Trow′el-bay′o-net.
A bayonet resembling a mason's trowel, used as a weapon, and as a light intrenching-tool, or as a hatchet when detached from the rifle.
Invented by
Lieutenant-Colonel E. Rice, U. S. A.
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Molders' trowels, etc. |
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Trowel-bayonet, with handle. |
The bayonet shown in the cut is fastened to the rifle by a spring clamp.
It weighs about 15 ounces.
As an intrenching-tool it has been found very useful in light soils, and 10,000 bayonets of this pattern are now making at the
Springfield Armory, to be placed in the hands of troops in the field.
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Shelter-pit. |
Fig. 6674 shows a section of trench capable of sheltering two ranks.
It has a width of 7 feet; depth, 1 foot 3 inches; hight of parapet, 1 foot 6 inches.
The plan of a shelter-pit for skirmishers indicates the dimensions: depth of excavation, 6 inches: hight of parapet.
1 foot 2 inches.
The depth of the ditch and hight of the parapet will vary according to the form of the ground at the spot; the object being to completely protect the soldier while lying down, from a direct fire.