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ARMY SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL TRAINING, ALDERSHOT
CLOSE COMBAT
1. OBJECT
To kill the enemy at close quarters, or under certain conditions to overpower or
disable him. Hand to hand fighting requires in its stark reality, the skill to fight and
kill even with the bare hands. A practical knowledge of Close Combat enables a
soldier to accomplish this successfully although opposed to an armed enemy, when he
himself may be completely unarmed.
With the vast extension in mechanized warfare, the opportunities to indulge in this
form of fighting have greatly increased, and the after dark tank hunting raids, which
have become a feature of modern war, offer great scope to the skillful exponent of
Close Combat.
2. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Before going into detail and method there are some general principles to be learned
and remembered.
Unlike boxing, there are no rules in Close Combat. You are up against a ruthless
enemy who has been taught and trained to employ every possible means to kill you.
Remember, therefore, that it is your life or his, so do not hesitate to put him out of
action as quickly as possible, regardless of the means employed.
Attack is the best form of defense, so be on the attack or ready for it al all times. In
Close Combat the essentials of successful attack are surprise, speed, determination
and ruthlessness.
An armed man will always have the advantage over an unarmed man provided he
thoroughly understands his weapon, but do not allow the fact that you are unarmed to
disturb your confidence, because there are many ways in which you can get the better
of the enemy, in spite of his weapon.
If you find yourself disarmed and facing a man with a rifle, Tommy gun or revolver,
you can be pretty sure that for some reason or other he does not wish to shoot - maybe
he has no ammunition, or perhaps the weapon has jammed, or gain he may not wish to
make any noise - whatever the reason the fact that he does not shoot should give you
the confidence.
Always aim to get within arms length of an armed opponent and then get closer still.
The closer you are the less chance he has to use his weapon effectively.
In Close Combat there is no such thing as defense, there is only attack and counter-
attack. Your counter may contain a defensive movement, but only as part of your
counter-attack. A properly executed attack consists of no defense.
The soldier must first be taught the vulnerable points of the body and then to decide
quickly which of those is the most easily accessible according to the dress and
position of his opponent. These vulnerable points are:
(a) In front - the point of the chin; the front and sides of the throat, fork, knees,
insteps, and the solar plexus
(b) Behind - the base of the skull, kidneys, spine and fork.
3. APPLICATION
the spirit of attack should be kept alive throughout the training. To achieve this in the
early stages, the instructor should follow the sequence of attack and counter-attack as
detailed.
The various movements should be practiced carefully and slowly at first, working up
later to full speed - speed and surprise are the keys to success. In the early stages, the
lessons should be carried out in gym and sports kit, later working up to full battle
orders. All movements should be practiced on both sides to be able to deal effectively
with either a right or left handed opponent. To attain proficiency and self-reliance
frequent practice is essential.
4. ATTACKS
i) Unarmed
a) The Chin Jab - A sharp upward blow delivered with the heel of the hand, with the
weight of the body behind it, under the opponent's chin, the fingers being spread and
slightly bent, so that they may strike the opponent's eyes or nose.
b) Edge of the Hand Blow - Delivered with the inner (i.e. little finger) edge of the
hand, using that part opposite the base of the thumb, the fingers being kept straight
and close together, the thumb extended as far as possible. The blow is delivered from
the elbow with a chopping action.
c) The Knee Blow - A vigorous blow with the knee to the fork or solar plexus.
d) The Kick - Always kick with the sole of the feet. To do this turn slightly to one
side, draw the knee well into the body, then shoot the leg out straight, leaning away
from your opponent to maintain balance and obtain a longer reach. The exception to
this rule is when you are close to your opponent or attacking from behind when the
toe of the boot may be used effectively.
e) The Stamp - Scrape the outer edge of either boot sharply down either of your
opponent's shins, finishing up with a vigorous stamp on his instep. If he is not
wearing a top boot, a crape on his shin will be most painful, but the stamp on his
instep is the most important part of the blow and will be very effective even though he
is wearing a heavy rubber or leather top boot.
