Chapter II · DISMOUNTED DRILL WITH AND WITHOUT ARMS.[2]
Reading edition
CHAPTER II. DISMOUNTED DRILL WITH AND WITHOUT ARMS.[2]
Squad Drill with Intervals.
13. General instructions.
1. Instruction can be imparted most easily to a squad in single rank. A squad of recruits should, therefore, be placed in single rank at arm’s length apart; but if want of space makes it necessary, the squad may consist of two ranks, in which case the men of the rear rank will cover the intervals between the men in the front rank.
2. At first recruits may be placed in position by the instructor, afterwards they should not be touched, but made to correct themselves, when faults are pointed out. The instructor should teach as much as possible by illustration, performing the movements himself, or making a smart recruit perform them.
Recruits will be advanced progressively from one exercise to another, men of inferior capacity being put back to a less advanced squad.
When the various motions have been learnt, instruction by numbers will cease.
3. Commands which consist of one word will be preceded by a caution. The caution, or cautionary part of a command will be given deliberately and distinctly; the last or executive part which, as a rule, should consist of only one word or syllable will be given sharply. A pause will be made between the caution and the executive word.
When the formation is moving, executive words will be completed as the men begin the pace which will bring them to the spot on which the command is to be executed. The caution must be commenced accordingly.
Young officers and non-commissioned officers should be frequently practised in giving words of command.
4. In the following sections the various words of command are printed in small block capitals, the cautionary part of the command being separated from the executive part by a stroke thus—
14. Position and movements at the halt.
1. The position Heels together and in line. Feet turned
of attention. out at an angle of about 45 degrees. Knees
straight. Body erect, and carried evenly
Attention. over the thighs with the shoulders (which
should be level, and square to the front)
down and moderately back—this should
bring the chest into its natural forward
position, without any straining or
stiffening. Arms hanging easily from the
shoulders as straight as the natural bend
of the arm, when the muscles are relaxed,
will allow, but with the hands level with
the centre of the thighs. Wrists straight.
Palms of the hands turned towards the
thighs, with the heel of the hand and the
inside of the finger tips lightly touching
them, fingers hanging naturally together
and slightly bent. Neck erect. Head
balanced evenly on the neck, and not poked
forward, eyes looking their own height and
straight to the front.
The weight of the body should be balanced
on both feet, and evenly distributed
between the fore part of the feet and the heels.
The breathing must not in any way be
restricted, and no part of the body should
be either drawn in or pushed out.
The position is one of readiness, but
there should be no stiffness or forced
unnatural straining to maintain it.
2. To stand Keeping the legs straight, carry the left
at ease. foot about one foot-length to the left so
that the weight of the body rests equally
Stand at on both feet, at the same time carry the
—Ease. hands behind the back and place the back of
one hand in the palm of the other, grasping
it lightly with the fingers and thumb, and
allowing the arms to hang easily at their
full extent. (It is immaterial which hand
grasps the other.)
3. To stand The limbs, head and body may be moved, but
easy the man will not move from the ground on
which he is standing
Stand Note.—Troops “standing easy” who receive
—Easy. a caution such as “squad”, “section,” &c., will
assume the position of “stand at ease.”
4. Dressing
a squad by
the flank.
Eyes— On the word “Right” the head will be
Right turned, and the eyes directed to the right.
(or Left)
Dress. On the word “Dress,” each recruit, except
the right-hand man, will take up his dressing in
line by moving, with short quick steps, until he
is able to see the lower part of the face of the
second man from him, taking care to keep his
body in the position of attention.
At the same time, all but the right-hand man
will extend their right arm, back of the hand
up, finger tips just touching the shoulder of
the man on their right.
Eyes— On the word “Front” the head and eyes
Front. will be turned smartly to the front, and the
arm dropped, and the position of attention resumed.
5. The Keeping both knees straight and the body
turns. erect, turn to the right on the right heel
and left toe, raising the left heel and right
toe in doing so.
