MANUAL AND PLATOON EXERCISES.
[Image of page 3]
MANUAL AND PLATOON EXERCISES.
S. 22. The Manual Exercise for Troops armed with "LONG" Rifles..
PERCUSSION Arms require to be carefully handled, in order to prevent the cock being loosened, by which its direct fall on the nipple would be rendered uncertain. They are at all times, when unloaded, to be used with the cock down on the nipple, and sentries may be permitted to carry their arms, when loaded, in the same manner, in order to secure the cap in its place; but, to avoid accidents, they are to be carried, on all other occasions, at half-cock after being loaded.
EXPLANATION.
Words of Command. 1st.
Secure, Arms.
Seize the rifle with the right hand under the guard, turning the lock at the same time to the front, but without moving the rifle from the shoulder; thumb and fingers round the stock, arm close to the body.
Two.
Turn the rifle with the right hand, so as to bring the guard and sling to the front, and the cock close to the body, at the same time seize the rifle with the left hand, little finger as high as the shoulder; the left arm to be close to the rifle, which is to be perpendicular.
Three,
Bring the right hand smartly to the right side after giving the butt a cant to the left rear with the fingers to bring the rifle under the arm; the cock to be close up under the armpit, the barrel to be uppermost, slanting downwards, and inclining to the right front, the rifle to be firmly grasped with the left hand, which is to be rather below the hip, the left elbow a little to the rear, the lock not to be visible.
N.B. In marching, or standing at ease, the right hand is to grasp the rifle above the lower band, the sling or stock to rest on the left arm, and the left hand to lay hold of the right arm above the wrist.
[Image of page 4]
2nd.
Shoulder, Arms.
Raise the rifle to a perpendicular position with the left hand, bringing the sling and guard to the front, and seize it with the right hand under the guard, the left arm to be close to the rifle, the light arm to the body.
Two.
Turn the rifle, without moving it from the shoulder, with the right hand, so as to bring the lock plate full to the front, and grasp the butt with the left hand, knuckles to the front, forefinger half an inch from the heel, and the thumb upon it.
Three.
Bring the right hand smartly to the right side, and turn the rifle with the left hand so as to bring the barrel to the front, but without moving it from the shoulder.
3rd.
Order, Arms.
Seize the rifle with the right hand above the lower band, keeping the elbow as close to the body as possible.
Two.
Bring the rifle down to the right side, allowing the little finger to slip behind on the barrel in doing so, and place the butt quietly on the ground; the toe of butt to be in a line with the toe of right foot.
Three.
Bring the thumb of the right hand on the sling, and place the muzzle in the hollow of the shoulder; the hand to be flat on the side of the stock.
4th.
Fix, Bayonets.
At the word Fix, place the thumb of the right hand as quickly as possible behind the barrel, and grasp the rifle; at the same time seize the socket of the bayonet with the left hand, knuckles to the front, thumb to the rear, fingers pointing to the ground, keeping the elbow close to the side. At the word Bayonets, push the muzzle of the rifle a little forward, and draw the bayonet towards it, raising the blade as soon as the point clears the scabbard (bringing the arm close to the body in doing so), and with the utmost celerity fix it, by placing the socket on the muzzle with the flat part of the blade to the front, and when it falls on the block of the foresight, turning it with the thumb (which is to be shifted to the left side of the neck or bend of bayonet) from left to right, after which turn the locking ring in the same direction under the block of the foresight with the thumb, then quit the left hand, and bring the rifle as quickly as possible to the Order as above detailed, and stand perfectly steady.
5th.
Shoulder, Arms.
At the word Shoulder, place the thumb of the right hand behind the barrel and seize the rifle. At the word Arms, give the rifle a smart cant with the right hand and grasp it below the lower band, keeping the barrel close to the shoulder.
Two.
Carry the rifle as quickly as possible to the left side (qutting the right hand immediately), and seize it with the left hand at the full extent of the arm, grasping the butt on the inner side with the two first joints of the fingers, the forefinger half an inch from the heel, the thumb upon it in front, the wrist turned out a little so as to embrace the butt.
[Image of page 5]
6th.
Present, Arms
1st. Seize the rifle with the right hand under the guard, turning the lock to the front, but without moving it from the shoulder, thumb and fingers round the stock.
