Diary of the Instructor in Swordsmanship

Famous World War II General George S. Patton, Jr. wrote DIARY OF THE INSTRUCTOR IN SWORDSMANSHIP in 1915 while a student and instructor at the Mounted Service (Cavalry) School in Fort Riley, Kansas. It is reprinted here in its entirety, including all original photographs and graphics. Before his assignment to the Mounted Service School, Patton had already proven his expertise in the art of fencing by placing fifth in the Pentathlon at the 1912 Summer Olympics in Sweden. He next traveled to Saumur, France to study with M. L'Adjutant Clery, reputed to be the finest fencing master in Europe. After Patton returned to the States he invented the Patton Saber, a design so simple yet revolutionary, the War Department ordered 20,000 in 1913. His new saber design favored cutting over thrusting, which meant retraining cavalry in mounted and dismounted tactics. While at the Mounted Service (aka Cavalry) School Patton authored two training manuals instructing in basic use of the cavalry saber, updated to include tactical implications of his redesign. Saber Exercise 1914 was approved by the War Department and published as an official government document in 1914. The next year Patton also distributed a more informal document to his students at their request for additional instruction to supplement his earlier manual. The original title was DIARY OF THE INSTRUCTOR IN SWORDSMANSHIP AT THE MOUNTED SERVICE SCHOOL, FORT RILEY KANSAS 1914-1915. To keep the cover space manageable, we have shortened the title to just the first part, leaving out the extra detail of the location and dates. DIARY OF THE INSTRUCTOR IN SWORDSMANSHIP is divided into two sections. The first section, Courses and Methods of Instruction in Swordsmanship at the Mounted Service School, introduces basics in the use of the regulation saber to beginners; first dismounted and then mounted on horseback. The second section, Diary of the Master of the Sword, instructs in the art of point fencing. Both sections are accompanied by helpful diagrams and photographs of a young Patton illustrating his teaching points. Some of the words were bolded for emphasis in the original printing and they are reproduced here exactly as in the original. SABER EXERCISE 1914 is also reproduced by Dale Street Books, including all the original illustrations and photographs. We publish it verbatim under the title SABER EXERCISE 1914 TRAINING MANUAL IN SWORDSMANSHIP to emphasize its value as instruction in the art of fencing in addition to its historical value as one of George S. Patton Jr.'s early writings. Sprinkled throughout both manuals are his personal observations and advice on preparing for combat. In his diary, for example, Patton explains why it is important to teach Army officers the art of fencing but only provide limited instruction to enlisted soldiers-and how swordsmanship training develops more aggressive instincts for battle. You can almost hear his voice, much younger, but unmistakably Patton.