A new system of sword exercise for infantry / by Richard F. Burton.

  • Burton, Richard Francis, Sir, 1821-1890.
Date:
1876
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A new system of sword exercise for infantry / by Richard F. Burton. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    15/68
    A NEW SWORD EXEKCISE FOE INFANTRY. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. Befoee proceeding to develop my New Sword Exercise for Infantry, I would offer a few remarks upon the changes pro- posed in these pages. Whilst the last half century has wit- nessed an immense improvement in the projectile weapons of the civilized world, the theory and practice of the sabre or cutting arm have remained in statu quo ante; indeed, if there has been any change it is for the worse. The two systems authorized in the British army are completely behind their time. First and senior is the ' Infantry Sword Exercise' (with plates) : Revised Edition, Adjutant-General's Office, Horse Guards. London : Printed under the superinten- dence of H.M. Stationery Office: 1874. The second is the ' Instructions for the Sword, &c. (without plates), for the use of Cavalry.' Adjutant-General's Office, Horse Guards. June, 1871. The latter can be despatched very briefly. Despite the late date, it is as obsolete as the older system ; it is, in fact, only the ' Infantry Exercise' with the addition of pursuing practice, and post practice —the latter upon a sort of modern Quintain not made to revolve. So far, so good. The practised swordsman has little to learn when mounted, except the few modifications which he can teach himself. His real study is on foot. But some of the remarks appear not to have been written by a practical hand. Eor instance, we read (p. 27): In delivering a forward thrust, very little force is necessary when the horse is in quick motion,