1944 - 1949
The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
1st KOSB EXERCISES
EXERCISE DAD
-
Chilgrove, South Downs
England
*Re-enactor Photo. Courtesy of the Army Film & Photographic Unit Living History Group and Monty's Men.
On 19 April 1944, seven weeks before D-Day, 1st KOSB ran two company live-firing exercises on the South Downs above Chilgrove, north of Chichester in West Sussex.
In Exercise DAD, "A" Company acted as advance guard to the Battalion, with a section of carriers and a section of mortars under command. It advanced along the high ground towards Chilgrove Manor, clearing rearguards left by an imaginary withdrawing enemy.
Five officers acted as umpires and safety officers. Two red Verey lights fired by Capt Sanderson were the signal to cease fire, which is why "A" Company was forbidden to use red lights itself.
WAR DIARY - 1ST KOSB
19 April 1944
Ex DAD and SINNER for A and C Coys respectively. (See Appx D and E)
19 April 1944
19 April 1944
Supporting Documents
Appx. "D"
Subject:- Exercise "DAD" · A/9/169
To: OC "A" & "S" Coy
Capts Sanderson, Skinner MM, Stonor, Dove, Gray (Umpires)
Sig Offr, MO, IO, MTO, Lt Douglas, Lt Richardson
1. Exercise Instructions
(a) At 1200 hrs 19 Apr "A" Coy, 4 SBs, 2 Sigs and 18 set, one sec Carriers, one sec Mortars, will be at wood 248300 ready to adv at 10 mins notice.
(b) The sec of carriers and sec Mortars will report to Maj Blair at 248300 at 1145 hrs 19 Apr. They will move to this RV under arrangements made by OC S Coy.
(c) Sig Offr will detail Sig NCO with Bn HQ set and 2 18 sets with operators for umpires. Umpire and Coy sets will be on same net. I Sgt will act as IO.
(d) Coy Carrier will be taken.
(e) Capt J Gray will be safety Offr. All other umpires will be assistant safety Offrs.
(f) Capt Sanderson will be prepared to give 'Cease Fire' with 2 Red Verey lights. All tps will know this. A Coy will not use Red Verey lights.
2. Gen Idea.
(a) "A" Coy is the Adv gd to the Bn which is ½ mile to the South West. Bn is advancing on CHILGROVE MANOR 2634. Axis of advance, track along high ground through Pt 670 and Pt 544.
(b) The enemy has been withdrawing along the ridge and it is expected that he may have left small rearguards to cover his withdrawal.
(c) American forces are operating on the right flank of the Bn.
3. Special Idea.
The 2i/c will give out orders on the ground at 1200 hrs 19 Apr.
(Signed) J.B. Boyd, Capt., Adjt. 1 KOSB
Field, 18 Apr 44
Map of 1st KOSB Exercise "DAD", 19 April 1944: "A" Company advances as advance guard from wood 248300 north-east along the ridge track over Bow Hill and Stoughton Down to Chilgrove Manor, plotted from the grid references in the orders.
OUR TAKE
DAD was the first half of a relay. At midday "A" Company advanced north along the ridge to Chilgrove; two hours later "C" Company set off south from the same place in Exercise SINNER. The "American forces" on the right flank were only part of the scenario, but a reminder that the coming invasion would be fought alongside US troops. Several names here, among them Capt J. Gray, Lt Douglas and Lt Richardson, turn up again two weeks later on Exercise FABIUS.
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).