f) The K.O. Punch - To the boxer a strong left punch to the mark and right to the point
will K.O. the strongest opponent and may be used if opportunity occurs, but to the
novice in boxing the "edge of the Hand blow" described above is easier to learn and
more effective.
g) Forearm Attack - Strike with the inside of the forearm from behind viciously across
the throat and place the corresponding foot between the opponents feet. Drive your
hip into his back bringing him off his balance and at the same time transfer the free
hand to the other hand, which should remain extended with the palm downward, Step
backward bringing your opponent on to your thigh, at the same time force the
shoulder into the back of his head.
When dealing with a taller or an equipped opponent, approach him from behind and,
at a distance of about three feet dive with arms extended over his shoulders and
simultaneously apply the hold and force your hips into his back as your feet contact
the ground.
h) Low Rugby Kick - a vigorous low Rugby tackle from any direction consists of a
swift dive at an opponent's legs, which must be clutched together firmly. The impetus
of the dive causes him to lose his balance and the legs being held together prevent him
from regaining it. This movement can be practiced on a dummy such as a weighted
sack filled with sawdust or sand and suspended just clear of the ground. This attack
should chiefly be used against an opponent who is running away from you.
i) Ankle and Shoulder Throw - When attacking an opponent from the rear when
silence is not essential, adopt a kneeling position on one knee, the forward foot being
in line with the space between his feet. Grasp his ankles with cupped hands, hold and
simultaneously force the shoulder into his buttocks, whip the legs outwards and
backwards and come to the standing position. This throws your opponent on to his
face and you follow through with a kick to the fork. The advantage of this attack is
that you retain your feet whilst your opponent is brought to the ground.
ii) Armed
a) With a cosh, truncheon or similar weapon - The best results are achieved by blows
to the front and sides of the neck; the base of the skull and the point of the shoulder.
Do not strike straight downwards on top of your opponent's helmet, but downwards
and inwards at the neck in the angle of head and shoulder.
b) With a knife - The correct way to hold the knife is as follows:
The handle should be gripped with the thumb and forefinger against the guard, the
remaining fingertips being pressed against the rest of the handle.
i) Attacking a sentry from behind
a) Stalk quietly, place one hand on his nose and mouth pulling his head to the side and
then thrust the knife into his neck by the main artery below the ear, and cut
backwards. There should be at least three inches penetration with the knife.
b) Execute the same movements as in (a) above, but drive the knife into his kidneys.
Pull him backward onto the blade and at the same time force your hips forward to
assist penetration.
ii) Attacking a sentry from the front
a) Fake feinting movements then thrust for a vulnerable point, preferably his stomach
b) Slashes to the neck and arms are useful attacks if it is impenetrable to get in a direct
thrust
c) With a Steel Helmet The steel helmet can be used with great effect as a weapon of
defense, as well as serving its usual role as a means of protection. When kept on the
head it can be used to deal a vicious blow, either by butting, or with a quick jerk of
the head forward or backward so that the rim strikes your opponent's face. Similarly,
it can be used in the hand either as a shield or as a means of delivering a blow with its
edge. For this purpose it should be held with the thumb uppermost on the brim and
the fingers inside it.
5. DISARMS and COUNTER ATTACKS
a) Rifle and Bayonet
i) Remember that your opponent is either unwilling or unable to shoot. We will
almost certainly come at you with his rifle fixed firmly in line with your body. Go
towards him if you can, this will in itself put him off a bit - and when you are within a
few feet and ready for your attack, throw whatever you may have in your hand at his
face - anything will do, even a packet of papers or a notebook. Whatever it is will
make him blink and distract his attention for just a fraction of time, and in that split
second you must jump in and get inside his bayonet point, and so to close quarters.