Right Turn On the completion of this preliminary
—One. movement, the right foot must be flat on
the ground and the left heel raised, both
knees straight and the weight of the
body, which must be erect, on the right foot.
Two. Bring the left heel smartly up to the right
without stamping the foot on the ground.
Left Turn Turn to the left, as described above, on
—One. the left heel and right toe, the weight of
the body being on the left foot on the
completion of the movement.
Two. Bring the right heel smartly up to the left
without stamping the foot on the ground.
About— Turn fully about to the right, as described,
Turn for the “Right turn” by numbers.
One.
Two.
As soon as the recruit understands the different motions he should be practised in performing these movements, judging the time.
15. Saluting.
1. Saluting Bring the right (left) hand smartly, with a
to the front circular motion, to the head, palm to the
by numbers. front, fingers extended and close together,
point of the forefinger touching the peak of
Right (Left) the cap in front of the right (left) eye, thumb
Hand—Salute close to the forefinger, elbow in line and
One. nearly square with the shoulder.
Two. Cut away the arm smartly to the side.
2. Saluting On the word “Salute,” go through the two
to the front motions described in para. 1 and, after a pause
judging the time. equal to two paces in quick time, cut away the arm.
Right (Left)
Hand—Salute.
Recruits should also be practised in marching two or three
together, saluting points being placed on either side, and
the man nearest to the point giving the time.
3. Rules as to saluting.
The salute will always be with the hand farthest from the person saluted.
When a soldier passes an officer he will salute three paces before reaching him, and will lower the hand on the third pace after passing him. As the hand is brought to the salute, the head will be turned towards the person saluted; if carrying a whip, the soldier will place it smartly under the disengaged arm, cutting away the hand before saluting. If standing still, he will face the officer as the latter passes and salute.
A soldier, if sitting when an officer approaches, will rise, stand at attention, and salute; if two or more men are sitting or standing about, the senior non-commissioned officer or oldest soldier will call the whole to “Attention,” facing the officer, and will alone salute.
When a soldier addresses an officer, he will halt two paces from him and salute. He will also salute before withdrawing.
When appearing before an officer in a room, he will salute without removing his cap.
A soldier, without his cap, or when carrying anything other than his arms will, if standing still, come to attention, and face the officer as he passes; if walking without his cap or riding a bicycle, he will turn his head smartly towards the officer in passing him.
A soldier when wearing a sword will salute with the right hand. Officers and soldiers passing troops with uncased colours will salute the colours, and the commander if senior to them. When passing a military funeral, they will salute the body.
A soldier driving a vehicle will bring his whip to a perpendicular position, with the right hand resting on the thigh and turn his head smartly towards an officer when passing him.
A soldier riding on a vehicle will turn his head smartly towards an officer when passing him.
16. Movements.
1. Before the squad is put in motion, the instructor will take care that the men are square individually and in correct line with each other. Each soldier must be taught to move straight to his front by fixing his eye upon some object on the ground directly in front of him and then observing some nearer point in the same straight line, such as a stone or a tuft of grass. The two objects must be kept in line when he advances.
2. The legs should be swung forward freely and naturally from the hip joints, each leg as it swings forward being bent sufficiently at the knee to enable the foot to clear the ground. The foot should be carried straight to the front and, without being drawn back, placed firmly upon the ground with the knee straight, but so as not to jerk the body.
3. The body should be maintained as erect as possible, its relative position being as described for the position of “Attention,” well balanced over the legs and carried evenly forward without swaying from side to side, and with head erect.
4. The aims must not be stiffened but should swing freely and naturally from the shoulders, the right arm swinging forward with the left leg and vice versâ. If the arms are swung in this way they will bend naturally at the elbow as they swing forward and will straighten as they swing back, the movement being free without being forced.
