwards, and, during the wheel, becomes a kind of a base line for the others to conform to, and maintain the uniformity of the front.
HALT. DRESS.
The outward wheeling man always lengthens his step to 33 inches, the whole observe the same time, but each man shortening his step in proportion as he is nearer to the standing flank on which the wheel is made. During the wheel, the whole remain closed to the standing flank that is the touch, without incommoding their neighbor; nor must they stoop forward, but remain upright; opening out on from the standing flank is to be avoided, closing in on it, during the wheel is to be resisted. –On the word HALT, DRESS, each man halts immediately, without jumping forward, or making any false movement.
Nothing will tend sooner to enable the recruit to acquire the proper length of step according to distance from the pivot, than continuing the wheel without halting for several revolutions of the circle. And also giving the word HALT, DRESS, at instants not expected.
S.19. WHEELING A SINGLE RANK FROM THE MARCH
HALT. WHEEL.
The recruits are first taught to perform this wheeling at the ORDINARY TIME, and afterwards in the QUICKEST, or PROPER WHEELING TIME; (QUICKEST, is at the rate of 120 steps in the minute)-the rank marching to the front at the ordinary time receives the word of command, HALT, RIGHT, WHEEL, will be given (a pause of 2 or 3 seconds may be made). And then MARCH, on which the whole rank steps off together at the ordinary time.
N.B. the just performance of this mode of wheeling depends so much on the directing pivot, that a well-drilled soldier should at first be placed on the flank named as the proper pivot, and changed occasionally.
S.20. WHEELING BACKWARDS A SINGLE RANK
ON THE RIGHT, BACK WARDS WHEEL, MARCH.
Halt.
Right dress.
At the word, ON THE RIGHT, BACKWARDS-WHEEL, MARCH, the man on the right of the rank faces to his left; the word MARCH, the whole steps backwards, In t right of the rank faces to his left; at the word MARCH, The whole step backwards, In the wheeling time, those nearest the pivot man their steps extremely small, and those towards the wheeling man increasing them as they are placed nearer to him. –The recruit in his wheel must not bend forward, nor be suffered to look down, but by casting his eyes to the wheeling flank, preserve the dressing of the rank. –On the word HALT, the whole remain perfectly steady, still looking to the wheeling flank they receive the word RIGHT DRESS.
S.21.POSITION OF THE SOLDIER UNDER ARMS.
The body of the soldier being in the position described in section 1. The RIFLE is to be at half cock at all times. And is held in the right hand at the advanced arms position, or in the rifles at shoulder arms.
A platoon company or battalion, are never to HALT or MARCH, or FORM IN LINE, or to DRESS (WHICH ARE SITUATIONS WHERE THE GREATEST ACCURACY OF FRONT IS REQUIRED). But with SHOULDERED RIFLES.
TIME. The motions in the manual exercises are to be performed, leaving three pauses of the ordinary time of March between each motion, except that of FIXING SWORDS. In which a longer time must be given.
The manual is not to be executed by one word or signal, but each separate word of command is to be given by the officer who commands the body performing it.
S.22. DIFFERENT MOTIONS OF THE RIFLE.
The following motions of the RIFLE will be taught and practiced until each recruit is perfect in them - they being necessary for the ease of the soldier in the course of exercise.
SHOULDER ARMES. IN THE 95TH THIS IS THE ADVANCED POSITION.
STAND AT EASE. ATTENTION.
PRESENT ARMS. FIX SWORDS.
SUPPORT ARMS. PORT ARMS.
CARRY ARMS. PREPARE TO CHARGE.
TRAIL ARMS. CHARGE SWORDS.
ORDER ARMS. UNFIX SWORDS.
SLING ARMS.
S.22. ATTENTION IN FORMING THE SQUAD.
When the SQUAD is ordered to FALL IN, each man, with carried Rifle, will, as quick as possible, take his place in his ranks, from the flank to which he his ordered to form; he will dress himself in line by the rule already given; assume the ordered position of the soldier, stand perfectly still, and steady, until ordered to stand at ease. Or that some other command is given him. Attention must be paid that the files are correctly closed; That the men in the rear rank cover well, looking their file leaders in the middle of the neck:- that the ranks have their proper distance of one pace 30 inches from each other:- that all the ranks are well dressed; - that the men do not turn their heads to their left or the right; and that each man has the proper unconstrained attitude of a soldier.
