Last Bayonet Charge.

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bullet08

Lifer
Nov 26, 2018
10,340
41,822
RTP, NC. USA
I was rather curious. I mean in modern warfare, who would fix bayonet and charge at the enemy? Ok, maybe French Foreign Legion, they are partial to things like fight till the last man.

But I was rather surprised to find a Welsh regiment had last bayonet charge as recently as 2011. I would think if you are running low on ammo, more firing discipline instead of spray and pray. Or at least the enemy is near enough to go for hand to hand instead of exposing yourself by jumping out and changing at possibly well stocked enemy. But I guess it still happens.

Oh! I remember why this popped in my head. "Mass" knife killing in Germany the other day. Three died due to knife attack and more injured. It seems knife attack in Europe seems to be increasing. I hate knife fight. No matter what, you end up bleeding. Stupidest thing right behind gun fight. Hope everyone's recovering well, injured, not the dead.
 
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warren

Lifer
Sep 13, 2013
12,349
18,531
Foothills of the Chugach Range, AK
Cold, hard steel at the right time can be the correct response. Especially against a less than professional and, possibly demoralized foe. Or, it can be a "last ditch" effort to take a "few with us" type of action. If you are going to die, take some of the opposition with you kind of thing. When you are fighting an enemy who is driven by fanaticism it may be the only response. Weapons may change but, infantry tactics still require close contact. Nothing sanitary or clean about close contact combat.
 

BingBong

Lifer
Apr 26, 2024
1,474
6,343
London UK
The first group that landed during the retaking of the Falkland Islands were pinned down by some withering fire and the young subaltern was at a loss. His sergeant told him he had to do something, so the lad told his men to fix bayonets. Apparently it all went much better after that.
 

bullet08

Lifer
Nov 26, 2018
10,340
41,822
RTP, NC. USA
The first group that landed during the retaking of the Falkland Islands were pinned down by some withering fire and the young subaltern was at a loss. His sergeant told him he had to do something, so the lad told his men to fix bayonets. Apparently it all went much better after that.
From what I'm reading is, it's more to do with psychological effects on the enemy. Especially when the opponents are known to be well trained. The shear fear it creates when faced with rushing infantry with bayonet fixed and look of murder alone will have less of an enemy to run and/or shit in their pants
 
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Hillcrest

Lifer
Dec 3, 2021
3,793
19,269
Connecticut, USA
This might come in handy ... might have to get one ...


View attachment 332157
Nevermind ... would be confiscated under new law in England:
 

kcghost

Lifer
May 6, 2011
15,138
25,713
77
Olathe, Kansas
Sometimes it just seems like a reasonable thing to do. One would if you are sneaking up on the enemy and you wanted to take them out quietly. Another could be when you are madder than hell and you don't want to take it anymore.
 
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Ahi Ka

Lurker
Feb 25, 2020
6,823
32,600
Aotearoa (New Zealand)
@bullet08 while a long time ago, you would probably find the tactics used by local Māori tribes in the battle of Pukehinahina/gate pā fascinating. If you can’t find any articles or videos via google let me know and I’ll do some digging.
 
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I am always perplexed when I read "mass" knife attack. I may just not understand these attacks, but couldn't someone knock them in the head with something?

Even in modern warfare, some battles come down to punching and kicking. But, I'm not sure that you end up with two traditional lines of soldiers firing at each other much these days. Much less, a run at a frontline with bayonets. Most likely use the bayonet to get out of your hidey "spot" whatever that may be.
 

simong

Lifer
Oct 13, 2015
2,747
16,591
UK
The first group that landed during the retaking of the Falkland Islands were pinned down by some withering fire and the young subaltern was at a loss. His sergeant told him he had to do something, so the lad told his men to fix bayonets. Apparently it all went much better after that.
Ah yes, cold hard steel, glimmering in the distance..….
IMG_8105.jpeg
 
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jpmcwjr

Lifer
May 12, 2015
26,263
30,341
Carmel Valley, CA
I doubt any American tribe would have combined a peace pipe with a hachet.

{Probably didn't use stainless nor aluminum!) :)
18_Tomahawk_Hatchet_Native_Indian_Chief_Axe_Functional_Smoking_Tabacco_Peace_Pipe__60309.1350628569.jpg
 
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