5. Length of pace.—In slow and quick time the length of pace is 30 inches. In stepping out it is 33 inches, in double time 40, in stepping short 21, and in the side step 14 inches.
6. Time.—In slow time 75 paces are taken in a minute. In quick time, and in the side step 120 paces, and in double time 180 paces are taken in a minute.
7. Marching
in quick
time. On the word “March,” the squad will
step off together with the left foot, in
Quick— quick time, observing the instructions
March. contained in the previous paragraphs.
8. The halt.
The moving foot will complete its pace,
Squad— and the other will be brought smartly up
Halt. in line with it, without stamping.
9. Stepping On the word “Out” the moving foot will
out when complete its pace, and the soldier will
marching lengthen the pace by 3 inches, leaning
in quick forward a little but without altering the time.
time.
Note.—This step is used when a slight
Step— increase of speed, without an alteration of
Out. time, is required; on the command
Quick—March, the usual pace will be resumed.
10. Stepping
short when
marching
in quick time. On the word “Short,” the foot advancing
will complete its pace, after which each
Step— soldier will shorten the pace by 9 inches
Short. until the command Quick—March is
given, when the quick step will be resumed.
11. Marking On the word “Time,” the foot then advancing
time. will complete its pace, after which the
time will be continued, without advancing
by raising each foot alternately about
six inches, keeping the feet almost parallel
with the ground, the knees raised to the front,
Mark— the arms steady at the sides, and the body
Time steady. On the command Forward,
the pace at which the men were moving
will be resumed.
12. Stepping On the word “March,” step back the
back from named number of paces of 30 inches straight
the halt. to the rear, commencing with the left foot.
——Paces Note.—Stepping back should not exceed
Step Back four paces.
—March.
13. The On the word “March,” step off with
double the left foot and double on the toes
march. with easy swinging strides, inclining the
body slightly forward, but maintaining its
Double— correct carriage. The feet must be picked
March. up cleanly from the ground at each pace and
the thigh, knee, and ankle joints must all
work freely and without stiffness. The whole
body should be carried forward by a thrust
from the rear foot without unnecessary effort,
and the heels must not be raised towards the
seat but the foot carried straight to the
front and the toes placed lightly on the
ground. The arms should swing easily from the
shoulders and should be bent at the elbow,
the forearm forming an angle of about 135
degrees with the upper arm (i.e.,
midway between a straight arm and a right
angle at the elbow), fists clenched, backs of
the hands outward, and the arms swung
sufficiently clear of the body to allow of
full freedom for the chest. The shoulders
should be kept steady and square to the front
and the head erect.
14. Halting
from the
double
march.
Squad— As in para. 8, at the same time dropping
—Halt. the hands to the position of attention.
15. Marking
time in
double time
from double On the word “Time,” act as in para. 11, the
march. arms and hands being carried as when marching
in double time, but with the swing of the arms
Mark— reduced.
Time.
16. Moving
to the right
or left by
the side step.
On the word “March,” each man will carry
Right (or his right foot 14 inches direct to the right,
Left) Close— and instantly close his left foot to it, thus
March. completing the pace; he will proceed to take
or—Paces the next pace in the same manner. Shoulders
Right (or to be kept square, knees straight, unless on
Left) Close— rough or broken ground. The direction must
March. be kept in a straight line to the flank.
17. Halting On the command “Halt,” which will be
from the given when the number of paces has not been
side step. specified, the men will complete the pace they
are taking, and remain steady.
Squad— Note.—Soldiers should not usually be
Halt. moved to a flank by the side step more
than twelve paces.
18. Turning On the word “Turn,” each soldier will
when on turn in the named direction, and move on at
the march. once, without checking his pace.
Note.—A soldier will always turn to the
Right (or right on the left foot; and to the left on the
Left)— right foot. The word Turn will be given
Turn. as the foot on which the turn is to be made
is coming to the ground; if it is not so given
the soldier will move on one pace and then turn.
