1st Tyneside Scottish March 1943

Exercise “SPARTAN”

4th March 1943 HIGH WYCOMBE – In the Field.

At 00:30 hours the Battalion advanced into “Southland” and took up a position on the River KENNET, between NEWBURY and KINTBURY, covering the demolition of all bridges.

5th March 1943

At 01:30 hours the enemy pressure on the left bank of the river was becoming dangerous. The Battalion was authorised to withdraw to WANTAGE and was congratulated for its stand on the Kennet Line by the Divisional Commander. Throughout the day contact was maintained by the enemy and a number of prisoners were taken.

At 16:00 hours the Battalion withdrew from WANTAGE owing to enemy pressure.

6th March 1943

At 03:00 hours the Battalion took up a position at STADHAMPTON.

At 14:00 hours the Battalion moved to GARSINGTON.

7th March 1943

At 04:00 hours the Battalion withdrew to (unreadable destination). Little enemy action in the area.

8th March 1943

The Battalion withdrew to ASHENDEN at 13:00 hours.

9th March 1943

At 08:00 hours the enemy put in an attack. The Battalion held out for a time but enemy numbers were too great and the Battalion (less B Company) were adjudged knocked out.

9th – 12th March 1943

B Company continued to operate.

12th March 1943

The Exercise ended.

14th March 1943

The Battalion concentrated at WOBURN.

15th – 16th March 1943

The Battalion returned to billets, stopping for the night at LEDBURY.

22nd – 31st March 1943

Normal training was carried out.

31st March 1943

In the Semi-Final of the Divisional Boxing Competition, the Battalion defeated the Reconnaissance Regiment.

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