601. GENERAL
a. All the individuals in group actions employ the same individual
movements previously described.
b. Teamwork is important in any endeavor, and especially in fighting.
The bayonet fighting team can use a few simple tactics to take
advantage of superior numbers before the enemy reinforces his position.
Teamwork can also be used to overcome a numerical advantage favoring
the enemy.
602. GROUP ATTACK
a. Two Against One.—Two Marines approach a single enemy. Unable to
anticipate his actions they advance directly forward but neither
converges on him. As the range closes, the enemy will turn his
attention toward one of the two. This Marine advances quickly toward
the enemy and engages him. The other Marine advances quickly toward the
enemy’s exposed flank and kills him. Should the enemy turn to guard
his exposed flank he exposes the other flank, and can be killed by the
Marine who first attacked him. In such a coordinated attack the Marine
who makes the kill is usually the one attacking the exposed flank.
The approach, attack, and kill are made in a very few seconds. The
importance of speed and aggressive action is obvious. (See fig. 23.)
b. Three Against Two.—Three Marines approach two opponents. The Marines
advance directly forward awaiting the enemy’s reaction. Two Marines
will be engaged. The third then moves swiftly to the exposed flank
of one of the enemy, usually the nearest to his position. As soon as
one enemy is killed, the other is attacked swiftly from his exposed
flank by the Marine who can reach him first. Should either enemy being
attacked on the exposed flank turn to defend that flank, he is swiftly
killed by the Marine who was originally making the frontal attack. (See
fig. 24).
603. GROUP DEFENSE
a. One Against Two.—When one Marine is engaged by two enemy opponents,
he immediately dashes to the outboard flank of the nearest enemy.
Should he allow himself to be caught between the two, he will be easily
killed. He always keeps an enemy between himself and the other enemy so
they can be engaged and killed one at a time. A savage attack and quick
disposal of one enemy, before the second can move to the aid of the
first, turns the tide. (See fig. 25.)
[Illustration:
1. Approach
2. Contact
3. Alternate attack
Figure 23.—Two Against One.]
[Illustration:
1. Approach
2. Contact
Figure 24.—Three Against Two.]
[Illustration:
1. Approach
2. Contact
Figure 25.—One Against Two.]
b. Two Against Three.—When two Marines are engaged by three enemy,
both move to the outboard flanks of the enemy, leaving one enemy in
the middle. Each Marine savagely attacks and disposes of his adversary
before the enemy in the middle can act to help one of his companions.
Once one Marine has defeated his opponent he turns on the lone enemy
in the middle. Again, victory will go the side which acts swiftly and
aggressively. (See fig. 26.)
[Illustration: Two Against Three.
Figure 26.—Two Against Three.]