About— On the word “Turn,” the soldier will turn
Turn. right-about on his own ground in three beats
of the time in which he is marching. Having
completed the turn about the soldier will at
once move forward, the fourth pace being a
full pace.
Right (or On the word “Incline,” each soldier will
Left)— make a half-turn in the named direction and
Incline. move forward diagonally.
The soldier will turn in the original direction
on the word Forward.
Squad Drill in Single Rank.
17. General instructions
1. Recruits will next be formed in single rank without intervals, each man occupying a space of 27 inches.
2. When soldiers are on the alignment they have to occupy, they will except at the commencement of drill, or at ceremonial parades, take up their own dressing without orders. When a squad is halted each man will look towards the flank by which the squad was previously dressing with a smart turn of the head and commencing with the man nearest the flank will move up or back to his place. Each man will look to his front as soon as he has got his dressing.
3. Numbering The squad will number off from the right
a squad. hand man, the right hand man calling out
“one,” the next on his left “two,” and so on.
Squad— As each man calls out his number he will
Number. turn his head smartly towards his left and at
once turn to the front again.
4. Proving. Those ordered to prove stretch out their
right hands to the full extent of the arm,
Even (Odd) palm of the hand to the left, fingers extended
Numbers and close together, thumb close to the forefinger,
—Prove. and in line with the top of the shoulder.
As you Those proving bring their right hands
Were. to the side, bending the elbow in so doing.
5. Opening
a squad to The odd numbers will take two paces forward;
drill with when the paces are completed the whole
intervals. squad will look to the flank ordered and
correct the dressing quickly, looking to the
Open Ranks front as soon as the dressing is correct.
—March.
6. A squad
with intervals
closing to
single rank.
Reform The odd numbers will step back two paces,
Ranks— when the paces are completed the squad will
March. dress.
18. Movements.
1. Marching in squad.
The caution will be given “The Squad will Advance,” followed by the command “Eyes Right, Quick—March.” The man on the flank by which the dressing is ordered will take up a point to march on.
During the march the shoulders must be kept square to the front, and the eyes kept off the ground, everybody moving at the same pace, and keeping their correct distances and intervals by uniformity of pace and an occasional glance towards the directing flank.
The recruit will be practised in changing the pace, without halting, from quick to double, by the command, “Double March.” On the command “Quick March,” the arms will be dropped to the usual position.
The instructor will insure that the flank man selects two distant points to march on, and, before approaching the first, takes another in advance on the same line, and so on.
2. The
diagonal
march. On the word “Incline,” the men will
all turn half right together, and march
Right (or in that direction, each regulating his pace so
Left)— that his own shoulders are parallel with the
Incline. shoulders of the man on his right.
Forward. On the word “Forward” every man will
move forward together in the original
direction.
Note.—If the incline is properly performed
the squad after the word Forward will
be parallel to its original position.
3. Wheeling.
Recruits will first be taught to wheel from the halt, after which they will be instructed to wheel while on the march. It will be explained to the squad that, in wheeling, the flank which is brought forward is termed the outward flank; the other, the inward, or pivot, flank.
The method of wheeling will be the same as laid down in Sec. 20 (3).
4. Movements by fours, half-sections, and single files.
The above will be performed in accordance with the instructions given in Secs. 19 and 20.
5. Dismissing. The squad will turn to the right, and, after
a pause, break off quickly and leave the
parade ground. If an officer is on parade the
Dis-miss. men will salute together as they break off.
Squad Drill in Two Ranks.
19. General instructions.
1. The recruits, when thoroughly grounded in the foregoing instructions, will be practised on foot in two ranks, the rear rank at three paces distance from the front rank. The two ranks will be equalized, as far as possible, a blank file being, if necessary, the second from the left of the rear rank. The squad having been formed up, the instructor will give the command, “From the right tell off by fours.” The man on the right of the front rank numbers himself 1, the next man on his left 2, and so on to the fifth man, who then begins a fresh sequence by numbering himself 1. The same procedure is continued till the left flank is reached. As soon as the squad has finished telling off, the instructor will prove the flanks of four by the command, “Flanks of fours, prove.” Each number 1 and 4 in the front rank will then prove as described in Sec. 17 (4), as well as those who cover them in the rear rank.
