Title page

A

M A N U A L

of

D R I L L

and

COMMONLY PRACTICED

M A N O E V R E S .

11th Virginia Regiment,

Morgan's Rifles

V I R G I N I A :Printed and Distributed by Captain Simmons Co.

MMXIVTable of ContentsIntroductionSect. IThe Manual of Arms

SECT IIMotions Generally Practiced

SECT III Of Marching and WheelingSECT IVThe Duty of Sentries upon Their Posts

SECT VOf Safety

SECT VISignalling

The members of Morgan's Rifles would like to thank

His Majestys Tenth Regiment of Foot 2006 manual

for the compilation of most of these contents. Any errors or omissions are ours, not that esteemed Companies'.

introduction

The greatest secret of military discipline consists in correcting and providing means to remedy the causes of failure in mobs. The soldier learns to walk so that the whole of an army may walk in a given time an equal number of paces...and these paces of equal length. The soldier learns to obey, because unity of action towards a single end, is necessary to remedy the weakness which is found in a mob...and an army without discipline, without subordination, without officers competent to lead them, and to lead them properly, is no better than a mob.

The whole of military discipline then consists in producing on a body of men an uniform habit of acting and thinking; or executing movements in any manner, time, and place, as they may be commanded to do. Unless this habit of motion and obedience be aquired, there is no discipline; and that discipline which renders these objects most certain, simple, and effective, is the best.

These principles are universal...they apply to every part of an army...and although there are various kinds of troops, and each kind has something peculiar to its own particular kind; the principles of obedience, and the exact and uniform execution of movements, are common to the whole of an army.

Every species of troops should first acquire the infantry discipline of marching, evolution, and exercise, for as the infantry compose the main body of every army, and as rifle men are only auxiliaries of the line of battle, those who understand infantry movements will the better understand their own duties.

THE

MANUAL

OF

MILITARY EXERCISES

AND

COMMONLY PRACTICED

MANOEVRES

AS

MODIFIED FROM

THE ORDERS OF

THE TYRANT KING

IN 1764

FOR THE

RIFLEMANAll manoevres, unless otherwise noted, are to be completed from the position of Attention, with sharp and decisive movements.Formation - Company!Upon the command of Company sounded from any officer, the next-highest ranking non-commissioned officer shall assume the guide position. Riflemen shall form to his left in order from tallest to shortest, with recruits joining in at the far left of the rank. When sufficient riflemen are in attendance, multiple ranks may be formed. The next ranking non-commissioned officer shall take the far left of the line, excepting only officers that may fall in ranks. The guide position is facing the officer sounding Company, facing him at a distance of four paces, and offset to his left a sufficient distance to center the rank upon the commander. If flag bearers are present, they are to align to the right and separate from the guide.The position of Attention.

When forming, and when not given any other instruction, the proper position for a rifle man is attention. His heals are close together, his toes pointed out at an angle. His posture is erect. His right arm holds the rifle at order firelock. His left arm aligns as close to his side as possible based on his gear. His head remains erect and forward at all times. A rifle man does not talk, eat, or spit while at attention. Rifle men being considered elite troops, they shall not be held at attention for undue lengths of time.

Dressing the ranks -Right Dress!

The first rank guide shall retain his position and demeanor. All others will look to their right and dress themselves upon the man to their right, coming shoulder to shoulder.

See Sect. III, Marching and Wheeling, for a more detailed explanation of the Dress command.

Manual of Firing

The rifle man never participates in the standard line company manual of firing, not being prepared with cartridges and box. A rifle man is always expected to load at his own rate and manner. Volley firing is typically only practiced for ceremonial purposes, and is covered in a separate section.

SECT. I

The Manual of ArmsThe position of Order Firelocks:

(Command of Company! or Order Firelocks!)

The rifle is held close to the right side of the body. The butt grounded firmly next to the right foot, with the right hand securing the rifle vertically with a natural cupping motion. All else as the position of Attention.Shoulder your Firelocks!

