There are statistics from Paris Invalides in 1762:

Small arms: 68,7%
Swords: 14.7
Artillery: 13,4
Bayonets: 2.4

This is of course those who survived. Cavalry combat was noted for its many wounded but not many killed. Cannonballs and grapeshot were quite devastating so not many survived being hit by that. It might even be somewhat difficult to see the difference between a wound from a light cannister ball and a musket ball.

IMO bayonets overall meant more killed than wounded as it happened in melee where it was difficult to get away. But even if bayonets didnt kill or wound that many, compared to other weapons, doesnt mean they werent important. There are lots of examples of units melting away before contact so the act of charging had a big impact alone.


CBR