Training Day - Meeting Riflemen

"Sir!"

After throwing an apologetic glance at Lt. Waldegrave, Jaeger rushed off to find his Captain.

Edrington watched the two lieutenants leave, Jaeger in the lead with his Rifleman's pace. He smiled to himself, then set off after them more soberly, to find Sergeant Allday.

(OOC - these threads are still open to be posted in, after all!)

It seemed there were no shortage of redcoats who wanted to try to fire a Baker after seeing what they were capable of, and Cotton carefully instructed the next volunteer in how to line up the sights with the target, and not to flinch. A lot of redcoats closed their eyes when they pulled the trigger - so long as the bullet went in the general direction of the French it didn't matter. There was so much lead flying about from a volley, after all, that something was bound to hit.

He was thankful that the man was a Light Company soldier; he already had a grubby knee to his trousers where he knelt to fire when in the skirmish chain. Cotton showed him how to rest his elbow on his knee to help keep the rifle steady, encouraged him to control his breathing and not to snatch at the trigger.

The soldier listened, nodded and followed the instructions as best he could. He was quite as surprised as his mates at the hole that appeared in the target once the flint fell, and gave the rifle back with a proud yet bemused smile on his face.

Clad in his usual red with his crossbelts pipeclayed as neat as could be - standing out in a strong contrast with his coat - he observed the men fire. Most of his regiment had decided to use the opportunity to go back into town. No chance such as that wasted on them. Curiosity and the sight of the riflemen's previous presentations left the youth standing on the side watching. Johnny had laughed about his suggestion, waved his hand and told him where they'd be later.

He glanced at the target where a hole was fully visible. A good shot! Actual aim, that one, not like the muskets where aim seemed to be more in a general direction and not too low. Could just close your eyes then, pull the trigger and hope for the best.

Ah, there'd be another man fireing this time! He was introduced - as some others who had gotten rifles into their hands - to the basics of how to stand, how to aim et cetra. He looked on again, while his eyes carried excitement his face looked reserved, timid.