when was the last time bayonets were used in combat
Bayonet
Early bayonets were of the `` plug '' type , where the bayonet was fitted directly into the barrel of the musket . This allowed light infantry to be converted to heavy infantry and hold off cavalry charges . The bayonet had a round handle that slid directly into the musket barrel . This naturally prevented the gun from being fired . In 1671 , plug bayonets were issued to the French regiment of fusiliers then raised . They were issued to part of an English dragoon regiment raised in 1672 and disbanded in 1674 , and to the Royal Fusiliers when raised in 1685 . The danger incurred by the use of this bayonet ( which put a stop to all fire ) was felt so early that the younger Puységur invented a socket bayonet in 1678 that fitted over the muzzle using a circular band of metal , allowing the musket to be loaded and fired . However , it was not widely adopted at the time . Socket
Early bayonets were of the `` plug '' type , where the bayonet was fitted directly into the barrel of the musket . This allowed light infantry to be converted to heavy infantry and hold off cavalry charges . The bayonet had a round handle that slid directly into the musket barrel . This naturally prevented the gun from being fired . In 1671 , plug bayonets were issued to the French regiment of fusiliers then raised . They were issued to part of an English dragoon regiment raised in 1672 and disbanded in 1674 , and to the Royal Fusiliers when raised in 1685 . The danger incurred by the use of this bayonet ( which put a stop to all fire ) was felt so early that the younger Puységur invented a socket bayonet in 1678 that fitted over the muzzle using a circular band of metal , allowing the musket to be loaded and fired . However , it was not widely adopted at the time . Socket