2. All movements and formations will be made from or on a named flank. When moving by fours, half-sections or files, if there should be an incomplete unit on the left, the files will open out to cover the front of the whole unit. Should the incomplete unit consist of only half the number of files in the full unit, or less, the rear rank will move up on the left of, and in line with its front rank.
3. When on the move, increasing or decreasing the front on foot the pace is not increased, but the front or rear is ordered to mark time as necessary.
4. N.C.Os. or more advanced recruits should be posted without coverers on the flanks of the front rank and the point of direction for dressing will be given to one or other flank as a rule. These men are termed flank guides and do not tell off.
20. Movements.
1. The On the word “March” the whole squad
march in moves off together at the pace ordered.
line. The principles which regulate the march in
line are:—
Eyes Right (a) Strict uniformity of pace.
Quick (or (b) Correct direction.
Double)— (c) Correct intervals and distances without
March. crowding. Every man looking
straight to the front, except for
an occasional glance to the flank
of direction.
2. Inclining. On the word “Incline,” each man turns
half right (or left). The rear rank moves in
Right (or the same manner, regulating itself by the
Left)— front rank, so that each individual would
Incline. cover the corresponding front rank number
if both were turned to the front.
The flank guide of the directing flank
having made the half turn, picks up a point
on which to march, and moves forward at
the original pace. The remainder of the men
move parallel to him, preserving the same
relative direction and position with regard
to each other, as when the turn was first
made.
On the command Forward each man at
the same instant turns to the former front
when the frontage of the squad should be
parallel to the original frontage. The incline
should be employed for short distances only.
3. Wheeling. On the word “Wheel,” the inner flank
guide marks time, glancing to the outer flank
Right (or and coming gradually round with his rank.
Left)— The outer flank guide glances inwards and
Wheel. quickens his pace, regulating his direction
so as to maintain the same extent of front.
Each front rank man keeps touch with the
next man to him on the inner flank, glancing
to the outer flank and increasing or decreasing
his pace in accordance with the relative position
which he occupies in the wheel.
As soon as the front rank begins to wheel
the rear rank men gain ground towards
the outer flank by a combination of inclining and
wheeling.
The following are the words of command for
the different degrees of wheel:—
Quarter Right (or Left). Half Right (or
Left). Right (or Left) Wheel. Three-quarters
Right (or Left) About. Right (or Left)
About Wheel.
4. Decreasing
the front from
the halt.
Advance in The right section of fours advances, followed
Fours from by the next on its left, which inclines
The Right so as to cover the leading section. The
Quick— remainder follow in succession.
March.
Advance in Nos. 1 and 2 of the right section, followed
Half-sections by their coverers advance and these in turn
from are followed by Nos. 3 and 4 and their
the Right coverers. The remaining half-sections follow
Quick— in succession inclining and covering the leading
March. half-sections.
Advance in No. 1 of the right section of fours advances,
Single File followed by his coverer. Nos. 2, 3 and 4, followed
from the by their coverers move off in succession,
Right. inclining and covering the leading file. The
Quick— remainder act similarly. If an advance from
March. the left is ordered, the same rules as above
will apply if left be substituted for right and
Nos. 4, 3, 2, 1, for 1, 2, 3, 4.
When done on the move the command
Rear, Mark Time, must be substituted for
Quick March in the above words of command.
Note.—Each of the movements can be
carried out in a similar manner from the left
by substituting “Left” for “Right.”
5. Increasing
the front.
From single
files.
The leading man advances 6 paces and halts,
To the his rear-rank man moving up to his proper
Halt, Form— distance and covering him; the remainder
Half-Sections. move up into line by inclining to the left.