When each soldier, is in his true position under arms, shouldered, and in ranks should just feel with his elbow the touch of his neighbor with whom he dresses; nor in any situation of movement in front, must he ever relinquish such, which becomes, in action, the principal direction for the preservation of his order; and each file, when connected with its two neighboring ones, must consider itself a complete body, so arranged for the purpose of attack, or effectual defense.
S.24 OPEN ORDER.
REAR RANKS TAKE OPEN ORDER.
The recruits being formed in three ranks at close order, on the word REAR RANKS TAKE OPEN ORDER, the flank men on the right and left of the center and the rear ranks step briskly back one and two paces respectively, face to the right, and stand covered, to mark the ground on which each rank is to halt and dress at open order; every other individual remains ready to move. On the word MARCH, the dressers front and center, and the rear ranks fall back one and two paces, each dressing by the right the instant it arrives on the ground.
S.25. CLOSE ORDER.
REAR RANKS, TAKE CLOSE ORDER, MARCH.
On the words REAR RANKS , TAKE CLOSE ORDER. The whole remains steady; at the word MARCH, the ranks close within one pace, marching one and two paces, and then halting.
S.26. PILE ARMS.
PILE ARMS.
The front and rear rank men of each file face to the right, turn their locks outward, and cross the muzzles and tops of ramrods.
The center man places his butt about 30inches to the left, the lock outwards, and crosses the muzzle of his firelock with those of his front and rear men. So that both the tops of their ramrods are placed across, between the ramrod and barrel of the center rank man.
Place butt equally spaced on the ground forming a triangle. Then the whole resumes the position of the soldier, described in S.1. and awaits orders.
S.27. THE MANUAL EXERCISES OF THE RIFLE.
The Rifle is to be carried in the right hand, at arm’s length. As in advanced arms, the cock resting upon the little finger, the thumb upon the guard, and the forefinger under it, the upper part of the barrel close in the hollow of the shoulder, and the butt pressing in the thigh.
The manual exercise being ordered to be performed, the Flugal-Man, or Corporal on the right, steps six or more paces to the front, opposite the center of the company.
S.28. PRESENT ARMS. (3 motions).
PRESENT ARMS.
1st/ The Rifle is raised about two inches by the right hand, and brought forward a little from the shoulder, at the same time the left hand is brought briskly across the body, and seizes the Rifle with a full grasp even with the shoulder.
2nd/ The right hand brings the Rifle even with the face, and opposite the left eye, grasp the small of the stock, turns the lock outwards, the left hand seizes it by the stock, so that the little finger touches the hammer spring, on a level with the chin. The left elbow close to the butt.
3rd/ The Rifle is brought in a straight line to the present, the lock turned inwards, and even with the bottom of the waistcoat, the right foot is placed about three inches behind the left heel, the right hand holding the small of the stock between the fore finger and the thumb, the knuckles upwards, the other three fingers shut in the hand.
S.29 SHOULDER ARMS.(2 MOTIONS).
SHOULDER ARMS.
1ST/ The Rifle is brought quickly across to the right side, the right hand slipping round into the original position when shouldered, the left quits its hold, and seizes the Rifle smartly, even with the right shoulder, at the same time the right foot is brought up in line with the left.
2nd/ The left hand quits the Rifle, and is brought as quickly as possible as possible flat upon the left thigh.
S.30 ORDER ARMS.
ORDER ARMS.
At the word ARMS, the left hand seizes the Rifle even with the left shoulder, the right hand quits its hold, grasps the Rifle round the muzzle, and brings it gently to the ground, even with the toe of the right foot, the wrist pressing against the side, and elbows as close as possible. The left hand as before on the left thigh
S.31. SHOULDER ARMS.
SHOULDER ARMS.
At the word ARMS, the Rifle is thrown into the right shoulder by a jerk of the right hand, the left catches it till the right seizes the Rifle in the proper place, and is then instantly brought to its original position on the left thigh; but this must be done with the quickness of one motion.
In the performance of this, as indeed of every other motion, the greatest care is to be taken to prevent the Rifle falling to the ground, as it is a weapon easily damaged and in the field, where time and opportunity can not always be found to repair it, the services of a Rifleman is lost by every such instance of inattention.
S.32. SUPPORT ARMS.
SUPPORT ARMS.
The Rifle is brought across the body, with the guard upwards, by bending the right arm; the left hand is laid across the right.
