Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Front
The muddy roads, camouflaged trails and the maze of communication trenches ultimately brought Soldiers to the front line trench. These positions as laid out in the manuals were supposed to be dug deep with reinforced walls, a firing step, sand bagged lip, and floor board to keep a Soldier’s feet out of the mud. Often, due to shelling and the ebb and flow of the battlefield, these trenches were little more than muddy ditches. The zig-zag nature was intended to minimize the effects of artillery rounds and flying shrapnel. A normal tour of the front lasted about two weeks, with two weeks in the reserve line and then two weeks in the rear area which had to be out of reach of artillery.
My platoon was the last one of the company to enter the trench. We followed along a constantly curving and gradually deepening one for perhaps a mile before we came to the position we were to occupy. The trench at that point was on high ground and about seven feet deep in the middle. On each side was a dirt or board shelf on which to stand to fire one’s weapon. The trench curved in a zig-zag fashion, or bay, as they were called. The trench led forward to a cross trench where another platoon had taken position.
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 This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 40° 12.383′ N, 77° 9.465′ W. Marker was near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. It was in Middlesex Township. Marker was on Army Heritage Drive. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Mortar Pit (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Front (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); Sniper's Nest (a few steps from this marker); Machine Gun Post (within shouting distance of this marker); No Man's Land (within shouting distance of this marker); Splinter Proof (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.
More about this marker. Part of the Meet Pvt. Kyler/WWI Trench System Exhibit.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 221 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 11, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.