Ghost Talkers, the book I’m currently working on (not the next one out) is set in 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. So this… this is amazing.
(Hat tip to Sigrid Ellis)
Silent film of the 1916 French Bayonet Championships
4 thoughts on “Silent film of the 1916 French Bayonet Championships”
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I’ve always wondered why they teach soldiers to throw grenades with a locked elbow, rather than a baseball throw. After the clip in the last few seconds of that film, I know. It’s a cricket delivery. The bowler in cricket isn’t allowed to bend his elbow, and that grenade toss at the end is the same arm action.
Interesting, I see what looks to be an almost handicapped reliance on fencing theory. Both competitors look very awkward in their execution of attacks and defense. I come from many years of practicing Filipino Kali with a small background in studying fencing footwork along with some Chinese weapon styles. It’s intriguing to see this dated footage but I can’t help but feel it rather limited.
I agree with Epheros, it looks as though they’re trying to treat their bayonet/rifle combinations as though they’re epees or something — a bit awkward looking.
I look forward to hearing more about Ghost Talkers sometime soon!
I’m wondering if, it being 1916, all of the real bayonet experts weren’t either at war or already casualties.