School of the Soldier Led by the staff of Fort McHenry, the Fort McHenry Guard is a group of volunteers whose interest in history has led them to research and re-create roles of people who lived in early 19th century Baltimore. /school-of-the-soldier.html Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:54:25 +0000 Joomla! 1.5 - Open Source Content Management en-gb School of the Soldier History /school-of-the-soldier/92-school-of-the-soldier-history.html /school-of-the-soldier/92-school-of-the-soldier-history.html

The School of the Soldier for the Fort McHenry Guard

Introduction

"The School of the Soldier for the Fort McHenry Guard" was compiled in 1982 by Capt. Ernest Wilson Peterkin,USNR (Ret.) (1920-1985) to assist in the interpretation of the soldiers daily duties in a garrison post of the War of 1812. Captain Peterkin was the country's foremost 17th and 18th century military manual expert in the United States, having trained the U.S. Army's Commander-In-Chief's Guard of the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard); Sergeant Major of the 1st Maryland Regiment during the American Revolution Bicentennial at Yorktown and Paris. He was the author of The Exercise of Arms in the Continental Infantry (1989) upon which the ideas of this 1812 manual was based upon.

In Captain Peterkin's own words the "the tactics for using these weapons were undergoing an evolution from the discipline of Von Steuben, introduced during the American Revolution, to those popularized by the successes of the French army under Napoleon. Early in 1815 the United States War Department finally adopted the English translation of the French Regulations of 1791. In 1814 the "Regulations for Infantry" of 1812 were still in effect and were a mix of the "Regulations for the Discipline of the Troops" of 1779 heavily modified to conform with the French Discipline."

Captain Peterkin selected The "Regulations for the Government of the Infantry of the Army of the United States," as approved by Secretary of War WIlliam Eustis on March 30, 1812 as the foundation of drill for The Fort McHenry Guard, supplemented with a set of drawings to assist the young recruit in learning through discipline and precision the complexity of interpreting one of the soldiers duties during the War of 1812.

The infantry drill of the Fort McHenry Guard is currently based almost entirely on The Regulations for the Field Exercise, Manoeuvrres, and Conduct of the Infantry of the United States as printed by Fry and Kammerer in 1812. Use of other infantry manuals to supplement the 1812 Regulations has since been discontinued.

 
]]> fortmche@fortmchenryguard.org (fmguard) School of the Soldier Sat, 25 Sep 2010 17:32:14 +0000 Soldier Drill - Principles of Shouldered Arms /school-of-the-soldier/74-soldier-drill-principles-of-shouldered-arms.html /school-of-the-soldier/74-soldier-drill-principles-of-shouldered-arms.html
SECTION II.
THE SOLDIER'S DRILL.

Back to Introduction.

 LESSON 1. Principles of Shouldered Arms.

The recruit being placed as directed in the first lesson of the first part of this drill, the instructor will cause him to raise up the left hand without bending the wrist, the part of the arm from the elbow downwards only moving. The instructor shall then raise the firelock perpendicularly, and place it in the following manner.

The firelock in the left hand; the arm a little bent; the elbow back and touching the body, without pressing it; the palm of the hand placed firm against the exterior side of the butt, its exterior edge on the junction of the fingers with the palm; the heel resting between the for and middle fingers; the thumb above, in front; the two last fingers under the butt, which will be brought more or less back, according to the form of the soldier; so that the firelock seen from the front may appear always perpendicular, and that the motion of the thigh in marching may not derange its position; the rammer before the point of the shoulder; the right arm hanging naturally, as described in the first lesson of the first part of this drill.

Shoulder Arms Comparison: Position of the Soldier with and without arms.

Note:
Position of the soldier "...the arms hanging naturally, the elbows close to the body; the palms of the hands a little turned forward; the little finger behind and touching the seam of the breeches;..."
Position under arms "... raise up the left hand without bending the wrist, the part of the arm from the elbow downwards only moving.

The instructor will endeavor to correct the natural defects in the position of recruits, before he delivers arms into their hands; so that the general appearance of the men may be uniform, without painful constraint.

Previous to proceeding with the second lesson, the instructor will make the recruits, with shouldered arms, practice the motions of turning the head to the right and left, and also the facings, to the right, to the left, and to the right about.

