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Miniatures Adventure => Interwar => Topic started by: WillieB on November 14, 2009, 03:58:22 PM

Title: Bayonet use in the Spanish Civil war
Post by: WillieB on November 14, 2009, 03:58:22 PM

Were (fixed) bayonets much used in the SCW?
Are there many recorded bayonet charges, and by which troops?

Thanks for any help!

Willie

Title: Re: Bayonet use in the Spanish Civil war
Post by: NickNascati on November 14, 2009, 04:43:19 PM

Willie,
        With the exception of being used for intimidation in crowd control, I can't recall reading any instances of bayonet charges in the SCW.  The training level of most of the combatants was such that it would be a fairly risky operation.  I am sure that all of the "regular" forces were issued bayonets, but beyond the Legion, I doubt many of them were well versed in their use.

Title: Re: Bayonet use in the Spanish Civil war
Post by: Arlequín on November 15, 2009, 12:05:04 PM

My assumption is that the Legion (and most likely the other regular troops) used them when assaulting various positions during 'La Marcha' with the resulting heavy casualties they took in the process. Certainly contemporary writers like the ex-Legionnaire Frank Thomas mention advances with fixed bayonets during his time at Madrid. I haven't seen any pictures of Republicans with them though.

Title: Re: Bayonet use in the Spanish Civil war
Post by: WillieB on November 15, 2009, 01:35:14 PM

Thanks guys!

Main reason for asking is that I'm converting a few dozen figures to regular Spanish Infantry.
Nearly all the figures come with fixed bayonets and they look quite nice. If I delete about half of the bayonets I'll have even more variety. ;D
Of course I'll leave the bayonets on the more active ( charging, running) poses.

Back to the Dremel tool! Bayonets need to be sharpened! ;)