1st Tyneside Scottish February 1943
1st February 1943 LLANELLY.
Major R.H.C. Drummond-Wolff assumed command of the Battalion.
4th February 1943
Major W.L. McGregor assumed command of the Battalion on the departure of Major R.H.C. Drummond-Wolff from the Battalion. (Posted to the 8th Battalion, The Black Watch).
8th – 9th February 1943
The Signals Platoon and part of Battalion HQ took part in the Divisional Signals Exercise “FANTOME”.
15th February 1943
The weekly Training Programme was issued and a copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix 1 – for details see below.
15th – 19th February 1943
The Battalion Intelligence Section took part in the Divisional Exercise “FILLDYKE”. Details were set out in Appendix 2 attached to the War Diary – for more information, see below.
19th - 20th February 1943
The Battalion carried out a 50-mile route march which was completed in 23 hours 10 minutes.
20th February 1943
The Battalion team, which was representing the Brigade, won the Divisional Steeplechase.
22nd February 1943
Major K.K. Walmsley assumed command of the Battalion.
24th February 1943
Lt Col C.W. Oxley resumed command of the Battalion.
26th February 1943
The Advance Party left for the Exercise “SPARTAN” concentration area at HIGH WYCOMBE.
27th February 1943
The Battalion left for HIGH WYCOMBE and bivouacked for the night at LEDBURY.
28th February 1943
The Battalion arrived at HAZELMERE Camp, HIGH WYCOMBE.
Appendices attached to the February 1943 War Diary for 1st Tyneside Scottish.
Appendix 1 – Training Programme for the week ending 20th February 1943.
In addition to a Battalion Exercise during this period the other noteworthy spells of training included Minefield Laying and Clearing and a “Trained Soldier” exercise on bayonet fighting, the 2” Mortar and Grenades.
Appendix 2 – Exercise FILLDYKE – issued 31st January 1943.
This single page described the administrative arrangements which 70th Infantry Brigade had been requested, by 49th Division, to make for this Intelligence Exercise.
The Umpires were identified as:-
Lt Col J.H.N. Poett (11th DLI).
Lt Col P.J. Jeffreys (10th DLI)
Major K.K. Walmsley (1 TS)
The Umpires would be assisted by Liaison Officers Lt Col W.M. Grylls, Lieut F.O. Glazey and Lieut J.A. Bruce. Their kit would be transported in a vehicle provided by the Brigade Transport Officer, who would also supply them with motorcycles.
The arrangements for transporting the Brigade Intelligence Section were set out - the Section was led by Lieut Robson.
The Battalion Intelligence Section would be present in full, consisting of the Intelligence Officer, Sergeant and six Privates, with two 15cwt trucks, three bicycles one motorcycle and a No 18 wireless set.
JERICHO, SIDNEY and RADIUM Reports would be practised throughout the Exercise and were all to be regarding as requiring IMMEDIATE transmission.
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