Bayonet drill

[frontrank2]

TWO FEDERALS demonstrate positions of the bayonet drill introduced in 1852 by then-captain George B. McClellan, who would famously serve the Union a decade later as the controversial commander of the Army of the Potomac. The enlisted man in the foreground prepares to lunge while the first lieutenant performs parry in quarte. A period notation affixed to the back of the image is a critique: "Correct except the one thrusting, should have his hind foot flat on the ground and at right angles to the front foot, only bending ankle. In the photograph, it is slightly raised, and not exactly at right angle to the front feet." A more recent notation suggests both are members of the 69th New York Infantry.
https://militaryimages.atavist.com/the-great-outdoors-spring-2016

 

[John Winn]

That's a cool image but as somebody who at one time was pretty good at fighting with a staff it bothers me. They're treating bayonets on the end of muskets as if it were fencing. There's two ends to the weapon, not one. Also, if you close the distance you tie the other guy up so he can't stick you. Stay at the distances shown and you risk getting stuck. Just sayin'.

 

[Mike Serpa]

TWO FEDERALS demonstrate positions of the bayonet drill introduced in 1852 by then-captain George B. McClellan, who would famously serve the Union a decade later as the controversial commander of the Army of the Potomac. The enlisted man in the foreground prepares to lunge while the first lieutenant performs parry in quarte. A period notation affixed to the back of the image is a critique: "Correct except the one thrusting, should have his hind foot flat on the ground and at right angles to the front foot, only bending ankle. In the photograph, it is slightly raised, and not exactly at right angle to the front feet." A more recent notation suggests both are members of the 69th New York Infantry.
https://militaryimages.atavist.com/the-great-outdoors-spring-2016

View attachment 101739

Thanks for the link that lead me to several photos I've not before seen!

 

[frontrank2]

Glad to help out. I never saw them either.

 

[Chattahooch33]

In my 14 years of reenacting one of the coolest things I have done was an authentic company sized bayonet drill with all of the orders being given in the correct French.