METHODS OF UNARMED ATTACK AND DEFENCE
PART I—Simple methods of unarmed attack and defence, &c., which can be taught to all recruits
PART II—More advanced methods for trained soldiers, &c.
PART III—Special methods for military police &c.
General Staff, June, 1917
H.M.S.O., London, 1917
An extremely rare original WW1 British Army unarmed combat manual. Published in 1917, it was one of the earliest such handbooks, the forerunner of later classic texts on the subject, such as Fairbairn’s All-In-Fighting. The manual covers a wide range of hand-to-hand fighting techniques, including holds, blows, kicks, defence against knife attacks, defence against rifle and bayonet attack, special techniques for military police, and methods of carrying the wounded. There is even advice on using the standard issue steel helmet as a weapon. The manual was intended for use by both raw recruits and more hardened soldiers who might already have experienced similar situations in the trenches of the Western Front. The manual is very well illustrated throughout with numerous excellent line drawings of the various combat situations that might be encountered, and the fighting techniques that should be deployed. The book is signed on the front cover by ‘L/Cpl. Goldsmith A. W.’
Condition:
In good condition. The card cover is in good condition, with general signs of use, marks and creases. The stapled binding is good and secure - one staple has been replaced and the remaining original staple is rusty. The text and illustrations are in very good condition. There is a signature at the top edge of the front cover - ‘L/Cpl. Goldsmith A. W.’
Published: 1917
Khaki card cover with black titling
Illustrated with line drawings
Dimensions: 105mm x 165mm
Pages: 46