-from the order1. Seize the Firelock with the right Hand, bringing it upwards and across your body, turning the Lock outwards and continuing around so the trigger faces the body.

2. With the left Hand, grasp the butt of the rifle and bring it in close to your body, guided by the right Hand. Thumb and forefinger should be over the butt, with the remaining fingers on the heel. The rifle should be held as vertical as possible. 3. Throw your right Hand briskly back.

Present your Firelocks!

-from the shoulder

Upon the preparatory command of Present, rotate the butt of the rifle in a clockwise manner with the left hand so the lock faces upwards.

1. Upon the command of execution, seize the firelock at the wrist with the right Hand.

2. Raise the rifle to the vertical with the right Hand. The left Hand releases the butt and grasps the rifle just above the lock. The rifle should come to the vertical directly in front of the face, with the rifleman able to look through his trigger guard.

3. Bring the rifle down to the right side of the body, vertical and tucked in close. The right arm should be almost fully extended. The lock should lay somewhere near the belt. Simultaneously, step back with your right Foot, placing it behind and to the right of your left Heel.

Shoulder your Firelocks!

-from the Present

1. With both hands, bring the firelock back to the same position as 2. above. Simultaneously Come to your proper Front, bringing the heels together.2. With the left Hand, grasp the butt of the rifle and bring it in close to your body, guided by the right Hand. Thumb and forefinger should be over the butt, with the remaining fingers on the heel. The rifle should be held as vertical as possible.

3. Throw your right Hand briskly back.

Order your Firelocks!

1. Seize the firelock with the right Hand, bringing it downwards and across your body, turning the lock outwards and continuing around so the trigger faces away from the body.

2. With the left Hand, guide the barrel of the rifle, and with your Right, bring down the Butt-End strong upon the Ground, placing it even with the Toe of your right Foot; the Thumb of your right Hand lying along the Barrel, and the Muzzle kept at a little Distance from your Body.

3. Throw your left Hand briskly back.

Ground your Firelocks!

1. Face to the Right upon your Heels, and at the same Time turn the Firelock so that the Lock may point to the Rear, and the flat of the Butt-End lie against the inside of your Foot, at the same Time slipping the right Foot behind the Butt of the Firelock, the right Toe pointing to the Right, and the Left to the Front.

2. Step directly forward with your left Foot about as far as the Swell of the Firelock, and lay it upon the Ground, your left Hand hanging down by your left Foot, and your Right kept fast with the Butt-End against it.

3. Raise yourself up nimbly, bringing back your left Foot to its former Position, keeping your Body faced to the Right.

4. Face again to the Left upon your Heels and come to your proper Front, letting your Hands hang down without Motion.

Take up your Firelocks!

1. Face to the Right upon both Heels.

2. Sink your Body down, and come to the Position described in the second Motion of Grounding.

3. Raise yourself, and Rifle, bringing it close to your Side.

4. Come to your proper Front, seizing the Firelock at the Muzzle, and come to the Order.

The positions of Rest

Rest your Firelocks!

Rest!

Parade Rest!In Place, Rest!

1. Slip your right Hand up the Barrel as close to the muzzle as comfortable.

2. Seize the Firelock with the left Hand just above the right.

3. Step back with your right Foot, placing it behind your left Heel, and come to the Rest.

At Parade Rest eyes remain to the front and there is no movement.At In Place, Rest eyes may follow the leader and some small movement is allowed.

At Rest movement, quiet talking, and eating / drinking are allowed. Riflemen do not leave their position in ranks at the Rest.

In all cases of Rest, the command Company shall bring the unit back to Attention.

The Ceremonial Volley Fire SequenceInitial preparations will normally be given prior to firing formation. Commands such as, "With loose powder only, Load and Prime" are to be expected. (refer to Sect V. Safety). These commands are normally issued to the unit when already loaded, primed, and at the half-cock.

-from Shoulder Firelock:

Make Ready!