From
half-sections.
To the Halt, The leading half-section advances 6 paces
Form—Fours. and halts. Those in rear conform as above.
From fours. The leading section of fours advances
6 paces and halts. Those in rear conform as
above.
To the Halt, This command will also be used when it is
Form—Squad. required to form squad from Single Files or
Half-Sections.
If an advance from the left has been made
and it is desired to increase the front, the
same command as above will be given, but
the files, &c., will move up on the right of
those in front.
When done on the move the command Front
Mark Time, must be substituted for the words,
To the Halt, in the above commands.
6. Formations On the word “Right (or Left),” the leading
to a body will wheel at once to the flank
flank. named, advance 6 paces and halt; those in
rear advance until nearly opposite the inner
Forming flank of the body next in front of them and
squad to a then wheel and come up into the alignment.
flank. In order to maintain the relative position
of the numbers in each section of fours,
To the Halt, “Fours” must be formed before the order
Fours—Right to wheel is given when advancing in single
(or Left). files or half-sections.
7. Moving to A squad may be moved to either flank in
a flank. column of Fours, Half-sections, or Single
Files.
Fours In each case on the word “March,” the men
(Half-Sections of the front rank wheel in the required
or Single direction, followed by their rear rank men.
Files) The remainder of the squad follow in succession.
Right (or Left). A squad may be moved a short distance
Quick—March. to a flank in file by the command Right (or
Left) Turn.
8. Formations to the rear.
Formations to the rear are made when in single files, half-sections or fours by wheeling about, or when in line by wheeling fours about and then acting as described above. In these cases the first command will be Files, Half-sections or Fours—About, the wheel being carried out to the right on a fixed pivot.
Rifle Drill.
21. General instructions.
1. Recruits, before they commence the Rifle Exercises, are to be taught the names of the different parts of the rifle and the care of arms as laid down in the “Musketry Regulations,” Part I.
2. The rifle exercises will not be performed at inspections, and will only be practised by formations larger than a squad for ceremonial purposes.
3. Drilling by numbers should be restricted in the regular forces to the instruction of recruits, and should be curtailed as far as possible in the other forces.
4. The recruit having learnt the rifle exercises by numbers, will be taught to perform them in quick time, the words of command being given without the numbers, with a pause of one beat of quick time between each motion.
5. Squads with arms will be practised in the different marches and variations of step, described in the foregoing sections. During these practices, the closest attention must be paid to the position of each individual recruit.
The disengaged arm will be allowed to swing naturally as described for marching in quick or double time without arms.
6. The following instructions apply to the Short Lee-Enfield, Lee-Enfield, and Lee-Metford Rifle.
22. Rifle exercises.
1. Falling in with the rifle at the order.
The recruit will fall in as described in Sec. 14 (1), with the rifle held perpendicularly at his right side, the butt on the ground, its toe in line with the toe of the right foot. The right arm to be slightly bent, the hand to hold the rifle at or near the band (with the L.E. or L.M. rifle near the lower band) back of the hand to the right, thumb against the thigh, fingers together and slanting towards the ground. The left arm in the position of attention.
When each man has got his dressing he will stand at ease.
2. Standing Keeping the legs straight, carry the left
at ease foot about one foot-length to the left so that
from the the weight of the body rests equally on both
order. feet, at the same time incline the muzzle of
the rifle slightly to the front with the right
Stand at— hand, arm close to the side, the left arm to be
Ease. kept in the position of attention.
3. The
attention
from stand
at ease.
Squad— The left foot will be brought up to the right
Attention. and the rifle returned to the order.
4. The slope
from the order Give the rifle a cant upwards with the right
and vice versâ. hand, catching it with the left hand behind
the backsight, and the right hand at the
Slope small of the butt, thumb to the left, elbow to
Arms—One. the rear.