S.33. CARRY ARMS.
CARRY ARMS.
The Rifle is brought smartly on the right side, and the left hand on the left thigh.
S.34. TRAIL ARMS.
TRAIL ARMS.
The left hand seizes the Rifle at the second pipe, the right at the swell, and trails it on the right side at arms length, the left falls back on the left thigh.
S.35. SHOULDER ARMS.
SHOULDER ARMS.
The Rifle is brought to the advanced, as from the order.
S.36. TRAIL ARMS. (FROM THE ORDER TO THE TRAIL ARMS)
TRAIL ARMS.
The right hand seizes the Rifle as low as possible without constraint, then raises and holds it just forward of the sight.
S.37. ORDER ARMS. (FROM THE TRAIL TO ORDER ARMS)
ORDER ARMS.
The Rifle slides gently through the right hand to the ground, when even with the right toe the right hand grasps the muzzle.
S.38. FIX SWORDS.
FIX SWORDS.
The Rifle is pushed forwards with the right hand; at the same time the Sword is seized back-handed with the left, drawn and fixed to the piece, when the hand is quickly replaced on the thigh and the Rifle returned to the order.
S.39. SHOULDER ARMS.
As already described.
S.40. PORT ARMS, OR PREPARE TO CHARGE.
PORT ARMS. Or PREPARE TO CHARGE.
At one motion the Rifle is thrown across the body, the lock turned to the front, and at the height of the breast; the muzzle slanting upwards, so that the barrel may cross opposite the point of the left shoulder; the right hand grasps the point of the left shoulder; the right hand grasps the small of the stock, and the left holds the piece at the swell, the thumbs of both hands pointing towards the muzzle.
S.41. CHARGE SWORDS.
CHARGE SWORDS.
A half face is made to the right and the Rifle is brought down to nearly a horizontal position, the muzzle inclining a little upwards, and the right wrist resting against the hollow of the thigh, just below the hip.
S.42.SHOULDER ARMS.
SHOULDER ARMS.
The soldier faces to the front, and throws the piece to its position on the shoulder. The left hand quits the piece briskly, and returns to its place on the left thigh.
S.43. ORDER ARMS.
As already described.
S.44. UNFIX SWORDS.
UNFIX SWORDS.
The Rifle is pushed back from the body, and the left hand (seizes the Sword backhanded), presses on the spring; when relieving the Sword; it is returned into its scabbard, without shifting the grasp of the hand, and the position of the order arms briskly resumed.
S.45. SHOULDER ARMS.
As already described.
S.46. SLING ARMS.( 2 motions).
SLING ARMS.
1st/ The Rifle is brought quickly across the body as at the port.
2nd/ The left elbow is put within the sling (in order to do which it is sometimes necessary to slip the hand a little up the stock), the butt is then thrown under the arm, and the sling steadied on the shoulder by the right hand, which is instantly replaced by the left hand, returns to the left thigh, and the piece is slung with the muzzle down.
S.47. DRAW SWORDS.
DRAW SWORDS.
The Sword is drawn with the right hand, and held against the right side, nearly at arms length, the edge to the front.
S.48. RETURN SWORDS.
RETURN SWORDS.
The Sword is returned, and the right hand quickly brought to its place on the thigh.
S.49. CARRY ARMS.
CARRY ARMS.
1st/ The last described motion in slinging arms is exactly reversed.
2nd/ The piece is thrown into the shoulder, and the left hand brought quickly to the left side.
S.50. ORDER ARMS.
As already described.
Excepting the PRESENT ARMS and the SHOULDER ARMS that follow (the time of performing which, ought to correspond with that of other troops, who might be drawn up in review order with sharp shooters), the orders are generally performed in one motion. Simplicity and facility being great objects in the exercise of light troops, it is certainly desirable, that their versatile and often rapid movements should not be accustomed to wait for the aid of a Flugel-Man: SLINGING and UNSLINGING are however best performed in two motions; it is, therefore, necessary that a Flugel-Man should step out in front of the company, when the ceremony of PRESENTING ARMS, or the ordinary MANUAL EXERCISES are to be performed but no longer. The recruit neverless, should be taught all the parts of each motion distinctly and separately.
S.51. THE WORDS OF COMMAND FOR PRIMING AND LOADING
1/ THE COMPANY WILL PRIME AND LOAD.
2/ PREPARE TO LOAD.