1. With right foot, step back as for the Present. Bring the firelock off your shoulder and assume a Port Arms with muzzle facing up and away at an angle to the left oblique. Bring the firelock to full cock.

Take Aim!

1. Bring the firelock to the shoulder, maintaining the muzzle up oblique angle. Eyes and firelock should be facing to the left oblique. Rotate the stock counter-clockwise so as to tilt the pan and flash-hole upwards to the right. Fire!

1. Pull the trigger and observe the firing. Do not move, remaining prepared for any hang-fires.

Recover Firelocks!

1. Drop the firelock from the Fire position to the Make Ready. If there was a misfire, dump the pan. Feet do not move.

Shoulder Firelocks!

1. As above, return to Shoulder Firelock.

SECT. II

Motions Generally Practiced

though not in the Manual of Arms

Trail Firelocks!

also Trail Arms!1. From the Shoulder, the firelock is moved so that it be across the body with muzzle down, pointing forward and to the left. 2. As each rifle be of a different length, the butt will tuck up under the right side of the body to varying extents. In all cases, the intent is to keep the muzzle clear of the man in front and pointing to the side.

3. Both Hands may be used to support the firelock.

With Muzzles Up. Trail Firelocks!

1. From the Shoulder, the firelock is moved so the right Hand grips the balance point.

2. The firelock is carried by the right Hand only, the Butt coming within a few Inches of the Ground, and the muzzle above and to the right of the Shoulder.

Support your Firelocks!

1. Without stirring the Firelock, seize it with your right Hand so far below the Lock as to give Room for the left Arm to be brought under the Cock at the next Motion, the Thumb on the Inside, pointing upwards, the Ball of it only touching the Piece, the upper Joints of the Fingers on the Front of the Small of the Stock, and the lower Joints clasping round on the Outside of it.

2. Quitting the Butt with the left Hand, bring your left Arm close up under the Cock, resting the left Hand upon the right Arm, the Palm nearly on the upper Side, the Fingers mostly on the fore Side of it, extending toward the Elbow, and the Thumb between the Arm and the Body ; the left Arm is to be straight across the Body, in the most easy Position ; and the Cock resting upon it near the Bend of the Elbow supports the Piece. The position of the Firelock at the Support, if well carried, does not differ materially from its Position when shouldered.

Shoulder your Firelocks!

1. Seize the Butt with your left Hand.

2. Throw your right Hand down by your Side.

[ This section reserved for Shoulder on the Right ]S E C T . I I I .

Of Marching and Wheeling.

Art. I. Position of a Soldier Under Arms. (The attention)[from The Manual Exercise, New York, 1775]

To stand straight and firm upon his Legs; Head turned to the Right: Heels close: Toes a little turned out; the Belly drawn in a little, but without Constraint; the Breast a little projected; Shoulders square to the Front, and kept back; the right Hand hanging straight down the Side, with the Palm close to the Thigh; the left Elbow not to be turned out from the Body; the Firelock to be carried on the left Shoulder, as low down as can be admitted without Constraint; the three last Fingers under the Butt; the Fore-Finger and Thumb before the Swell; the Flat of the Butt to be supported against the Hip-Bone, and to be pressed so that the Firelock may be felt against the left Side, and that it may stand before the Hollow of the Shoulder, not leaning towards the Head nor from it; the Barrel almost perpendicular.

In dressing Ranks, the Soldiers must observe, to stand upright, and without stooping to cast their Eyes smartly to the Right and Left, and see the Third Mans Breast, taking Care to keep six Inches distance between the Files. In covering their File Leaders, they must look between their Heads and the Firelocks.

The Soldiers stand with 30 Inches between Ranks, or the Distance of an out-stretched Arm. At Close Order they stand with six Inches between Files, or the Distance of the Arm with the Palm placed upon the Hip with the Elbow extending sideways. At Open Order they stand with 30 Inches between Files, or the Distance of an out-stretched Arm.

