A bayonet stuck into paunchy Tom Shaw, genial Laborite War Secretary, would have to be fairly long to take effect. Up to last week British bayonets were 20 inches long, French & German about 15 inches, Italian 11¼, Belgian 9½. Last week Mr. Shaw approved the new style British Army rifle, soon to be issued. Its blade is only 9 inches long, weights a half-pound less than the old sword-bayonet.
In cross section Soldier Tommy Atkins' new fighting tool is thick, triangular. With the flat sword bayonet one could slash, but sticking is better,...
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