Discussion Straps And Wagon Trains?

[MikeyB]

Is there a reason every rifle wasn't equipped w/ a strap and soldiers allowed to swing over their shoulders when on the march? Wouldn't this be more comfortable? Easier on the body? I've never marched 10 hours alternating from support to shoulder arms but I have to imagine this is tiring. Every little advantage would help in combat.

Also, did soldiers ever pack their rifles and ammunition in the wagon train to allow them to move super fast or allow them to arrive fresher? Obvious disadvantage being what happens if you get ambushed, you can't fire back. But there have to be ways to screen w/ cavalry or otherwise only use on established safe routes where this would also be an advantage (ie. Chasing Lee into PA). Again, if your men arrive a little less tired, every little advantage helps in combat.

 

[johan_steele]

Infantry can easily outrun wagons. If you're going into a fight you need the rifle musket with you not in the rear with the gear. Going into a fight unarmed is less than a popular suggestion.

Slings were common but they were also not free and in the CS leather was not as prevalent which is why you find canvas slings there later in the war. Having done several route marches including a couple long ones shoulder, support and right shoulder shift arms are not that uncomfortable and dispensing with a sling is just that much less weight a man has to carry. Personally, I'm rather fond of right shoulder shift on the march. When talking about the Enfield in particular the sling is not that useful or comfortable with the front sling swivel as far forward as it is.

 

[14NYSM]

Rifle slings were Quartermaster items. Rifles were Ordnance stores. Rifles were not issued with slings. As for marching with the rifle slung over your shoulder, I can tell you, based on decades or reenacting, that when burdened with cartridge box sling, Haversack strap, canteen strap, knapsack or blanket roll - there isn't much room on your shoulder for a rifle sling. Plus, it is so long that slung on your shoulder. it can hang down enough to bang against your legs.

 

[14NYSM]

As for wagons; the Army was continually trying to shorten the wagon train. There wouldn't be space on wagons for stuff the soldiers were expected to carry.

 

[Lampasas Bill]

While on the march, the usual order was "arms at will." Each man could carry his rifle however he pleased, so long as he didn't hit his neighbor in the head or jab him in the back!

 

[UCVRelics]

A lot of CW soldiers made there own slings from what ever they could find.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

It made much more sense for soldiers to shoulder arms marching in formations to facilitate combat readiness and deployment for action.