"An experiment of a new mode of charging with bayonets was lately made in the garden of the Admiralty, before the lords, and several naval and military officers, and we are happy to say that it completely succeeded. The object proposed to be obtained by this new plan is, to enable the rear rank men to raise their bayonets with similar effect, and at the same moment with those in the front rank, which is effected by making the front rank face half about, and the rear rank fill up the space occasioned by this movement. The front rank is thus, in point of fact, doubled, and the men stand in a stronger position, and hold their muskets in a more commodious manner than they do, according to the present system. All the distinguished characters who were present signified, we understand, their full approbation of the new manoeuvre, which will probably be carried into general practice. Mr. Yorke ordered refreshments for the men, and they afterwards had a plentiful dinner in the neighbourhood, at the expense of Adjutant Faden, whose zeal and assiduity in superintenting a measure so honourable to the patriotic feelings and professional knowledge of his uncle, Major Gordon, deserves the warmest commendation.

General Chronicle June 1811

More Notes

#5 Bayonet Experiments
#6 Napoleon and Maps