The Quick Step at 120 Steps per Minute ; at the Slow Step at 60 Steps per Minute.

Upon the March, swing the Arm forward nine Inches while keeping the Fingers together and extended.

Art. II. The Slow Step.

When you lift up the Foot carry it forward near, and almost parallel to the Ground, (the Toe being turned out, and rather pointed downwards than else) till the Knee is straight, when you are to make a momentary Pause, but so as to be to be scarcely perceptible ; during which the Balance of the Body is to be kept back on the Leg, that is behind ; then setting the advanced Foot flat on the Ground, (advancing it withal still farther, in bringing it down, and keeping Time with the Music) step forward in the same Manner with the other Foot. Care must be taken not to drag forward in a lifeless, sluggish Manner, the Foot that is behind ; but the Instant one Foot strikes the Ground, spring the Other forward briskly, till the Knee is straight, that you may be ready, when the Music bids, to set your Foot to the Ground.

In performing the Slow-Step, the Feet when advancing should be carried over a little to the opposite Side, and both set down on the same Line, otherwise the Body will reel disagreeably. For instance ; if you walk on the Crack of a Floor, at every Step you should cover the Crack with your Heel.

Art. III. The Route Step.

The Route Step is performed where keeping the Step is not practical. You may march at your own Pace and carry your Firelock as you see fit, but the Dress in Ranks should be maintained.

Art. IV. Facings.

To the Right Face!

1. Face to the Right, turning upon the right Heel and the left Ball of the foot.

2. Bring the left foot up to match the right Foot smartly.

To the Left Face!

1st. and 2d. As in the foregoing Explanation, coming to the Left about, instead of to the Right.

Art. V. Halting.Company, Halt !

Let the rear Foot be brought upon a Line with the advanced One, so as to finish the Step which was taking when the Command was given.

Dress!

Quickly adjust the Dress of the Ranks by taking small, shuffling Steps.

Art. VI. Wheeling.

To the Right (Left), Wheel.

In all Wheelings to the Right, the Men must cast their Eyes to the Left, except the Left-Hand Man : And all Wheelings to the Left, they cast their Eyes to the Right, except the Right-Hand Man, observing to feel the Hand they wheel to, without crowding upon it.The whole Rank is governed by the Flank that wheels. In wheeling, therefore, to the Right, every Man should look to the Left, and regulate his Steps to those of his left-hand Man ; in order not to advance before, or fall behind him, but to bring the Rank about even. In the same Manner, in wheeling to the Left, every Man is to look to the Right, and to regulate his Steps by those of his right-hand Man.

If the Front Rank wheels regularly, the Rear Ranks will have nothing to attend to, by to preserve their Close Order, and cover their File Leaders. To do this indeed will require considerable Attention ; for the Ranks are extremely apt to open on the wheeling Flank, and to close too near, so as even to crowd, at the Center-Flank.

In wheeling to the Right, the Rear Ranks must incline to the Left ; and in wheeling to the Left, the Rear Ranks must incline to the Right ; otherwise they cannot keep exactly behind their File-Leaders... using a Step similar, in a greater or less degree, to the Oblique ; although as you approach the wheeling Flank, especially if the Ranks are long, the Obliquity, or Inclination sideways, is hardly perceptible.

Art. VIII. The Oblique Step.To the Right (Left), Oblique.

Front.

The Oblique Step is to be performed in the same Time and Manner, as to the Motion of the Feet and Legs, as that straight forward, only that it is made by carrying them obliquely to the Right or Left, the Body being kept square to the proper Front.

If you are to incline to the Right, when you step with the left Foot, you carry it across, setting it down even with and before the Point of the right Foot, the left Toe pointing to the front : and then step obliquely to the Right with the right Foot, advancing it towards the Front, and setting it down before, and about six Inches to the Right of the Point of the left Foot, the Toe pointing obliquely to the Right ; and so alternately, moving towards the Front on a diagonal Line, inclining to the Right ; observing to keep the Body and Shoulders square to your proper Front.