Two.
Raise the rifle with the right hand perpendicularly from the shoulder to the poise, bringing it in front of the centre of the body, at the same time place the left hand smartly on the sling with the fingers pointing upwards, the thumb close to the forefinger, the point in a line with the mouth, the wrist on the trigger guard, the left elbow close to the butt, the right elbow and butt close to the body.
Three.
Bring the rifle down with a quick motion as low as the right hand will admit without constraint, and grasp it with the left hand, the little finger touching the projection above the lock plate, thumb between stock and barrel, and draw back the right foot at the same instant, so that the hollow of it may touch the left heel; the right hand lightly holding the small of the butt, fingers under the guard pointing rather downwards. The rifle in this position (guard to the front), to be totally supported with the left hand close in front of, and opposite the centre of the body.
7th.
Shoulder, Arms.
By a turn of the right wrist, bring the rifle to the left side, meeting it with the left hand at the full extent of the arm, and grasp the butt with the fingers, as in No. 5; fingers of the right hand to be under the cock and close to the lock side of stock, thumb between stock and barrel, arm close in to the body; and bring up the right foot at the same instant to its original position.
Two.
Bring the right hand smartly to the right side.
8th.
Port, Arms.
Seize the small of the butt with the right hand, fingers round the stock, thumb under the guard, without moving the rifle from the shoulder; arm close in to the body.
Two.
Bring the rifle to a diagonal position across the body, lock to the front, meeting it at once with the left hand immediately below the lower band, thumb and fingers round the piece; the left wrist to be opposite the left breast, both elbows close in to the body, the muzzle slanting upwards, so that the barrel may cross opposite the point of the left shoulder.
9th.
Charge, Bayonets;
Make a right half face by raising the toes and turning upon the heels, the right toes to point to the right, the left full to the front, and bring down the rifle to nearly a horizontal position at the right side, with the muzzle inclining a little upward; the right wrist to rest against the hollow of the thigh below the hip, the right hand to grasp the small of the butt, and the thumb of the left hand to point to the muzzle.
When a battalion in line charges with bayonets, at the command "Prepare to Charge," the rifles of the front rank will be brought to the long trail, those of the rear rank remaining at the slope; at the word "Charge" the rifles of the front rank
[Image of page 6]
will bo brought smartly to the charging position and the pace increased to double inarch " carefully avoiding too much hurry. On the word "halt" the battalion will halt, the front rank coming to the shoulder, the rear rank to the carry.
10th.
Shoulder Arms.
Bring the rule up to the left side, and seize it with the left hand at the full extent of the arm, fingers grasping the butt, as in No. 5, and face to the front; the fingers of the right hand to be under the cock and close to the lock side of stock, thumb between stock and barrel, elbow close in to the body.
Two.
Bring the right hand smartly to the right side.
11th.
Advance, Arms.
Seize the rifle with the right hand under the guard, turning the lock to the front, but without moving it from the shoulder, thumb and fingers round the stock.
Two.
Bring the rifle to the right side with the right hand, and hold it with the forefinger and thumb round the guard (remaining fingers under the cock), at the full extent of the arm without constraint, seizing it at the same time with the left hand in line with the left elbow to steady it in the shoulder, arm close to the body.
Three.
Bring the left hand smartly to the left side.
12th.
Order, Arms.
Seize the rifle with the left hand, little finger in line with the point of the right shoulder, arm close to the body, barrel of rifle close to the shoulder.
Two.
Bring the rifle down in the left hand as low as the left arm will admit (keeping the arm close to the body), letting it slip through the fingers of the right hand until it touches the ground.
Three.
Bring the left hand smartly to the left side.
13th.
Advance, Arms
At the word Advance, place the thumb of the right hand as quickly as possible behind the barrel and seize the rifle. At the word Arms, raise the rifle by a smart cant of the right hand, and seize it with the forefinger and thumb round the trigger guard at the full extent of the arm without constraint, remaining fingers under the cock, at the same time, bring the left hand smartly across the body and seize the rifle also in line with the elbow to steady it in the shoulder, arm close to the body.
Two.
Bring the left hand smartly to the left side.
14th.
Shoulder, Arms.