Two. Carry the rifle across the body, and place it
flat on the left shoulder, magazine outwards
from the body. Seize the butt with the left
hand, the first two joints of the fingers grasping
the upper side of the butt, the thumb
about one inch above the toe, the upper part
of the left arm close to the side, the lower part
horizontal, and the heel of the butt in line
with the centre of the left thigh.
Three. Cut away the right hand to the side.
5. The order
from the
slope. Bring the rifle down to the full extent of
the left arm, at the same time meeting it
Order with the right hand just above the backsight
Arms—One. (at the lower band L.E. and L.M. rifle), arm
close to the body.
Two. Bring the rifle to the right side, seizing it
at the same time with the left hand just
below the foresight, butt just clear of the
ground.
Three. Place the butt quietly on the ground, cutting
the left hand away to the side.
6. The slope
from the stand,
easy and
vice versâ.
Squad After taking up the positions of stand at
Slope— ease and the order in succession,
Arms. the squad will slope arms as described in para. 4.
The squad orders arms as described in para.
Stand—Easy. 5 and, after taking up the position of stand at
ease, will stand easy.
7. The present
from the slope,
and vice versâ.
Present Grasp the rifle with the right hand at
Arms—One. the small, both arms close to the body.
Two. Raise the rifle with the right hand perpend-
icularly in front of the centre of the body,
sling to the left; at the same time place the
left hand smartly on the stock, wrist on the
magazine, fingers pointing upwards, thumb
close to the forefinger, point of the thumb
in line with the mouth; the left elbow to be
close to the butt, the right elbow and butt
close to the body.
Three. Bring the rifle down perpendicularly close
in front of the centre of the body, guard to
the front, holding it lightly at the full extent
of the right arm, fingers slanting downwards,
and meet it smartly with the left hand
immediately behind the backsight, thumb
pointing towards the muzzle; at the same time
place the hollow of the right foot against the
left heel, both knees straight. The weight
of the rifle to be supported by the left hand.
Slope Bring the right foot in line with the left
Arms—One. and place the rifle on the left shoulder as
described in the second motion of the slope
from the order.
Two. Cut away the right hand to the side.
8. To trail By a slight bend of the right arm give the
arms from rifle a cant forward and seize it at the point
the order, of balance, bringing it at once to a horizontal
and vice position at the right side at the full extent of
versâ. the arm, fingers and thumb round the rifle and
Trail—Arms. behind the seam of the trousers.
Order—Arms. Raise the muzzle, catch the rifle at the
band (with L.E. or L.M. rifle at the lower
band) and come to the order.
9. To Give the rifle a cant upwards with
shoulder the right hand, catching it with the left hand
arms in line with the elbow; at the same time
from the slipping the second finger of the right hand
order, and inside the guard, close the first and second
vice versâ. fingers on the magazine, thumb and remaining
fingers pointing downwards; the upper part
Shoulder—Arms. of the barrel to rest in the hollow of the
One. shoulder.
Two. Drop the left hand to the side.
Order—Arms. Take hold of the rifle with the left hand
One. immediately below the band (with L.E. or
L.M. rifle at the lower band), arm close to
the body.
Two. Bring the rifle down in the left hand nearly
to the ground, keeping the arm and rifle close
to the body; then seize it with the right hand
at the band (with L.E. or L.M. rifle at the
lower band), drop the left hand to the side,
and place the butt quietly on the ground at
the order.
10. To
shoulder arms
from the trail, Tightening the grasp of the right hand,
and vice versâ. bring the rifle to a perpendicular position,
and hold it with the left hand in line with the
Shoulder—Arms. elbow, then seize it with the right hand as at
One. the shoulder.
Two. Drop the left hand to the side.
Trail—Arms Hold the rifle with the left hand in line with
One. the elbow, arm close to the body.
Two. Take hold of the rifle with the right hand
at the point of balance; then bring it down to
the trail, at the same time dropping the left
hand to the side.