Next: LESSON II. The Manual Exercise
]]> fortmche@fortmchenryguard.org (fmguard) School of the Soldier Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:27:04 +0000 Soldier Drill - The Manual Exercise /school-of-the-soldier/75-soldier-drill-the-manual-exercise.html /school-of-the-soldier/75-soldier-drill-the-manual-exercise.html
  SECTION II.
THE SOLDIER'S DRILL.

 

 LESSON II. The Manual Exercise.

It should be taught to three men, placed first in one rank with their elbows touching, and then placed in a file of three ranks.

On pronouncing the last syllable of the command, the first motion is to be performed with life and spirit.

The instructor will pronounce "two" and "three" for the regulation of the other motions. The same time is allowed for performing a motion as for making a common pace.

When the soldier becomes well acquainted with the position of the different motions, he will be required to perform them without stopping.
     
 
Support, ARMS.

1. Bring the right hand smartly across the body, seizing the piece at the small.

2. Quit the butt with the left, throwing the lower part of the arm horizontally across the body, the hand grasping the right arm at the swell.

Note. The above will be the position on parade. On a march the soldier may let his right hand fall by his side.

1 1 2 Video: Support ARMS

  Support ARMS
     
 
Carry, ARMS.

1. Bring down the left hand strong upon the butt, seizing it with the usual hold.

2. Bring the right hand down by the side.

1 2 Carry Arms/Shoulder Arms From Support

Note: "strong upon the butt..." Meaning with abrupt force as opposed to grasp or hold.


 
   Carry ARMS
     
 
Slope, ARMS.

1. Throw forward the butt so that the upper part of the left arm will be perpendicular, and the lower extend horizontally forward.

1 Video: Slope ARMS


 

   Slope ARMS
     
 
Carry, ARMS.

1. Bring the butt and left hand to their former position, raising the right hand smartly to the small, stop and steady the piece.

2. Bring the right hand down by the side.

1   2 Video: Carry Arms From Slope


  Carry ARMS
     
 
Trail, ARMS.

1. Sink the firelock with the left hand, and with the right seize it at the left shoulder

2. Bring down the piece by the right side, the muzzle pointing forward, the butt near the ground.

1 2 Video: Trail ARMS

Note: "Sink the firelock with the left hand..." The grip will be at the shoulder but the musket must first be lowered in order to grip near the first band.

  Trail ARMS
     
 
Shoulder, ARMS.

1. Shift the piece in the right hand, seizing it near the feather spring; bring it to the shouldered position, and seize the butt with the left hand.

2. Bring the right hand down by the side.

1   2 Video: Trail ARMS

 

Note: "seizing it near the feather spring..." hand is just above the lock.

   Shoulder ARMS
     
 
Order, ARMS.

1. Sink the firelock with the left hand, and with the right seize it above the left shoulder.

2. Quit the firelock with the left hand, and with the right bring it to the right side, the butt lightly on the ground by the toe of the right foot, or on it if the ground is wet; the thumb and fingers of the right hand embracing the piece, and extending downwards.

1 2 Butt positioned by
the toe of the right foot 		Video: Order ARMS
  Order ARMS
     
 
Shoulder, ARMS.

1. Throw up the firelock, catching it again below the tail pipe, bring it to the left shoulder, and seize it with the left hand at the butt.

2. Bring the right hand down by the side.

1   2 Video: Order ARMS
to Shoulder ARMS

 

 

   Shoulder ARMS
     
 
Secure, FIRELOCK.

1. Bring up the right hand briskly, and place it against the Piece at the small.

2. Quit the butt with the left hand, and seize the firelock at the swell, bringing the arm close down upon the lock, the right remaining at the small, and the piece upright.

3. Bring the right hand down by the side, throwing forward the muzzle, the bayonet point about a foot from the ground, the left arm covering the lock.

1 2 3 Video: Secure FIRELOCK

 

   Secure Firelock
     
 
Shoulder, ARMS.

1. Bring the piece smartly up to the shoulder with the left hand, stop and steady the piece with the right at the small.

2. Bring the left hand down strong upon the butt.

3. Bring the right hand down by the side.

 
1 2 3 Video: Carry ARMS from Secure FIRELOCK
  Shoulder ARMS
     
 

Fix, BAYONETS.