Seize the rifle with the left hand, little finger in line with the right elbow, and raise it about one inch, without moving the barrel from the shoulder; at the same time slip the thumb of the right hand under the cock, bringing the fingers under the guard to the front, and slanting downwards, left arm close to the body.
Two.
By a turn of the right wrist, throw the rifle up to the left side, seizing it with the left hand at the full extent of the arm, and grasp the butt with the fingers, thumb on the heel of it in front; the fingers of the right hand to be under the cock and close to the lock side of stock, thumb between stock and barrel, arm close in to the body.
[Image of page 7]
Three.
Bring the right hand smartly to the right side.
N. B. In the foregoing motions great care must be taken to preserve the squareness of the body, and to avoid raising or sinking the shoulder.
15th.
Support, Arms.
Seize the small of the butt with the right hand, fingers and thumb round the stock, arm close in to the body, and raise the rifle about one inch.
Two.
Bring the left arm under the cock, fingers extended with the thumb close to the forefinger; the cock to rest on the arm midway between the wrist and elbow, which is to be kept close to the body.
Three.
Bring the right hand smartly to the right side,
N. B. In marching any distance when supported, the men are allowed to bring their right hand across the body to the small of the butt, which latter must, in that case, be thrown a little forward; the fingers of the left hand to be placed between the body and right elbow; the right hand to be instantly removed when the division halts, or is ordered to dress by the right or left.
16th.
Stand, at Ease.
Seize the small of the butt with the right hand, fingers and thumb round the stock, arm close in to the body, fingers of the left hand between the body and right elbow; at the same to move the left foot six inches to the front, with the toes pointing to the left front (feet separated), the left knee to be slightly bent, the greater part of the weight of the body to be brought on the right leg, the butt to be thrown a little forward.
17th.
Attention.
Bring the right hand smartly to the right side and the left foot back in line with the right.
18th. Carry, Anns.
Seize the small of the butt as in the 1st motion of the "support."
Two.
Drop the left hand smartly and grasp the butt with the fingers on the inside, thumb on the heel in front.
Three.
Bring the right hand smartly to the right side, allowing the left arm to sink to the full extent at the same time.
19th. Slope, Arms.
Raise the rifle until the guard is pressed gently against the hollow of the shoulder, without moving the upper part of the arm, bringing the left hand in a line with the elbow, and the toe of the butt opposite the centre of the left thigh.
20th.
Stand, at Ease.
Bring the right hand smartly across the body and place it on the left hand, thumbs of both hands to be on the heel of the butt, that of the left nearest to the lock, at the same time move the left foot six inches to the front, &c., as detailed at No. 16.
21st.
Attention.
Bring the right hand smartly to the right side, and the left foot back in line with the right.
22nd.
Carry, Arms,
Drop the left arm to the full extent, and bring the right hand at the same time across the body (elbow close), placing the fingers under the cock and close to the lock side of stock, thumb between stock and barrel, to steady the rifle to the shoulder,
[Image of page 8]
Two.
Bring the right hand smartly to the right side.
23rd.
Order, Arms.
As detailed in No. 3.
24th.
Unfix, Bayonets.
At the word Unfix, place the thumb of the right hand as quickly as possible behind the barrel, and grasp the rifle. At the word Bayonet, push the muzzle a little forward and seize the rifle with the left hand immediately above the top band, thumb and fingers round the stock and barrel, arm close to the body, as also the socket of the bayonet between the forefinger and thumb of the right hand, fingers closed in the hand, knuckles to the front, arm close to the body, then with the second joint of the forefinger, turn the locking ring to the left, after which extend the fingers under the "bend" to raise the bayonet, and again turn it to the left, then remove it from the muzzle, and drop the point _ towards the scabbard, inclining the palm of the hand to the front in doing so, and place the little finger on the top of the socket; at the same time, force the muzzle of the rifle back to its proper position with the left hand, which is to be immediately removed, and placed on the top of the scabbard to guide the bayonet into it, the elbow to the rear and as close to the body as possible; this being done, come smartly to the position of ordered arms.
25th.
Stand at Ease.
On the words Stand at-Easey the left foot will be earned forward six inches, toes to the left front, feet separated, the greatest part of the weight of the body brought upon the right leg; the left knee a little bent; the hands will bo brought together before the body, the palms being struck smartly together, and that of the right hand then slipped over the back of the left; but the shoulders will be kept back and square; the bead to the front, and the whole attitude without constraint.
