WWII March through the Flint Hills
Marching is an essential element of military discipline and an ever-present feature of a soldier's life, from any era. Marching ensures that forces make it from one point to another in an orderly fashion. Soldiers from every nation in WWII were on the march constantly - across Poland and France during the Blitzkrieg of 1939 and 1940, from Poland to the gates of Moscow and back, back and forth across the deserts of North Afrika, up the Italian peninsula and across all of Western Europe towards Berlin.
Come challenge yourself in this joint training event for all WWII reenactors, American, German, Russian or whatever else you portray! This is a 5-10 mile ruck march held during the winter (what better way to work off those Christmas pounds?). We carry full combat gear and weapons and average about 3 mph on the march. Halfway through the march, we stop for a light lunch in the field. At the completion of the march, we unload and enjoy food and drink together at a local restaurant.
Want to take it up a notch and try something challenging? Let us know - we have an MG42 with Lafette tripod and ammo cans, or we have radio sets and wire spools.
This year's marching orders.
Date: 22 Feb 2025
Location: Flint Hills Nature Trail between Bushong, KS and Allen, KS
Distance: 5.8 miles
March Duration: approx. 2 hr 30 min (with short stop halfway through)
Arrival Time: 1230-1330 at the North Lyon County Veteran's Memorial Park
I will need a volunteer driver to drive me back from the end point where I will leave my truck.
March Start Time: 1400 from NLCVM Park
End Time: approx. 1600-1630 at the Allen County Cemetary
Afterwards, for those who want, we'll go into Emporia for dinner. Location TBD based on what everyone wants to eat.
Contact: Erik Runge, erunge@wwiihistorycenter.org
Some typical German items carried and worn on the march
German M31 Tornister Pack
How to pack the M31 Tornister
Along the Flint Hills Trail in Council Grove, KS
Auf dem marsch!
25 March 2023 Participants