The soldier half faces to the right, and in the motion brings down the Rifle to an horizontal position just above the right hip, the left hand supports it at the swell if the stock, the elbow resting against the side, the right thumb against the hammer, the knuckles upwards, and the elbow pressing against the butt, the lock inclining a little to the body to prevent the powder from falling out. The 0fficer now warns the men in going through the motions.
WAIT FOR THE WORDS OF COMMAND.
At the word-----PAN.
The pan is pushed open by the right thumb, the right hand then seizes the cartridge with the first three fingers.
CARTRIDGE.
The cartridge is brought to the mouth, and placed between the first two right double teeth, the end twisted off and brought close to the pan.
PRIME.
The priming is shaken into the pan; in doing which, to see that the powder is properly lodged, the head must be bent; the third and little finger are then placed behind the hammer.
SHUT PAN.
The pan is shut by the third and little finger, the right hand then seizes the small part of the stock between the third and little finger and the ball of the hand.
ABOUT.
The soldier fronts; the Rifle is brought to the ground with the barrel outwards, by sliding it with care through the left hand, which seizes it near the muzzle, the thumb stretched along the stock, the butt is placed between the knees, which must be bent for that purpose: the cartridge is put into the barrel, and the ramrod seized with the fore-finger and the thumb of the right hand.
ROD.
The Ramrod is drawn quite out by the right hand, and is held horizont5aly in front of the rifleman, at face height, so that the Officer in charge can see that they are all clear of the barrel.
HOME.
The cartridge is forced down with both hands, the left seizes the rifle about six inches from the muzzle, the Rifleman stands upright again, draws out the ram rod and again holds it horizontally in front of him at face height. So that the Officer in charge can see that all rods are clear of the barrel before proceeding.
RETURN.
The Ramrod is returned by the right hand, which then seizes the Rifle below the left.
SHOULDER.
The left hand brings the Rifle to the right shoulder; turning the guard outwards, and holds it until the right has its proper hold round the small of the stock, when the left is drawn quickly to the left thigh.
NOTES.
When the recruits are sufficiently perfect in firing by their distinct and separate words of command, they should be accustomed to go through the motions with the following words of command only:
S.52. THE COMPANY WILL PRIME AND LOAD.
1/. THE COMPANY WILL PRIME AND LOAD. (WITHOUT INTERMEDIATE COMMANDS)
2/. PREPARE TO LOAD.
The company half face to the right and bring the piece down to the priming position.
3/. LOAD.
Every motion in loading as described above, is to be performed; and here officers are required to pay particular attention, that no single motion be ommitted, as it is of more consequence that a rifle should be properly loaded, than expeditiously loaded.
NOTES.
Riflemen must at first be accustomed to make ready, and present methodically; and in this they should be thoroughly practiced, for they will seldom be in a situation to fire by word of command.
The firings may be divided under three heads, vis. On the spot, in advancing and in retreating.
S.53. TO FIRE ON THE SPOT WITH CLOSED RANKS.
The following words of command will be given:
ASSUMING THAT THE COMPANY IS ALREADY LOADED.
1/. THE COMPANY WILL FIRE.
2/. COMPANY.
At this word the right hand file of each platoon takes three quick paces to the front. The rear rank man steps to the right of his file leader.
3/. READY.
At this word, the Rifle is brought by the right hand before the center of the body, the left seizes it, so that the little finger rests upon the hammer spring, and the thumb stretched along the stock, after raising it to the height of the mouth, the right thumb on the cock, and the four fingers under the guard; when cocked, which must be done gently, the right hand grasps the small of the stock.
4/. PRESENT.
The soldier faces to the right, the butt is placed in the hollow of the right shoulder, the right foot steps back about twelve inches behind the left, the knee is bent, the body brought well forward, the left hand without quitting its hold, supports the rifle close before the lock, the right elbow raised even with the shoulder, the fore finger on the trigger, the head bent, and the cheek resting on that of the rifle, the left eye shut, the right taking aim through the sight; as soon as the rifle man has fixed upon the object, he fires without waiting for the command. When he has fired, the right hand quits its hold, in facing to the right about, the left swings the rifle round into an horizontal position with the barrel downwards; the rifleman resumes his post in the platoon, in fronting to the left about, brings his Rifle into the position to prime and load, going through the motions as above, without further words of command. When the first files have fired, the next advances, and so on through the company, this mode of firing is necessary to prevent the whole from being unloaded at the same time.
