Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Sniper's Nest
Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 11, 2012
1. Sniper's Nest Marker
Although individual marksmen had been employed during previous conflicts, World War One brought the sniper into the modern age of battle. Armed with a rifle fitted with magnifying optical scopes, snipers were used to return limited offensive operations through harassing fire in the tactical deadlock of trench warfare. Most American snipers were armed with a 1903 Springfield rifle fitted with a Warner-Swasey Telescopic Musket Sight, Model of 1908-13 which offered magnification power of approximately double of what German sniper scoped offered at the time.
Private Graves, of the Second Squad, was on duty during the day as a sniper. He had a specially prepared and camouflaged nest. Where he could observe the enemy trenches. We heard him fire occasionally, of course, if the enemy had located his nest they would have blasted it with artillery fire Snipers on both sides kept a constant watch for anyone who exposed himself.
Private Donald D. Kyler
Erected by U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World I.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in South-Central Pennsylvania and in Greater Harrisburg. It was also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: The Mortar Pit (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Sniper's Nest (a few steps from this marker); Machine Gun Post (a few steps from this marker); The Front (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named No Man's Land (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Splinter Proof (a few steps from this marker); Meet Mechanic Donald D. Kyler (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to the World War I Trench System Exhibit (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.
Other markers no longer nearby. No Man's Land (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Splinter Proof (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Post of Command (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named The Front (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Larry Gertner, September 11, 2012
2. The Sniper's Nest
