Today we are discussing some of the hand-to-hand melee arms of the First World War - specifically trench knives, trench clubs, and field spades. The up-close confined nature of trench warfare in WWI was not anticipated by its planners, and the infantry rifle/bayonet combination which had been developed for use on the open field was of little use in the trenches.
In response, troops adapted a wide variety of improvised weapons that were more suitable. Some became issued formal items, and some remained ersatz and handmade throughout the war.
Perhaps the most effective was the field spade, which was often sharpened around its while perimeter and could be used as a very utilitarian hand weapon in a variety of situations.
VIDEO HERE (30 minutes)
Goes to the garage to sharpen his field spade with an evil grin. Ohio Guy
ReplyDeleteWe learned in the Marines to keep your E-Tool sharp and your Bayonet dull! A dull knife does more damage and a sharp E-Tool can be used to chop off a head or a tree!!!! grayman
ReplyDeleteI heard the same things but sharpening, grinding a serrated edge into it, etc, means CIF / issue won't accept it back. Missing and damaged gear statements, that or tactically acquire a new one.
DeleteBayonets were kept under lock and key so we didn't kill each other with them. The MCX kept us well stocked for all our bladed needs but I stopped keeping nice stuff after my 3rd/4th knife/multi was stolen, borrowed without permission and damaged, etc.
-arc
I have first hand experience on the effectiveness/impact of a trench knife. Many years ago, while serving overseas, I was sucker punched in the head by a skinny, would-be terrorist/martyr. I was able to turn my face, just in time, so that he got me on the side of my head, instead of directly across my face. I was cut from the cowlick to the corner of my eye, with every muscle and nerve on that side of my head sliced clean through. The force exerted by the knife/brass knuckles combination blacked both of my eyes, even though my face wasn't touched.
ReplyDeleteI lost about half of my blood by the time I was finally delivered to a hospital ER about 1.5 hours later. (Large head wounds bleed A LOT.) It took a very skilled neurosurgeon to sew all of the muscles back together and took several months before I could eat any solid food. 30+ years later, I still have numbness in my forehead on that side of my head. (Although I have a little movement in the muscles.)
Bottom line is, if someone comes at you with a trench knife, don't attempt to fight them. SHOOT them or GTFO out of Dodge.