S. 23. The Manned Exercise for Troops armed with the "Short" Rifle.
1st.
Secure Arms.
THE rifle at "Shoulder Arms" to bo carried in the right band at the full extent of the arm, close in to the side; guard to the front, with the forefinger and thumb round it, the remaining fingers under the cock; the upper part of the barrel close in to the hollow of the shoulder.
Seize the rifle with the left hand at the lower band, raising it a few inches by slightly bending the right arm, but without moving the barrel from the shoulder, and slip the thumb of the right hand under the cock, bringing the fingers under the guard to the front, and slanting downwards; both arms close to the body; left hand square with the left elbow.
[Image of page 9]
Two.
Pass the rifle smartly to the left side, and cant the butt to the left rear, with the right hand to bring the rifle under the firm, quitting the right hand immediately to the right side; the cock to be close up under the armpit; the barrel to be uppermost, slanting downwards and inclining to the right front; the rifle to be firmly grasped with the left hand, which is to be rather below the hip; the left elbow a little to the rear; the lock not to be visible.
N.B. In marching or standing at ease, the right hand is to grasp the rifle above the lower band, the sling or stock to rest on the left arm, and the left hand to lay hold of the right arm above the wrist.
2nd.
Shoulder, Arms.
Carry the rifle to the right side with the left hand, and seize it with the forefinger and thumb of the right hand round the guard (remaining fingers under the cock) at the full extent of the arm without constraint, the left band to steady it in the shoulder, arm close to the body.
Two.
Bring the left hand smartly to the left side.
3rd.
Order, Arms.
Seize the rifle with the left hand, thumb and fingers round the piece, the little finger in line with the point of the right shoulder, hut without moving the barrel therefrom, arm close in to the body.
Two.
Bring the rifle down in the left hand as low as the left arm will admit, keeping the arm and rifle close to the body, and with the right hand, which is to seize the rifle between the bands, place the butt quietly on the ground even with the toe of right foot, bringing the left hand at the same instant smartly to the left side; the right arm to be slightly bent, the thumb pressed against the thigh, fingers slanting towards the ground.
4th.
Fix, Swords.
Place the rifle with the right hand smartly between the knees, guard to the front, and immediately seize the handle of the sword with the right hand, (the left hand holding the scabbard) and draw it towards the muzzle, raising the point upwards when clear of the scabbard, and seize the rifle with the left hand at the "nose cap," then place the back part of the handle against the lock side of barrel, knuckles to the right, arm close to the body, and slide the spring on to the catch, and the ring on to the muzzle; when this is done, seize the rifle with the right hand between the bands, bring the left hand smartly to the left side, and come to the position of "Order Arms"
N.B. Serjeants of line regiments, when armed with the short rifle, will not fix swords in performing the manual exercise.
5th.
Shoulder, Arms,
Raise the rifle with a smart cant of the right hand, and seize the trigger guard between the forefinger and thumb at the full extent of the arm, the remaining fingers under the cock, at the same time seize the rifle also with the left hand in line with the elbow to steady it in the shoulder, arm close to the body.
[Image of page 10]
Two.
Bring the left hand smartly to the left side.
6th.
Present, Arms.
Seize the rifle with the left hand as in the first motion of "Secure Arms."
Two.
Raise the rifle with the right hand perpendicularly from the shoulder to the poise, bringing it in front of the centre of the body, lock to the front; at the same time place the left hand smartly on the stock with the lingers pointing upwards, the thumb close to the forefinger, the point in line with the mouth, the wrist on the trigger guard, the left elbow close to the butt, the right elbow and butt close to the body.
Three.
Bring the rifle down with a quick motion as low as the right hand will admit without constraint, guard to the front, and grasp it with the left hand, the little finger touching the projection above the lock plate, thumb between stock and barrel, at the same time draw back the right foot so that the hollow of it may touch the left heel; lightly holding the small of the butt with the right hand, fingers pointing rather downwards; the rifle in this position to bo totally supported with the left hand, close in front of and opposite the centre of the body.
7th.
Shoulder, Arms.
Bring the rifle to the right side, and seize it with the right hand, the thumb and forefinger round the guard at the full extent of the arm, remaining fingers under the cock, bringing the left hand square with the left elbow and the right foot to its original position, both arms close to the body.