In marching by the Oblique Step, in Ranks or Divisions, particular Attention is to be given, that they keep parallel to their proper Front ; and not advance on the right Flank, when they incline to the Left ; nor on the Left, when inclining to the Right ; as they are exceedingly apt to do, and to make as it were a half Wheel : to prevent this, the Men must be taught to look to the Right, when they incline to the Left; and to the Left, when they incline to the Right; and to regulate themselves by the outside Flank; observing by all Means to advance equally, and keep even with it.

SECT IV.

The Duty of Sentries upon Their Posts.

Sentries are to stand shouldered to all Officers, whether in the Army or Navy, passing by their Posts; and to all general and field Officers they are to rest their Arms {Present Arms}. But when a Sentry is posted on a general Officer, he is only to rest to him, and those of superior Rank; to all of an inferior Rank he is only to handle his Arms, or stand shouldered. Besides to the general and field Officers, Sentries are to rest {Present} to the commanding Officer, whatever his Rank, and to all Parties with Arms marching by with the Beat of a Drum. These Compliments are to be paid only from the Time of Reveille beating in the Morning till Retreat beating in the Evening; after which Sentries are to take no notice whatever of Officers.

When an Officer addresses himself to a non-commission Officer or Soldier, the Latter is to recover his Arms {Order Arms}; but when on his Post, a Soldier must not recover his Firelock, but stand shouldered.

N. B. His Majestys Regulations also state that: Sentries posted with shouldered Arms, are permitted afterwards to support, but not to slope them. On the approach of an Officer, they immediately carry their Arms; and put themselves into their proper Position, which is not to be done at the Instant he passes, but by the Time he is within Twenty Yards of their Post, so that they may be perfectly steady, before he comes up.

S E C T . V .

Safety Rules.

Morgan's Rifles is dedicated to the authentic Reproduction of an 18th Century American Rifle Unit. This Quest for Authenticity, however, is seconded to safety Considerations. The following Guidelines, therefore, are intended to maintain our impeccable safety Record, and to insure the Safety of our Members and the Public.

The 11th Virginia portrays a military Organization, and as part of this Portrayal, Officers and Non-commissioned Officers, (N.C.O.s), will issue Commands and give Orders. These Commands and Orders, however, are similar to Lines in a theatrical Production. As such, all Members are expected to refuse an unsafe Command and to initiate a Halt to Activities when an unsafe Condition is observed. Accordingly, if following the Direction of an Officer or N.C.O. would compromise Safety, each Member has an affirmative Duty to point out the Danger, and has complete Discretion to fall out of Ranks.

The following safety Provisions should be followed by every Member of the 11th Virginia. These Rules, however, are not comprehensive, and your good Sense must be your Guide at all Times.

All Members should be aware of all local, state, and federal Laws concerning the Transportation and Possession of their rifles.

Members shall never demonstrate the Firing Sequence of their rifle if the rifle has recently been fired and not yet cleaned.

Members must take special Care that their Rifles are placed in a safe Location while at an Event attended by the Public.

Rammers will be carried, but they may not be drawn or used when skirmishing with other troops.

Hammerstalls should be employed when the Musket is in a non-firing Sequence.

A functioning Flash Guard should always be employed.

N.B. At some official events Hammerstalls and Flash Guards shall be required, not optional.

No alcoholic Beverages should be consumed by Anyone employing a Firearm.

No loose Ball, or Ball-loaded Cartridges of any type, may be carried when skirmishing is involved. This includes any loose balls in the pouch. "Ball boards" or quick-loaders shall not be carried while skirmishing.No hand-to-hand Combat shall be portrayed unless it is part of a scripted Battle.

No bayonetting, "scalping", or "tomahawking" of wounded Re-enactors is permitted.

Weapons may not be fired when opposing Forces are closer than 40 Yards. In all Circumstances, the Barrels of the rifles must be elevated over the Heads of the opposing Forces.