As you go in, you must parry his rifle and bayonet sharply to your left - on no account
parry it in such a way as to bring the rifle between you and your opponent. Don't go
for the weapon - go for the man. Strike on edge of hand blow at neck or throat, or
apply the chin jab or knee to fork, and then follow up with other kicks or blows.
ii) When opponent attacks, deflect his bayonet to your left, but if he is left handed
then deflect to your right. Counter attack immediately as in (i) above. If he is
attacking, he will be on your after the parry when the knee to fork or chin jab will
prove most effective.
b) Revolver of Tommy Gun in front
It is only possible to attempt the movements described below when opponent
threatens you with the weapon at close range.
Remember that a man who holds you up with a revolver or Tommy gun is not a killer.
Otherwise he would shoot you without hesitation and search you afterwards. He does
not shoot, mainly because he does not wish to raise an alarm or perhaps he wishes to
take you alive. He cannot run the risk of your having a concealed weapon, and,
therefore, is sure to tell you to put your hands above your head. Finally, in order to
search you, he must come within reach of your hands.
The unexpectedness of finding himself attacked by an apparently defenseless person
will so surprise him that it will be the simplest thing possible to disarm him before he
knows what is happening. Note that the time is in your favor. Wait for the
opportunity that will surely come, and meanwhile bluff for all you are worth. Talk to
him, pretend to be frightened, and when he is off guard - not till then - attack.
Held up from in front
Your assailant gives the order "Hands Up" and covers you by pointing the weapon at
your stomach. Hold your hands above you head fairly wide apart, keeping the arms
fully relaxed, and lead your opponent to suppose you are scared. The reason for
keeping the hands apart is that your opponent cannot lock two objects at the same
time, and keeping the arms relaxed permits of speedier action. If he is watching your
left hand, use your right, if the right, use the left; should he be looking at your body or
face, use either. Should it be too dark for you to see which hand he is looking at, use
which you think best; he will not be expecting any attack.
i) Revolver - When he is close enough to you, with a quick downward swing seize his
right hand, simultaneously turning rapidly sideways towards your left-hand side. This
will knock the revolver outwards past your body.
Seize the revolver immediately with your left hand as close as possible, bend it
outwards and break his trigger finger and knee him in the fork. Follow up by
releasing your grip with your right hand and deliver a chin jab.
ii) Tommy Gun - The distance of attack, swing of the arm and turn the body as in (1)
above. Parry with your right hand the left hand of your assailant, close in quickly and
follow up with one or more disabling blows. After closing in, the left hand should be
used to prevent the Tommy Gun being swung back to the attack.
c) Revolver
i) Should your assailant cover you by holding a revolver or Tommy Gun in small of
your back:
Hold up your hands over your head and exhibit fear. Glance over your shoulder and
make sure that your assailant really has a revolver in your back and find out in which
hand he is holding it. For the sake of clarity, assume that he is holding it in his right
hand, which will be usual.
Turning rapidly inwards towards your left side, swing your left arm down, over and
around your assailant's right forearm, or barrel of Tommy Gun holding it with a firm
grip of your left arm against the left side of your body, simultaneously knee him in the
fork with your right knee and chin jab him with your right hand.
Keep a firm grip with your left hand in your assailant's right arm or barrel of Tommy
Gun, so that it will be impossible for him to shoot you or release his arm or gun and as
previously stated, the shock from the blow on the fork, or even the "chin-jab" will
cause him immediately to release his hod on the weapon.
ii) If it is not convenient to turn towards your left side, the following alternative
method can be employed:
Turning rapidly outwards towards your right side, swing your right arm down and
pass your right hand over and around your assailants revolver forearm, or the forward
hand on the Tommy Gun, holding it firmly against your body with the pressure of
your arm. Simultaneously strike him on edge of the hand blow on the Adam's Apple
with your left hand.
d) Knife or Bayonet
Counter attack by means of a vicious attack.
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