S.54. SAFTY NOTES.
BEFORE engaging in any live firing exercises the following points should be noted.
1/ All firearms should be checked to make sure that they are in a safe condition. In particular check that the half cock position is safe. This is vital as the troops when under drill, prime before loading. The best way to check this is to put the lock on half cock and apply some pressure to the trigger, should the cock fall the lock should be repaired.
2/. To check that the Rifle is unloaded the troops should be drawn up in line. the Commanding Officer or Officer in charge should then move down the line stopping in front of each man, and should order each man to remove his Ramrod and to insert it into the muzzle and to let it drop where it should bounce on the breach with a ringing sound. The Ramrod should then be withdrawn and replaced on the Rifle, the Officer to use this procedure with each man individually. This procedure should be gone through before and after every event. Also all cartridge boxes should be checked to make sure that no ball cartridges or loose ball are carried.
S.55. SAFETY NOTES - RULES OF COMBAT.
1/. All guns should be in good working order.
2/. A gun should not be discharged at a unit or individual closer than 20 meters.
3/. Care should be taken to avoid side flash; all firearms should be fitted with flash guards.
4/. No body will allow the handling of a loaded gun by the public.
5/. Guns should never be left unattended or stacked carelessly.
6/. Safety officers should make sure that all Riflemen are fully trained before they are allowed to take to the field. They should make sure that the correct firearms licenses are held.
7/. Nothing but loose powder should be loaded into rifle barrels, and no ramrods are to be used during simulated combat.
8/. Hand to hand combat should only be permitted if practiced before hand.
S.56. OF PRIMING AND LOADING IN SIMULATED COMBAT CONDITIONS. E.G. RECREATED BATTLES.
(DRILL USED IN CLOSED AND EXTENDED RANKS.)
NOTE. IN THIS SITUATION, RAMRODS ARE NOT TO BE USED BECAUSE OF THE DANGER OF THEM BEING LEFT IN THE BARREL.
Loading should commence from the shoulder. With the rifle always at half cock, and the pan open.
THE COMPANY WILL PRIME AND LOAD.
PRIME.
The left hand crosses the body, grasping the rifle and pointing it forward at 45degrees, at the same time, stepping forwards with the left foot, taking a half turn to the right. Whilst the left hand holds the Rifle tight to the right hip, the right hand takes a cartridge from the cartridge box, tears the top off with the teeth, fills the pan, closes it, holds the cartridge with the right index finger and thumb, and regrasps the stock with the remaining fingers and pauses.
LOAD.
The Rifle is placed on the ground between the feet, the remaining amount of powder poured down the barrel, the empty cartridge paper is then thrown on the ground, the butt is then tapped on the ground to settle the powder at the breach.
MAKE-READY.
At this word the rifle is brought by the right hand before the center of the body, the left seizes it, so that the little finger rests on the hammer spring,
and the thumb stretched along the stock, raising it to the height of the mouth, the right thumb on the cock, and the four fingers under the guard, when cocked, which must be done gently, the right hand grasps the small of the stock.
NOTE . The Rifles always fired in their own time on the command PRESENT, to give them time to aim. But in certain circumstances where a volley could be used fired as one. E.g. to look good to an audience.
The next command could be either.
PRESENT AND FIRE. Or
ON MY COMMAND YOU WILL PRESENT AND FIRE.
PRESENT AND--- FIRE.
S.57. FORMATION OF THE COMPANY.
1/. The company fall in two deep, sized from flank to center.
2/. The files are six inches asunder when in line.
3/. The company is divided into a right and left platoon, and each platoon into two sections.
4/. The files are told off, right and left, beginning with the right of each platoon.
5/. Each flank of the platoons is marked by a corporal.
6/. When the company is in line, the place of the Captain is in the center (unless mounted); that of the first Lieutenant on the right flank; and that of the second Lieutenant on the left flank; each covered by a serjeant.
7/. A horner is on each flank of the company.
8/. The Surgeon, Serjent major, and Quarter Master Serjent, are four paces in the rear of the center of the company.
9/. They also follow in the rear, when the company is on the march, whether in line, column, or file.
10/. But when drawn out for the purpose of review, the horners are on the right of the line; and the Surgeon, Serjent Major, and Quarter Master Serjent in a single rank on the left.
