The Close Combat Files of Col. Rex Applegate is a nice sized book (8 3/4 x 11 3/4 inches) with large, easy-to-read print, and a clear layout. In many ways it reflects the clear, simple and direct approach of the author and his generation. For historians there are ample and clear photos and reproductions of the old type-written files of Col. Applegate. The atmosphere of WWII exudes from the photos and the text reflects the urgency of the time. Most of the information is not new and will be familiar to those who are already in the vineyard of the “Knife and Gunners.” The bulk of the information is in other books-particularly those of W.E. Fairbairn - who was a main teacher of Applegate. The first hand accounts of teaching methods using simplicity, brevity and intensity with informality are fascinating and worth the perusal of anyone interested in the teaching process.

The implementation and evolvement of 'point shooting' skills as espoused by Col. Applegate (Sykes, Fairbairn and others) is noteworthy in that the technique has withstood the test of time and evolving technology. The empty hand and knife techniques show a much smaller experience base and reflect an uneven knowledge. (Self-defense teacher, Charlie Nelson of New York (now in Arkansas?) who carries some of the old Fairbairn / O'Neil methods has improved and elaborated on much of this old material improving it significantly - Charlie uses grabbing and off-balancing while striking simultaneously like some of the old Chinese boxing). The lack of sophistication on empty hand comes as no surprise. In war the gun comes first.

Most surprising to the reviewer was the cover of the book which depicts Col. Applegate holding a knife in a palm-up position. The one position which exposes the arteries of the wrist. In fencing this is taught as the French grip. A hard stroke down on the blade at about thirty degrees will disarm the man of his weapon. It is a weak grip and a dangerous position anatomically. Moreover Fairbairn himself according to his students (Samuel Yeaton and others) said to use the knife like a painter's brush - palm down or to the side). Applegate's empty hand parries off a knife attack, bringing him inside the guard, and seems to assume that the adversary will not use the other hand. I would attribute this to the concentration on weaponry. Some of his other techniques - like pushing the shoulder of the adversary to spin behind him - are very savvy. Speed of learning in WWII was very important. It is much easier and faster to teach someone what to do with their hands - there's several times more brain tissue for the hands than the feet. As someone practices these movements, their feet will usually adjust for the hand position. This seems to be the way both Fairbairn and Applegate taught - concentration on the hands. This however, neglects subtleties of balance which are often lost in this speed learning process. When Samuel Yeaton was studying with Fairbairn in Shanghai he sent a letter to his brother Charles saying, “...most Chinese boxing is ritual anyway...” the Chinese start with the feet and the process of learning root. To knife and gunners this would have seemed a waste of time indeed. Learning quickly was everything.

The editor's notes of vital or killing points initialed “B.N.” on pages 179 and 180 are particularly ill-advised. “Dim-mak” (Southern-Cantonese) is more correctly “Tien Shue or Dian Xue” (Northern-Mandarin) as the art came out of North China. The art cannot be reliably traced to Chang San-feng (he is legendary) nor is his “kidney 15” point correct. The point he espouses is “Ren 7.” “Kidney 15” is one thumb measure to the outside of “Ren 7.” Kidney 15 is not a killing point - it is used in acupuncture for constipation. Moreover if you can hit this low why not hit or grab the testicles as Fairbairn originally taught?

According to R.W. Smith in his Chinese Boxing, the art of hitting vital points is basically extinct - though he did learn some points of one tradition. It was practiced by five different families in five variations. It is debatable whether it depended on time or target or both or if it is primarily based on esoteric-ritual, hypnosis, etc...

It may not be dependant on acupuncture points at all. Modern texts attempting to reconstruct it are mainly based on reverse engineering acupuncture texts a la “If this heals them - then this hurts them.” The points themselves may only be linked to acupuncture indirectly. The vital points actually listed by Applegate are the same as listed by Fairbairn and they can be found in most martial arts texts.

The reviewer was surprised this misinformation got in to an otherwise clear and factual text. These minor details aside - for WWII Buffs and historians of all kinds including the arm-chair variety this book is a must. As a study of the necessities of history it is enlightening. It is also an appropriate memorial to the experiences of the recently deceased Col. Applegate.