1. Extend the left arm full length downward; seize the piece above the swell, with the right hand.

2. Quit the butt of the piece with the left hand, and place it above the right, level with the shoulder, sliding the piece at the same time down the left side, pressing the bayonet scabbard against the body : grasp the socket of the bayonet, with the right hand, in such manner, that the ball of the thumb may be pressed against the blade when drawn; draw and fix with a quick motion.

1 2   Video: Fix BAYONET

 

  

Fix BAYONETS
     
 

Shoulder, ARMS.

1. Bring the piece smartly up to the shoulder with the left hand, stop and steady the piece with the right at the small.

2. Bring the left hand down strong upon the butt.

3. Bring the right hand down by the side.

 
1 2 3 Video: Shoulder ARMS from Fix BAYONET

 

   Shoulder ARMS
     
 
Present, ARMS.

1. With the left hand turn the piece, the lock to the front, seizing it with the right hand at the small. 2. Bring up the piece with the right hand, quitting the butt with the left, and seizing the piece above the lock as high as the eyes, holding it perpendicular.

3. Draw back the right foot six inches, sink the piece, the butt before the left knee, the fingers of the right hand extended, the ramrod to the front.

1   2 3 R-Foot 6" back Video: Present ARMS
  Present ARMS
     
 
Shoulder, ARMS.

1. Throw the firelock up to the shoulder, bring up the right foot, and seize the butt with the left hand.

2. Bring the right hand down by the side.

1 2 Video: Shoulder ARMS from Present ARMS
  Shoulder ARMS
     
 
Charge, BAYONET.

1. Make a half face to the right, place the right foot square and close behind the left heel, turn the firelock with the left hand, the lock to the front, seize it with the right hand at the small, take the left hand from the butt.

2. Bring down the piece into the left hand, which seizes it near the tail pipe, the bayonet pointing to the front, the point as high as the eye.

1   2 Bayonet point at
eye level 		Video:
Charge BAYONET
  Charge BAYONET
     
 
Shoulder, ARMS.

1. Throw the firelock up to the shoulder, seizing it with the left hand at the butt. [Bring right foot up next to the left]

2. Bring the right hand down by the side.

1 2 Video: Shoulder ARMS from Charge BAYONET

 

   Shoulder ARMS
     
 
Advance, ARMS.

1. 2. The same as the two first motions of "present arms."

3. Throw the piece with the left hand to the right side, the barrel to the rear, the guard between the thumb and fore finger of the right hand, the other fingers of that hand under the cock, the piece perpendicular before the right shoulder.

4. Bring the left hand down by the side.

1 2 3 4   Video: Advance
ARMS
         
          Video: Advance
ARMS close up
 

Advance ARMS

     
 
Shoulder, ARMS.

1. Throw up the piece, seize it with the left hand at the swell, and with the right at the small.

2 Bring up the piece to the second position of "present arms."

3 and 4. Shoulder, and bring down the right hand.

1 2 3 4 Video: Advance ARMS
to Shoulder ARMS

Next: LESSON III. On Loading

   Shoulder ARMS
 
]]> fortmche@fortmchenryguard.org (fmguard) School of the Soldier Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:30:13 +0000 Soldiers Drill - On Loading /school-of-the-soldier/76-soldiers-drill-on-loading.html /school-of-the-soldier/76-soldiers-drill-on-loading.html
  SECTION II.
THE SOLDIER'S DRIL L.

 

Back to PART II. Of Shouldered Arms.

LESSON III. On Loading.

The instructor will command,
     
 
Load by word. Open, PAN.

1. Make a half face to the right, place the right foot square and close behind the left heel, turn the firelock, the lock to the front, seize it with the right hand at the small, take the left hand from the butt.

2. Let fall the firelock the swell in the left hand, the butt under the right arm, the muzzle as high as the eye, the guard a little outwards, the left elbow resting against the side, the thumb of the right hand against the steel, the fingers clenched, the elbow pressing the butt against the body.