11. The short
trail. Raise the rifle about three inches from the
ground, keeping it otherwise in the position
of the order.
If standing with ordered arms, and directed
to close to the right or left, to step back,
or to take any named number of paces forward,
men will come to the short trail.
12. To
ground
arms from
the order,
and vice Place the rifle gently on the ground at the
versâ. right side, magazine to the right. The right
hand will be in line with the toe as it places
Ground—Arms. the rifle on the ground. Then return smartly
to the position of attention.
Take up—Arms. Bend down, pick up the rifle and return to
the order.
13. Dismissing. The squad will turn to the right, and after
a pause break off quietly and leave the parade
Dis-miss. ground with sloped arms.
Note.—Arms will be sloped before the squad is dismissed.
23. Inspection of arms.
1. When arms are inspected at the port only, the officer will see that the wind-gauge is properly centred, the fine adjustment at its lowest point, the keeper screw and the screw on the right charger guide in proper position, and that the magazine platform works freely.
Each soldier, when the officer has passed the file next to him, will, without further word of command, ease springs and order arms and stand easy.
2. To port
arms for Cant the rifle, muzzle leading, with the
inspection right hand smartly across the body, guard to
on parade the left and downwards, the barrel crossing
from the opposite the point of the left shoulder, and
order. meet it at the same time with the left hand
close behind the backsight, thumb and fingers
round the rifle, the left wrist to be opposite
the left breast, both elbows close to the body.
For Inspection Turn the safety catch completely over to
Port—Arms. the front with the thumb or forefinger of the
right hand (Charger-loading Lee-Enfield rifle.
Lower the safety catch with the thumb of the
right hand). Pull out the cut-off if closed,
first pressing it downwards with the thumb,
then seize the knob with the forefinger and
thumb of the right hand, turn it sharply
upwards, and draw back the bolt to its full
extent, then grasp the butt with the right
hand immediately behind the bolt, thumb
pointing to the muzzle.
3. To ease Close the breech (with L.E. or L.M. rifle,
springs the cut off should first be closed) press the
and come trigger, close the cut off by placing the right
to the hand over the bolt and pressing the cut off
order. inwards, turn the safety catch over to the rear,
and return the hand to the small.
Ease—Springs. Close the breech (with L.E. or L.M. rifle,
or (if the the cut off should first be closed), then turn
magazine is the safety catch over to the rear and return
charged) the hand to the small.
Lock Bolt. Holding the rifle firmly in the left hand,
Order— seize it with the right hand at the band (with
Arms— L.E. or L.M. rifle at the lower band).
One.
Two. As in the second motion of the order from
the slope.
Three. As in the third motion of the order from
the slope.
4. To If it is necessary to examine arms, the men
examine will be cautioned to remain at the port.
arms from Both ranks will come to the position for
the position loading (see Musketry Regulations, Part I),
for with the muzzle so inclined as to enable
inspection. the officer to look through the barrel, the
thumb nail of the right hand being placed
Examine— in front of the bolt to reflect light into
Arms. the barrel.
The soldier, when the officer has passed the
next file to him, will act as detailed in para. 3.
24. Guards and compliments.
1. When a soldier carrying a rifle passes or addresses an officer he will do so at the slope and will salute by carrying the right hand smartly to the small of the butt, forearm horizontal, back of the hand to the front, fingers extended. The salute will begin and end at the same number of paces from the officer as when saluting without arms (see Sec. 15 (3).)
In passing an officer the soldier will always turn his head towards him, in the same manner as when unarmed.
A soldier, if halted when an officer passes, will turn towards him and stand at the order.
2. Guards and sentries.—Guards, including reliefs, will march with sloped arms.
Sentries, when saluting otherwise than by presenting arms, will halt, turn to the front, and carry the right hand to the small of the butt as directed in para. 1.
Further instructions concerning guards and sentries are given in “Ceremonial.”