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.
[2] Heavy and mountain artillery drill as laid down for infantry.
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--EASE. on both feet, at the same time carry the
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 easy._ The limbs, head and body may be moved, but
the man will not move from the ground on
STAND--EASY. which he is standing
_Note._--Troops “_standing easy_” who
receive a caution such as “_squad_,”
“_section_,” &c., will assume the
position of “_stand at ease_.”
4. _Dressing a squad_
_by the flank._
EYES--RIGHT On the word “_Right_” the head will be
(_or_ LEFT). turned, and the eyes directed to the right.
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--FRONT. On the word “_Front_” the head and eyes
will be turned smartly to the front, and the
arm dropped, and the position of attention
resumed.
5. _The turns._ Keeping both knees straight and the body
erect, turn to the right on the right heel
and left toe, raising the left heel and right
toe in doing so.
RIGHT TURN--ONE. On the completion of this preliminary
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--ONE. Turn to the left, as described above, on
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 Turn fully about to the right, as described,
ONE. for the “_Right turn_” by numbers.
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._
QUICK--MARCH. On the word “_March_,” the squad will
step off together with the left foot, in
quick time, observing the instructions
contained in the previous paragraphs.
8. _The halt._
The moving foot will complete its pace,
SQUAD--HALT. and the other will be brought smartly up
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--OUT. increase of speed, without an alteration of
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--SHORT. soldier will shorten the pace by 9 inches
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
MARK--TIME raising each foot alternately about
six inches, keeping the feet almost
parallel with the ground, the knees
raised to the front, the arms steady
at the sides, and the body 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--MARCH four paces.
13. _The_ On the word “_March_,” step off with
_double march._ the left foot and double on the toes
with easy swinging strides, inclining the
body slightly forward, but maintaining its
DOUBLE--MARCH. correct carriage. The feet must be picked
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--HALT. As in para. 8, at the same time dropping
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
reduced.
MARK--TIME.
16. _Moving_
_to the right_
_or left by_
_the side step._
RIGHT (_or_ LEFT)
CLOSE--MARCH.
_or_--PACES
RIGHT (_or_ LEFT)
CLOSE--MARCH.
On the word “_March_,” each man will carry
his right foot 14 inches direct to the right,
and instantly close his left foot to it, thus
completing the pace; he will proceed to take
the next pace in the same manner. Shoulders
to be kept square, knees straight, unless on
rough or broken ground. The direction must
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--HALT. _Note._--Soldiers should not usually be
moved to a flank by the side step
more than twelve paces.
18. _Turning_ On the word “_Turn_,” each soldier will
_when on the march._ turn in the named direction, and move on at
once, without checking his pace.
RIGHT (_or_ LEFT) _Note._--A soldier will always turn to the
--TURN. right on the left foot; and to the left
on the right foot. The word TURN will be
given 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--TURN. On the word “_Turn_,” the soldier will 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_ LEFT) On the word “_Incline_,” each soldier will
--INCLINE. make a half-turn in the named direction and
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
SQUAD--NUMBER. on. As each man calls out his number he will
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,
palm of the hand to the left, fingers extended
EVEN (ODD) and close together, thumb close to the forefinger,
NUMBERS--PROVE. and in line with the top of the shoulder.
AS YOU WERE. Those proving bring their right hands
to the side, bending the elbow in so doing.
5. _Opening_ The odd numbers will take two paces forward;
_a squad to_ when the paces are completed the whole
_drill with_ squad will look to the flank ordered and
_intervals._ correct the dressing quickly, looking to the
front as soon as the dressing is correct.
OPEN RANKS--MARCH.
6. _A squad
with intervals
closing to
single rank._
REFORM RANKS--MARCH. The odd numbers will step back two paces,
when the paces are completed the squad will
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_ On the word “_Incline_,” the men will
_diagonal_ all turn half right together, and march
_march._ in that direction, each regulating his pace
so that his own shoulders are parallel with
the shoulders of the man on his right.
RIGHT (_or_ LEFT)
--INCLINE.
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)--WHEEL.
The outer flank guide glances inwards and
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--MARCH. remainder follow in succession.
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--MARCH. in succession inclining and covering the leading
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--MARCH. remainder act similarly. If an advance from
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._
TO THE The leading man advances 6 paces and halts,
HALT, FORM-- his rear-rank man moving up to his proper
HALF-SECTIONS. distance and covering him; the remainder
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
TO THE HALT, above.
FORM--SQUAD. This command will also be used when it is
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 flank._ body will wheel at once to the 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
TO THE of the numbers in each section of fours,
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
(HALF-SECTIONS In each case on the word “_March_,” the men
_or_ SINGLE of the front rank wheel in the required
FILES) direction, followed by their rear rank men.
RIGHT (_or_ The remainder of the squad follow in succession.
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--EASE. hand, arm close to the side, the left arm to be
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_
_and vice versâ._ Give the rifle a cant upwards with the right
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--ARMS. ease_ and _the order_ in succession,
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 perpendicularly
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
behind the seam of the trousers.
TRAIL--ARMS.
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 versâ._ Place the rifle gently on the ground at the
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 inspection_ Cant the rifle, muzzle leading, with the
_on parade from_ right hand smartly across the body, guard to
_the order._ the left and downwards, the barrel crossing
opposite the point of the left shoulder, and
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 and come_ the cut off should first be closed) press the
_to the order._ trigger, close the cut off by placing the right
hand over the bolt and pressing the cut off
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.
ORDER--ARMS-- Holding the rifle firmly in the left hand,
seize it with the right hand at the band (with
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 examine_ If it is necessary to examine arms, the men
_arms from_ will be cautioned to remain at the _port_.
_the position_ Both ranks will come to the position for
_for inspection._ loading (_see_ Musketry Regulations, Part I),
with the muzzle so inclined as to enable
the officer to look through the barrel, the
EXAMINE--ARMS. thumb nail of the right hand being placed
in front of the bolt to reflect light into
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.”