3. Open the pan by forcibly pushing the thumb against the steel, the left hand resisting, and keeping the piece steady.

Open PAN Feet in "T" Fingers clenched Video: Open PAN

Note: The musket is held high on the hip with "the elbow pressing the butt against the body" and the muzzle at eye level.

  Open PAN
 
     
 
Handle, CARTRIDGE.

1. Bring the hand quick to the box, open it, take out the first cartridge felt, carry it quickly to the mouth, bite the paper to the powder, bring the hand down as low as the shoulder, the elbow down.

  Video:
Handle CARTRIDGE

FOMC: Cartridge held between the first finger and thumb, last three fingers extended

  Handle CARTRIDGE
 
     
 
PRIME.

1. Incline the head that the eye may see the pan, fill it with powder, close the cartridge, bring the three last fingers behind the steel.

PRIME   Video: PRIME

Note: There is only a slight movement of the head required when the musket is held in the proper position.

  PRIME

 
     
 
Shut, PAN.

1. Resist with the left hand, shut the pan strong with the three last fingers of the right.

2. Half face to the left, bring the right foot to the front, the heel against the hollow of the left, turn the piece to the position of the second motion of the secure, nearly, the firelock four inches lower by bearing strong on the butt with the right hand, and bringing the left hand to the left shoulder.

3. Quitting the firelock with the right hand, let it slide through the left, the butt falling lightly on the ground near the left toe, and bring the right hand up to the muzzle, which is before the middle of the breast, the piece touching the left thigh.

 
1 2 3   Video: Shut PAN 1 Video: Shut PAN 2-3
Right heel against hollow of the left

 

FOMC: For safety, the muzzle is held further away from the body so the piece does not touch the left thigh.

 

   Shut PAN
 
     
 
Charge, CARTRIDGE.

1. Cast the eye on the muzzle, turn up the right hand and elbow, put the cartridge into the barrel, shake in the powder and force in the ball.

2. Turn the stock inwards, bring down the right elbow, and seize the butt of the rammer between the thumb and fore finger of the right hand, the fingers closed.

1 2 Video: Charge CARTRIDGE

Note: Elbow should be turned up when charging #1. Elbow down on #2

  Charge CARTRIDGE
 
     
 
Draw, RAMMER.

1. Draw the rammer by extending briskly the arm, the nails upward, quit and instantly seize it again at the muzzle, the nails downward.

2. Draw it quite out, turn it between the face and the muzzle, and enter it into the muzzle as far as the hand.

 
1   Video: Draw RAMMER

FOMC: 2, For demonstrations where a cartridge in not used, the rammer is entered into the muzzle and held by the thumb and first finger.

 

 

  

Draw RAMMER


 
     
 
Ram, CARTRIDGE.

1. Extend the arm, seize again the rammer, and with two strokes force down the cartridge, draw the rammer half out, seize it backhanded, draw turn and enter it as far as the tail pipe, placing the edge of the hand, the palm downwards, on the butt of the rammer, the fingers extended.

a b Video: Ram CARTRIDGE

Note: The elbow is as high as the shoulder.

 

  

Ram CARTRIDGE


 
     
 
Return, RAMMER.

1. Force the rammer home, raising the piece with the left hand to the shouldering position, placing the right hand against the piece at the small, and bringing the right heel back beside the left.

a b   Video: Return RAMMER

Note: Remember to keep the left hand up and wait for the Shoulder ARMS command

  Return RAMMER
 
     
 
Shoulder, ARMS.

1. Bring the left hand strong on the butt.

2. Bring the right hand down by the side.

1 2  

Note: "strong on the butt" means a deliberate and abrupt placement of the hand.

Next: LESSON IV. On Firing

   Shoulder ARMS
 
]]> fortmche@fortmchenryguard.org (fmguard) School of the Soldier Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:31:02 +0000 Soldier Drill - On Firing /school-of-the-soldier/77-soldier-drill-on-firing.html /school-of-the-soldier/77-soldier-drill-on-firing.html
  SECTION II.
THE SOLDIER'S DRIL L.

 
       

LESSON IV. On Firing.

The instructor will command,

  
     
 

Make, READY.

Position of the First Rank.

1 With the left hand turn the firelock, the lock to the front, with the right hand seize it at the small, as in the first motion of loading, turning the point of the left foot to the front.

