Fixed Bayonets: A Complete System of Fence for the British Magazine Rifle

by Alfred Hutton

The 19th century was the century of the bayonet, and this book is probably the most complete guide to the correct use of the weapon as it was fixed to the newly introduced British magazine rifle in 1890. Alfred Hutton, whose other works include the aptly titled ‘Cold Steel’ gives an expert guide to offensive and defensive bayonet lunges, parries and positions, together with glossaries of English, French and Italian terms used in bayonet fencing. Profusely illustrated, this is surely the definitive guide to a weapon which has stubbornly retained its place in the military armoury from its introduction in the 18th century right up till today.

198 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2007

Reviews

[Steve Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hutton's book addresses methods of bayonet fencing as applied to the Lee-Metford rifle, Great Britain's first magazine fed bolt action rifle. The bayonet for this weapon was double-edged, and Hutton shows ways of applying the "false edge" (a misnomer, as it was fully sharp) against an enemy.

The work is similar to others of the century in that it uses French and Italian fencing terms in lieu of English to describe guards, pivots, parries and attacks.

The work is also full of anachronisms. Hutton and his peers seemingly had yet to recognize the potential impact of a repeating rifle on the tactics of the day. Old traditions die hard, and the use of the blade in the era of repeating weapons was to lose significance in the coming decades. Hutton's methods still call to mind the use of the British square or meeting the charge of spear wielding warriors at Rorke's drift. Yet the Maxim gun was in ascendancy and the Lee-Metford was to give way to the ten round Lee-Enfield only five years after publication of this work. The bayonet wasn't yet obsolete, but it would be.

I don't think Hutton quite appreciated the potential of the double edged bayonet. He ignores targeting the groin on low line attacks, and at one point advocates a cheek cut. It was as if he was too much the gentleman to advocate a more ruthless application of the blade. My guess is the troops figured it out on their own and probably to great effect. I wouldn't be surprised if their sergeants didn't ditch the French and Italian terms during training.

This is a useful work for history buffs, re-enactors, and those who have resurrected bayonet fencing as a sport.

The book is past copyright application and freely distributed online in PDF format, and can be purchased as well for those desiring a hard copy.