MALTA ARMED FORCES - PASSOUT PARADE

[Peter Laidler]

That was the FIX and UNFIX bayonet drill Bruce. I was taught it when I was a 'real' recruit at the end of my 3 year apprenticeship at Carlisle - and never had to use it thereafter, even at Sandhurst. Except for one solitary instance......... And that was as a member of the Quarter Guard during a royal visit in 1970. But we were all different units and all trained to an equally low standard. I think after the full dress rehearsal the day before, it looked such a shambles that we marched on and off with bayonets fixed. The problem was that UNfix bayonets was done without looking down, with the rifle between your legs - as you see and say. Our bayonets had a recessed catch and it was touch and go whether you even managed it.......... But at least it gave the RSM and a couple of CSM's a chance to really bawl and shout at everyone.