11/. The Medical staff and non-commissioned officers in shifting from one flank or point to another, invariably move in the rear.
12/. When the company faces to one flank, preparatory to marching in file, the captain shifts from the center to the leading flank with his Serjent (who regulates the time); the Lieutenant originally placed on that flank, and his Serjent, move to the center. The Captain places himself on the left of the right file, if the right is in front, when each officer steps with him.
13/. When an officer’s party moves in a file, a Serjent always leads.
14/. When the line breaks into column, or is on the march in file, the horners are in front, preceded by the Captains covering Serjent, who regulates the time, unless a Flugel- man is expressly ordered to that service.
15/. During the manoeuvres, the Captain places himself at discretion, one of the horners is with him.
16/. In Wheeling, upon the order being given, the officers commanding divisions place themselves in front of the center of their respective divisions, and on the word MARCH they face to the right about, and incline to the standing pivot, and halt and dress their division from it, if the wheel is backward; and from the wheeling flank, or pivot of the next division, if forward into line.
17/. When acting with closed ranks, the arms are shouldered and all commands given by word; but when extended, the arms are trailed, and the signals given by the horn and whistle.
18/. The company is never to run, unless particularly directed, and in that case, they are to only to run at that pace in which they can preserve their order, and it is a rule that two men of the same file never separate.
19/. All movements should be in line, when conveniently practicable.
20/. In all formations of front, from file movement, the file that first halts, is the one for the others to dress by.
21/. The utmost care must be taken to avoid confusion, which too much hurry, even in the smallest bodies, will certainly occasion. It ought to be strongly impressed upon the mind of the soldier, that nothing is so dangerous to troops as disorder. If any accident has thrown a body of men into some degree of confusion, the officers must exert themselves to get a few files formed as quickly as possible, and to these the other soldiers will soon connect themselves.
S.58. OF EXTENDING AND CLOSING.
When the company is formed at close order, and is required to extend from the right. The words of command will be given as follows:
TO THE LEFT EXTEND.
At this word of command the company, except the right hand file, faces to the left, moves on in quick time, casting the eyes over the right shoulder, so that each file when two paces distant from his right hand file may halt, front, dress by the right. The rear rank steps to the right, in order, if necessary, to march or fire without impediment through the intervals of the front rank. This is the usual distance between files, at which light troops when ordered to extend will form. But when they are required to cover the front of a corps, or mark a mauoeuvre, the commanding officer will signify at what distance the files are to form from each other, before he gives the order for them to extend themselves.
When the company is extended from the left, the word of command will be given-
TO THE RIGHT EXTEND.
The whole, except the left hand file, face to the right, in taking their distance look over the left shoulder, halt ,front, and dress by the left. The rear rank, as in opening to the left, take ground to the right of their file leaders.
When to extend from the center, the word of command will be given-
FROM THE CENTER EXTEND.
At which the right wing face and move to the right, as in extending from the left; the left wing performs the same movements as when extending from the right, the center file stands fast.
As soon as the recruits are perfect in this mode of extending, the words of command of FROM RIGHT. LEFT or CENTER EXTEND, are laid aside, and the commanding officer takes post on the wing, or point from which the company is to extend; and orders the Bugle to sound the signal to extend; and should the distance proposed to be taken between the files be more than two paces (the usual extended order), he will signify, before the signal to extend is made, at what distance the files are to form, as at 6,8,or 10 paces.
On the signal to extend, the files open from the spot where the commanding officer has placed himself with the Bugle,- When extended the riflemen trail their arms. . If the detachment does not have a Bugle.
The officers are to use the before mentioned words of command.
OF TAKING GROUND TO EITHER FLANK.
On the signal to take ground to the right or left, the company faces accordingly to the right or left, and, preserving their intervals, march in quick time until the signal to halt is given, when they halt and front.
OF CLOSING AGAIN.
On the signal from the Bugle to close, every man faces and closes briskly to the point whence the signal is given; the whole shoulder their rifles and dress; in this movement the files must be careful not to intermix, to prevent the confusion that would unavoidably arise from their doing so. Should the commanding officer have no Bugle with him to give the signal, he must give the word of command CLOSE.
S.59. OF FIRING IN EXTENDED ORDER.
THERE ARE FOUR TYPES OF FIRING IN EXTENDED ORDER.
On the Spot.
In Advancing.
In Retreating.
On the march.
OF FIRING ON THE SPOT.