2. Draw the right foot quickly back, kneel on the right knee, placed one foot to the rear and six inches to the right of the left heel, being careful not to come down too suddenly; at the same time bring down the firelock with the right hand, seize it with the left at the lower pipe, place the butt on the ground lightly, even with the left heel, and in front of the right thigh, seize the cock between the thumb and fore finger of the right hand.

3. Cock the firelock.

Position of the Second Rank.

1. The same as the first motion of loading.

2. With the right hand bring the firelock before the middle of the body, place the left hand with its little forger touching the feather spring, the thumb as high as the chin, and pointing upwards along the stock, the brass counterplate turned towards the body, and the rammer to the front; place the thumb of the right hand on the head of the cock, the fingers on the guard.

3. Bring down briskly the right elbow, cocking the firelock, and seize it by the small of the stock.

Position of the Third Rank.

1. 2. 3. The same motions as those described for the second rank.

1   2 3 Video: Make READY

Note: "place the left hand with its little forger touching the feather spring, the thumb as high as the chin"

  

Make, READY


Above plate found in a digitized copy of Smyths showing the firelock held before the middle of the body.
     
 

Take, AIM.

Bring down quickly the muzzle of the firelock, sliding the left hand to the lower pipe; place the butt against the right shoulder, the muzzle than the eye, the right elbow kept lowered, without pressing the body; shut the left eye, and look along the barrel with the right, inclining the head forwards, and placing the fore finger of the right hand on the trigger.

The men of the third rank, and they only, will step nine inches to the right, in taking aim.

  Video: Take AIM

 

  

Take, AIM
     
 

Recover, ARMS.

Come to the position effected by the command" make ready, " and remain. The instructor will again order.

   
    Video: Recover ARMS

 

   Recover, ARMS
     
 

Take, AIM. FIRE.

Bring down quickly the muzzle of the firelock, sliding the left hand to the lower pipe; place the butt against the right shoulder, the muzzle than the eye, the right elbow kept lowered, without pressing the body; shut the left eye, and look along the barrel with the right, inclining the head forwards, and placing the fore finger of the right hand on the trigger.

The men of the third rank, and they only, will step nine inches to the right, in taking aim.

Press the fore finger strongly on the trigger, without lowering the head, turning it, or moving the piece.

  Video: Take AIM

 

Note: It is the sign of a disciplined soldier when no movement takes place after the trigger is pulled. Remember to remain still until the word LOAD.

 

   Take, AIM. FIRE
     
 

LOAD.

Draw back the firelock quickly, and take the position effected by the command "open pan, " except that the thumb of the right hand, instead of being placed against the steel, seizes with the fore finger bent the top of the cock, the other forgers remaining shut. [The men of the front rank, without bending forward, will spring up, keeping back the right shoulder, in order to avoid the firelocks of the second rank;] and the men of the rear rank will bring back the right foot, placing the hollow behind the left heel.

  Video: LOAD
  LOAD
     
 

Should the instructor desire to load, he will command,

Half-cock FIRELOCK

1. Draw back the cock to halfcock; taking care not to cock the piece.

1  

 

   Half-cock FIRELOCK
     
 

If the instructor does not wish to load, he will command,

Shoulder, ARMS.

1. Draw back the cock to halfcock; taking care not to cock the piece. Shut the pan with the three last fingers of the right hand.

2. Seize the piece at the small, bring it to the shoulder, the left hand on the butt, bringing up the right foot.

3. Bring the right hand down by the side.

Every lesson in the drill of the soldier will conclude with an exercise in marching.

1   2 3 Video: Shoulder ARMS from LOAD

 

Note: This is one of the few instances where an action is taken on the preparatory command "Shoulder". At the word Shoulder, perform #1and wait until the word ARMS before executing #2 and #3.

 

   Shoulder, ARMS
     
 

Mark time. MARCH.

At the second command which will be given as either foot comes the ground, the recruit will keep the step, observing cadence, without advancing.

 

    
     
 

Forward. MARCH.

The soldier will advance with the ordinary step.		    
 
]]> fortmche@fortmchenryguard.org (fmguard) School of the Soldier Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:32:09 +0000