Sten Bayonet

[RobD]

Bayonets are not obsolete. see Soldier to receive Military Cross for foiling ambush - British Army Website

Corporal Sean Jones, who led a bayonet charge across 80 metres of open ground through enemy fire and foiled an ambush, is to be awarded the Military Cross (MC).
He said: “We had to react quickly. There was something different about this. It was obviously a well-planned ambush and they overwhelmed us with fire from three points initially.”
Remaining static was not an option. Firing a rocket at one of the insurgent positions, Sean ordered three of his men to fix bayonets before breaking cover and leading them across 80 metres of open ground raked by enemy fire.
He said: “I asked them if they were happy. They were all quite young lads and the adrenalin was racing. I shouted follow me and we went for it.
“I got ‘Commander’s Legs’ on and was going very quickly. I realised I’d left them behind a bit so had to slow down and was engaged again so I organised my guys who started attacking the enemy firing points.”

MC citation says:
“In an engagement that lasted 29 minutes and which saw heavy and sustained insurgent fire throughout, Jones demonstrated unflinching courage and extraordinary leadership in the face of extreme and tangible danger.
“Fighting a determined enemy force, on ground of their own choosing, he epitomised the best qualities of the British infantry – gritty determination, controlled aggression, tactical cunning and complete disregard for his own safety.”


My question is, what do you have to do to get a VC, for heaven's sake!