When sharp shooters fire from the spot in extended order, the commanding officer orders the horner to give the signal to commence firing. At this signal the front rank makes ready, presents, (each man selecting his particular object), and fires; as soon as rear rank man sees his file leader put the ball into the piece, he makes ready, and fires through the intervals of the front rank; and when the rear rank men have got their balls into their pieces, each man gives notice to his file leader to fire, by the word ready or a tap on the shoulder. In this manner the fire is continued on the spot, till the signal is given to cease firing.
OF FIRING IN ADVANCE.
The commanding officer having ordered the Bugle to sound the signals to ADVANCE AND FIRE, the Superior officer with the extended files placing himself near the center, gives a call with his whistle; where upon the rear rank advance twelve paces, passing to the right of their file leader, and dressing by the center. Each man sees that his interval is properly preserved, as well as his front. When the Serjent in the center of the rank is satisfied as to its being sufficiently dressed, he makes a signal with his Rifle, upon which each man selects an object, levels and fires, and immediately proceeds to load; after which the Rifle is trailed. When the officer sees that the rank in front has fired, and are loading, he gives another signal with his whistle, upon which the front rank moves forward (passing to the left of the men before them) twelve paces before the rear rank, and thus the two ranks proceed alternately advancing until further orders.
OF FIRING IN RETREATING.
On the signal to FIRE AND RETREAT being sounded, and followed by a call of the whistle, the rank which happens to be in front fires, goes to the right about, and retreats briskly twelve paces in the rear of the second rank, fronts, and loads; the second rank, upon the next signal of the whistle, proceeds in like manner, and so on alternately.
After the signal to cease firing, not a shot must be heard, but the ranks close to their usual distance, and halt. The rank which happens to be halted at the time regulates that which is in motion.
OF LOADING AND FIRING ON THE MARCH.
When in extended order taking ground to the right or left, and the company is under orders to fire, the men load while marching and fire independently, the rear rank men firing through the intervals of the front rank.
S.60. SKIRMISHING WITH LINE TROOPS OR INDEPENDENTLY.
CLOSE.
In skirmishing, it is a rule that one half of the company remains formed as a reserve. But when acting under the support of another corps, the whole may skirmish. When skirmishing in front of a regiment in line, on the first CLOSE the skirmishers close to the flanks; if the line advances, the platoons then remain formed in front until the line has passed.
But should the line halt a second CLOSE is sounded, upon which they file
to the rear of the line, about thirty paces in rear of the second companies from the flanks of the regiment. If the skirmishers are attacked by cavalry, or if the line has immediate occasion to make use of its whole fire, the alarm is sounded, upon which every man makes the best of his way round the flanks to the rear, or through any openings in the line.
When sharpshooters skirmish independently, at the CLOSE they close to the point whence the signal proceeds.
SIGNALS.
Signals from the Bugle have a reference to the direction of the whole company: directions for particular divisions will be conveyed by calls of the whistle, from the officer of those bodies respectively.
The signal for an advance or retreat, required to be performed with expedition, will be played with rapidity, and twice over.
The signals of the Bugle should be distinctly played: and, until the sounds are finished, the company should not proceed upon the order, which they convey.
S.61. FIRING POSITIONS.
As it is necessary that sharpshooters should be accustomed to load and fire (when skirmishing) sitting or kneeling, and lying on the ground as well as standing. The men should be taught to lie close after loading until the signal is given for them to advance (when firing in advancing), and to throw themselves on the ground as soon as they advance their propre distance, and the line is dressed: or if a crouched position is prescribed, to continue sitting or kneeling, except when in the act of moving.
S.62. SKIRMISHING AS A SEPARATE DETACHMENT.
PREPARE TO SKIRMISH.
Left Platoon remain in reserve.
RIGHT PLATOON MARCH.
The first Lieutenant with the right platoon proceeds fifty paces, where he halts the first section, and dispatches a serjent with the second section, fifty paces further, which then extends at the common extended order, or any other prescribed.
ADVANCE. (BUGLE).
On the signal to advance, the whole move forward in quick time.
COMMENCE FIRING. (BUGLE).
When the COMMENCE FIRING is given, the skirmishers conduct themselves as in firing in advance.
FIRE AND RETREAT. (BUGLE).
On the signal FIRE AND RETREAT, the skirmishers proceed as already directed. The platoon in reserve advance and retreat, in ordinary time, during the firing.