Topic: AIF - Lighthorse
Australian Light Horse
Roles within the Regiment
Sentries Challenging
The following entries dealing with the roles and duties within the hierarchy of a light horse regiment are extracted from a very informative handbook called The Bushman’s Military Guide, 1898. While written in 1898, the information contained in the entries held true for the next twenty years with only minor modifications with the principles remaining as current then as now.
Sentries Challenging
(1.) When it gets dark the sentries will challenge in the following manner:
On the approach of any person the sentry will bring his carbine to the "Ready" position, and call out in a sharp tone "Halt: who comes there?" If the person approaching gives a satisfactory reply, the sentry will say, "Pass friend: All's well," remaining at the "Ready" till he has passed.
(2.) If the person approaching answers "Grand (or visiting) rounds," when there is no countersign, the sentry will say, "Pass grand (or visiting) rounds: All's well," shouldering his arm at the same time and presenting as they pass if they are grand rounds; but when there is a countersign, he will say, "Stand grand (or visiting) rounds; Advance one and give the countersign," still remaining at the "Ready"; in this position he will receive the countersign, and if it is correct will say, "Pass grand (or visiting) rounds," and proceed as above described.
(3.) If the sentry is on or near the guard-tent door, he will proceed as described under the topic: Guards Turning Out
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Next: Instruction of Recruits as Sentries
Further Reading:
Citation: Australian Light Horse, Roles within the Regiment, Sentries Challenging