Two.
Bring the left hand smartly to the left side.
8th.
Port, Arms.
Seize the rifle with the left hand, as in the first motion of "Secure Arms."
Two.
Bring the rifle in the left hand to a diagonal position across the body, lock to the front, and seize the small of the butt at once with the right hand, thumb and fingers round the stock, the left wrist to be opposite the left breast, both elbows close to the body, the muzzle slanting upwards, so that the barrel may cross opposite the point of the left shoulder.
9th.
Charge, Swords.
Make a right half-face by raising the toes and turning upon the heels, the right toes to point to the right, the left full to the front, and bring down the rifle to nearly a horizontal position at the right side, with the muzzle inclining a little upwards, the right wrist to rest against the hollow of the thigh below the hip, the thumb of right hand pointing to the muzzle.
When a battalion in line charges with swords, the whole are in the first instance to advance in quick time with shouldered arms; at the command "Prepare to charge" the rifles of the front rank will be brought to the long trail, and those of the rear rank to the slope; at the word "Charge" the rifles of the front rank will be brought smartly to the charging position, and the pace increased to "double march" carefully avoiding too much hurry. On the word "Halt" both ranks will halt and shoulder arms.
[Image of page 11]
10th.
Shoulder, Arms.
Raise the rifle to a perpendicular position at the right side-, and seize it with the right hand, the thumb and forefinger round the guard at the full extent of the arm, the remaining fingers under the cock, the left hand holding the piece above the lower band square with the left elbow, both arms close in to the body.
Two.
Bring the left hand smartly to the left side.
N.B. In the foregoing motions, great care must be taken to preserve the squareness of the body, and to avoid raising or sinking the shoulder.
11th.
Slope, Arms.
Seize the rifle with the left hand as in the first motion of "Secure Arms."
Two.
Bring the rifle to the left side, and seize it at once with the left hand, the two first joints of the fingers grasping the butt, the thumb alone to be on trie heel of it, the muzzle to slant to the rear, and the guard pressed gently against the hollow of the shoulder; the upper part of the left arm to be close in to the side, the hand in a line with the elbow, the toe of the butt opposite the centre of the left thigh; the right hand holding the small, thumb and fingers round the stock, arm close in to the body.
Three.
Bring the right hand smartly to the right side.
12th.
Stand, at Ease:
Bring the right hand smartly across the body and place it on the left hand, thumbs of both hands to be on the heel of the butt, that of the left nearest to the lock; at the same time move the left foot six inches to the front, with the toes pointing to the left front (feet separated), the left knee to be slightly bent, the greater part of the weight of the body to be brought on the right leg; no constraint.
13th.
Attention.
Bring the left foot back in line with the right, and the right hand smartly to the right side.
14th.
Carry, Arms.
Seize the small of the butt with the right hand, fingers and thumb round the stock, arm close in to the body.
Two.
Bring the rifle to the right side, and seize it with the forefinger and thumb round the guard, the remaining fingers under the cock, at the full extent of the right arm; the left hand to be brought across the body with the fingers extended on the rifle in line with the elbow to steady it to the shoulder; thumb close to the forefinger.
Three.
Bring the left hand smartly to the left side.
15th.
Order, Anns.
As detailed in No. 3.
16th.
Unfix, Swords.
Place the rifle with the right hand smartly between the knees, guard to the front, and seize it with the left hand at the "nose cap," as also the handle of the sword with the right hand, knuckles to the front, fingers pointing downwards; then with the forefinger press the spring inwards, raise the sword upwards, and drop the point, with the edge to the front, towards the scabbard, raising the right elbow in doing so, at the same time
[Image of page 12]
move the left hand smartly and seize the scabbard to guide the sword into it, this being done, seize the rifle with the right hand, and come to the position of "order arms."
17th.
Stand, at Ease.
Push the muzzle of the rifle to the front with the right hand, arm close to the side; at the same time move the left foot six inches to the front, &c., as detailed at No. 12.
The foregoing exercise is applicable for serjeants, and supersedes the "Fusil exercise."
Serjeants in line will remain steady at "shoulder arms," during the performance of the manual and platoon exercise.