When the rifle does not fire, there is always the possibility that a Hang Fire may cause the Firelock to discharge a few Seconds later. Therefore, in the Event that the rifle does not discharge, keep the Piece pointed at the Ground, or at a safe Direction, while the rifle is either reprimed or the Barrel emptied.

When the Rifle is loaded, and an Order is given to Order Firelocks, it is imperative that Members do not place their Hands over the Muzzle of the Barrel.

Before appearing in Ranks, each Member should inspect his own Rifle, running the Rammer down the Barrel, making sure the Rammer pings, indicating a clean Barrel. Remember, each Man is responsible for the Safety of his Firelock.

No Weapon should fire when Pressure is applied to the Trigger while the rifle is at the Half Cock Position.

No Member shall appear in Ranks with a Firelock that he feels is unsafe.

All Firelocks must be well-cleaned, oiled, and kept in complete and thorough Repair.

The Signal to Cease-fire is communicated by a Hat held atop either a Pole-arm or Sword, or by the Cease-fire Whistle Command. (All Members must become familiar with this whistle call.) When a Cease-fire is sounded, all Members must immediately cease firing and come to the Order Position.

SECT. VI.

SIGNALS

Whilst Drums and Bugles suffice for line soldiers, the rifle man must communicate without drawing attentions of their Foe.

This section reserved for whistle signals

Hand Signals on Patrols

Disperse (spread out)

Extend either arm vertically overhead; wave the arm and hand to the front, left, right, and rear, with the palm toward the direction of each movement.

Rally (assemble)

Raise the arm vertically overhead, palm to the front, and wave in large, horizontal circles. Note: if the signaler then points at a spot on the ground, he is designating a rally point. If he just circles over his head, it means form up on him.

Join Me, Follow Me, Come Forward

Point toward persons or units; beckon by holding the arm horizontally to the front, palm up, and motioning towards the body.

Increase Speed, Rush, Double Time

Raise the fist to the shoulder; thrust the fist upward to the full extent of the arm and back to shoulder level, do this rapidly several times

Slow Down, Quick Time, Normal Pace

Extend the arm horizontally sideward, palm th he front, and wave the arm slightly downward several times, keeping the arm straight. Do not move the arm above the horizontal.

Enemy In Sight

Hold the rifle in the ready position at shoulder level. Point in direction of Enemy.

Can be followed by number of extended fingers showing distance in tens of feet. (4 fingers - enemy 40 feet away)

Take Cover, Get Down

Extend the arm at a 45-degree angle from the side, above the horizontal, palm down, and then lower the arm to the side.

Form A Line (come up on line)

Extend both arms parallel to the ground. Arms show direction of line.

Move Out, Advance, Continue

Extend the arm overhead and swing it in a circle from the shoulder.

Cover My Move / Cover His Move

Point to covering person, Extend one arm to a 45-degree angle. Bend the arm and tap your head. Repeat.

Map Check / Compass Check

Point at the palm of one hand with the index finger of the other hand.

Pace Count

Tap the heel of moccasin repeatedly with an open hand.

Head Count

Tap the back of the head repeatedly with an open hand. (Don't tap top of head, that means 'cover my move')

Danger Area

Draw one hand, palm down, across the neck in a throat cutting motion. Can be followed by pointing at area.

Alarm Trigger / Snake /

Booby Trap / Specific Problem

Point at the problem with your extended index finger. (The F* U sign points at the object)

Freeze in Place

Raise a closed fist to head level

Stop in Place and Listen

Like freeze in place, except cup hand over ear instead of fist.

Everybody Down (more than a freeze)

Extend arm at waist level, motion downwards repeatedly with palm down.

All Clear / No Enemy in Sight

Fist clenched, thumb extended upwards (thumbs up)

NCO to Me

Fingers tap waist. (Sergeant's sash)

Officer to Me

Fingers tap throat (Gorget)

F I N I S.This version is draft 2.0

Please direct all comments to

Sergeant Glauser

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