Chapter 4. Lance Exercises (Dismounted)

Note. – Instructions in the use of the lance are confined to mounted and dismounted drill which is necessary for ceremonial purposes.

46. The parts of the lance.

1. The following are the names of the different parts of the lance :-

The point

The butt

The pole

The point of balance

The sling

2. The sling is fitted so that the top of it should be level with the man’s shoulder when the man is mounted or dismounted and the lance butt is in the bucket or on the ground respectively.

47. Lance drill

1. The order.

ORDER – LANCE

The man stands as in Sec. 2 . The lance is held between the thumb and fingers of the right hand at the full extent of the arm, thumb inside the pole, fingers outside, back of the hand to the right, butt close to the ball of the right foot.

This is the position of attention with the lance.

2. The stand at ease (from the order)

STAND AT – EASE.

Carry the left foot to the left.

3. The carry (from the order)

CARRY – LANCE

Raise the hand with the back to the front and grasp the pole, thumb level with the top of the shoulder, back of the hand to the front, elbow down. Lance to be kept perpendicular.

4. The shoulder (from the order)

SHOULDER – LANCE

Bring the lance to the shoulder by raising the arm from the elbow, still holding the lance as at the order, right elbow close to the hip, hand in front and in line with the elbow, lance sloping backwards and resting on the right shoulder. (This is the position in which the lance is carried when marching on foot).

5. The support (from the order or carry).

SUPPORT – LANCE

One.

Raise (lower) the hand to the balance, placing the thumb in front and the fingers in rear of the pole.

Two.

Raise the arm from the elbow, back of the hand down, so that the butt is brought across the body to the left front, the lance resting on the right forearm, the butt about six inches lower than the point.

Note. – When turning with the lance at the support the butt will be lowered smartly so as to bring the lance into a nearly perpendicular position. As the turn is being completed the lance is brought back to the support.

6. The order (from the support)

ORDER – LANCE

One.

Lower the butt and resume the first position of the support

Two.

Move the hand to the position of the order.

7. Ground lance (from the order)

GROUND – LANCE

One

Lower the point direct to the front until it touches the ground, keeping the body erect.

Two

Sink the body by bending the knees without separating the heels, place the lance gently upon the ground at the right side, hand alongside the ball of the foot, make a short pause and spring up to attention.

8. Take up lance

TAKE UP – LANCE

One.

Sink the body by bending the knees without separating the heels, seize the lance with the right hand alongside the ball of the foot and resume the erect position, point of lance resting on the ground.

Two.

Raise the point smartly and bring the lance to the position of the order.

9. Prove (from the carry)

PROVE.

Push the lance to the front to the full extent of the arm, butt remaining on the ground.

AS YOU WERE.

Return to the carry.

10. The dismiss (from the order)

DIS – MISS.

The squad will turn to the right, salute by bringing the lance to the carry, and after a slight pause returning to the order, break off quietly and leave the parade ground with lances at the shoulder, in quick time.

If no officer is on parade the men will not come to the carry before they break off.

11. When marching dismounted, lances will be carried at the shoulder.

If the command “QUICK MARCH” is given when lances are at the order they will be brought to the shoulder as the men take the first pace.

If the command is given when lances are at the carry, the men will order lance on the command ” MARCH” and , after a pause of quick time, step off at the shoulder.