Combat· World War I
Toulon Sector defensive tour
The Toulon Sector was a defensive position near Verdun where the 4th Marine Brigade got its first real taste of frontline trench duty.
This was not a major offensive but a "quiet" sector meant to break the Marines in and teach them the daily routine of trench warfare. The Marines manned the line, ran patrols into no man's land, and held their positions against raids and harassing fire. The greatest danger here came from artillery and poison gas rather than large infantry attacks. Living conditions were rough, with mud, cold, and constant alertness against surprise. The experience hardened the brigade and prepared it for the far heavier fighting it would face later. Though it lacked the drama of a big assault, the sector gave Marines and their leaders valuable practice working together under fire before they were committed to major battles.
Podcast episodes on World War I
Record no. 99