1944 - 1949
The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
1st KOSB EXERCISES
EXERCISE SINNER
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Chilgrove, South Downs
England
1st KOSB Training march circa 1941
Exercise SINNER was the second half of a two-part live-firing day on the South Downs on 19 April 1944.
At 1400 hrs "C" Company, supported by a section of carriers and a section of mortars under Maj Gillies, formed up at a road junction near Chilgrove as advance guard to the Battalion. Its task was to push south towards an enemy platoon reported at "Earthworks", close to where "A" Company had started Exercise DAD that morning.
The same five umpires ran both exercises. Capt J. Gray was again Safety Officer, and two red Verey lights were again the signal to cease fire.
WAR DIARY - 1ST KOSB
19 April 1944
Ex DAD and SINNER for A and C Coys respectively. (See Appx D and E)
19 avril 1944
19 avril 1944
Supporting Documents
Appx. "E"
Subject:- Ex "SINNER" · A/9/168
To: OC "C" Coy
Capts Sanderson, Stonor, Skinner MM, Dove, Gray (Umpires)
Sig Offr, MO, IO
1. Exercise Instructions
(a) At 1400 hrs 19 Apr, C Coy, 4 SBs, 2 Sigs with 18 Set, 1 sec Carriers and 1 Sec Mortars will be at Rd junc 268338, ready to move as an Advance Guard at 10 mins notice.
The sec Carriers and Sec Mortars will report to Maj Gillies at 1345 hrs at rd junc 268338.
(b) Sig Off will detail Sig NCO with 18 Set to rep Bn HQ. Int Sgt will rep IO. 2 18 sets with operators reqd umpires.
(c) The Coy carrier will be taken.
(d) Capt J. Gray will act as Safety Officer. On 19 Apr C Coy will not move into the Field Firing area until ordered to by 2IC.
(e) Cease fire signal – 2 RED Verey lights. C Coy will NOT use Red Verey lights.
2. Gen Idea
(a) 'C' Coy is Adv Gd to the Bn which at the start of the exercise is in the area Chilgrove Manor 2634.
(b) Enemy positions (approx 1 Platoon strong) are reported in area – Earthworks 2530.
3. Special Idea.
2IC will give out Bn Comds orders on the ground.
(Signed) J.B. Boyd, Capt., Adjt. 1 KOSB
Field, 18 Apr 44
Map of 1st KOSB Exercise "SINNER", 19 April 1944: "C" Company advances as advance guard from the road junction at 268338 near Chilgrove south along the ridge to an enemy platoon at the Earthworks in square 2530, plotted from the grid references in the orders.
OUR TAKE
"C" Company takes over as advance guard and pushes south from Chilgrove against an enemy platoon at the Earthworks, the afternoon after Exercise DAD.
Transcribed from the original War Diary and appendices, 1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers, April 1944 (Appx D, order A/9/169, 18 April 1944).