In taking up an alignment, the rifle is to be raised with the left hand holding the butt, thumb on the heel of it, the small of the butt being seized with the right hand, the piece brought before the body, the barrel to the front; this position will be called the recover.
TIME.
The motions in the manual exercise are to be performed having one pause of the slow time of march between each, except that of fixing bayonets or swords, in which a longer time must be given; one pause should also be made between the first and last parts of the words of command, for instance, shoulder (one pause) arms, both in the manual and platoon.
The manual is not to be executed by one word or signal, but each separate word of command is to bo given by the officer who commands the body performing it.
In ordering arms from any position, the greatest care is to be taken to prevent the rifle falling on, or striking the ground, nor is it to be unnecessarily shaken in performing any of the motions of the manual exercise.
S, 24. Trailing Arms
Trail, Arms.
From the Order, with Long and Short Rifle.
Bring the rifle to a horizontal position at the right side, holding it with the right hand behind the lower band (thumb and fingers round the piece) at the full extent of the arm; the muzzle of the rear rank man's rifle to be just in front and clear of the wrist of his front rank man,
From the Shoulder with Long Rifle.
Seize the rifle with the right hand under the lower band, arm close in to the body, thumb and fingers round the piece.
Two. -- Bring the rifle in the right hand to a horizontal position at the right side, and hold it at the full extent of the arm; the muzzle of the rear rank man's rifle to be just in front and clear of the wrist of his front rank man,
From the Advance, or Shoulder, with Short Rifle.
Seize the rifle with the left hand, little finger in line with the elbow, arm close in to the body.
Two. --Bring the rifle to a horizontal position at the right side, seizing it at once with the right hand behind the lower hand (thumb and fingers round the piece) at the lull extent of the arm, bringing the left hand smartly to the left side.
Change, Arms.
Bring the rifle to a perpendicular position at the right side, and seize it with the left hand close above the sight, and carry it round to the left side, bringing it to a horizontal position at the full extent of the arm.
[Image of page 13]
When moving with trailed arms, at the word "halt," arms are to be ordered. In Rifle corps at the word "march" arms are to be trailed without any command to that effect.
Order, Arms
(from the trail).
Bring the rifle at once to a perpendicular position at the right side, and place the butt quietly on the ground, and come to the position of "order arms."
N.B. Trailed arms, for the ease of the soldier, may be used on the line of march, or in marching to and from the place of parade or exercise, or with guards marching to and from their posts, or when moving as light infantry.
Trailed arms must never be used with fixed bayonets, except in preparing to charge; nor in file marching, nor in any field movements where close marching is required.
If required to move a few paces backwards or forwards when at ordered arms, the rifle is merely to be raised from the ground, keeping the barrel close to the shoulder; this position will be called short trail.
S. 25. Method of Piling Arms.
The company to stand in close order, with ordered arms, and to be numbered from right to left.
Pile, Arms.
At the word "pile" the rear rank will take a pace of ten inches to the rear, and the front rank draw back their right feet in order to face to the right about; at the word "arms," the front rank will face about, bringing their rifles with them to ordered arms; the front and rear rank men will then place the butts, locks inwards, against the inside of their outer feet as close to the heel as possible, after which the right file rear rank and the left file front rank will incline their rifles towards each other, and cross ramrods; the right file front rank will at once place his left hand round the muzzle of his left file, bearing it from him, and with his right hand lock ramrods by passing his by the left of the ramrods and to the right of the muzzles of the other rifles, the left file rear rank will then lodge his rifle between the muzzles of the rifles of the front rank, sling uppermost. When there is an odd file, the front and rear rank man will lodge his rifle against the pile nearest his right hand.
Stand clear.
Ranks take a pace or ten inches backwards and face towards the pivot flank.
Stand to.
Ranks facing towards the pivot flank, will face inwards and close on their arms by taking a pace of ten inches forward.
Unpile, Arms.
At the word "unpile" seize the rifle with the right hand under the top band, front rank at the same time drawing back their right feet in order to face to the right about; at the Avoid "arms" unlock the ramrods without hurry, by inclining the butts inwards, and come to ordered arms, the front rank will then
[Image of page 14]
"front", and the rear rank close on it by taking' a pace of ten inches forward.
N.B. It is necessary to be careful in piling and unpiling arms to prevent damage being done to the ramrods and sights.
