The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
Tuesday
27 February 1945
Start Location:
GOCH

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End Location:
GOCH
D-Day+
266

27 February 1945
9 Bde was ordered to attack and secure the line of the WEEZE-UDEM RD between 965403 and the bridge at 974409.
The operation was carried out in 2 phases and coincided with the similar operations of 8 Bde on our left flank.
Phase I 2 Lincolns cleared and captured wood at 960418, with a dawn attack and were on their final objective by 0830 hrs.
Phase II on the right 1 KOSB and on the left 2 RUR were to clear and capture woods at final objective and if possible secure bridge and buildings at 973398.
The Bn cleared the woods and was astride the road at 1345 hrs having advanced directly behind the barrage and captured 4 Officers and 180 ORs. The Bn was supported by 2 Tps of Churchill tanks of the Scots Guards.
An attack on the buildings and bridge at 973398 failed owing to an SP gun which knocked out two tanks, and heavy MG fire from the objective.
During the whole day there was intermittent heavy mortar harassing fire at various points.
The Bn suffered few casualties considering the opposition.
The PW belonged to II and III Bn 7 Para Regt for the most part.
The 8 Bde on our right had been held up by enemy in the woods at 959403 so our right flank was open. The enemy did not counter attack and we spent a quiet night.
Dispositions were as follows :- HQ at 966404, "A" Coy 968402, "B" Coy 965404, "C" Coy 967405, "D" Coy 972402.

Details of Major Frank Holden's actions on 27th Feb 1945 that led to him being awarded the Military Cross.
Alternative Information (from books, personal accounts)
Major Frank Holden was wounded on the 7th April, 1945. He has a page here
Operation Heather
At 05.30 hours we started to move to our assembly area. A Company were unlucky to have three casualties from shell fire as they got up out of their slits.
Apart from that the Battalion assembled without further incident.
At 07.30 hours we saw the Lincolns advancing. The barrage started to time and it made a most heartening and impressive noise.
We did not wait long before we moved up to cross the stream we saw the first prisoners coming back and about sixty of them formed up in threes and marching quite smartly to the rear, only looking pretty dazed.
An extract from 1st KOSB's report on the action for this day. The full text can be found in the Borderers Chronicle for June 1945, Pages 59 onwards.

Died on this day =
6
Tuesday
27 February 1945

Private | WILLIAM | LOBLEY | 3604726 | 27/02/1945 | 31 | MOOK WAR CEMETERY | ||
Private | WILLIAM BAILLIE SMITH | McFADYEN | 14671389 | 27/02/1945 | 19 | REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY | ||
Private | ROY | SEARLE | 14702355 | 27/02/1945 | 19 | REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY | ||
Lance Corporal | WILLIAM LIDDLE | SHANKS | 3191352 | 27/02/1945 | 26 | REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY | ||
Private | DANIEL | STEELE | 14649742 | 27/02/1945 | 19 | REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY | ||
Private | HERBERT | THOMAS | 14429040 | 27/02/1945 | 19 | REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY |
16
Wounded on this day =
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Pte J P Mill | 3194193 | Researching | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Pte D Johnson | 14681685 | Researching | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Cpl W. Jones | 3970055 | Researching | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Pte F Walker | 14763278 | Researching | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | L/Cpl T Holme | 3596978 | Researching | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Pte R M Dunning | 14214545 | Researching | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Pte F J F Stocker | 14665519 | Researching | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Pte R. Smith | 14686639 | Researching | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Pte D Marshall | 3184516 | Researching | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Pte E. Hawkins | 14658511 | Researching | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Pte H C Bushell | 1655851 | Researching | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Pte V R Hills | 14496609 | Researching | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Pte T. Wood | 4343842 | Researching | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Pte H. Thomas | 14429440 | Researching | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Sgt T Pearson | 3599123 | Wounded in left arm. Remained on duty. | |
Tuesday, February 27, 1945 | Pte J B Weir | 3193927 | Researching |

