Ringmer Patrol

All the Patrol went to Coleshill to train. It is assumed they trained at the regional HQ at Tottington Manor. Local training took place at Plashett Park by crossing the lakes on ropes.

They often stayed in the OB overnight as part of their training which nearly ended in disaster one night due to lack of ventilation.

During an exercise of a raid on a gun emplacement in Seaford the Patrol managed to remove an important part of the gun while the operators were fast asleep.

Tom Veness was successful on a night attack on a hall in Brighton full of Canadian soldiers. Climbing onto the roof he removed some slates and threw some thunderflashes among the troops.

Bill Webber, the Firle Patrol Leader, kept a diary of his Patrol's movements during their operational years. Although the entries are brief it gives a detailed account of their training, visits to Coleshill House and Tottington Manor, inter-Patrol competitions and interactions with neighbouring Patrols.

On 29 November 1941 an inter-Patrol competition was held at Bishopstone. Competing were members of the Bishopstone, Cooksbridge, Ringmer and Abbot's Wood Patrols. The events included Mills bomb throwing, pistol, rifle and Thompson sub-machine gun target shooting and a night patrol efficiency test. Cooksbridge Patrol came first, with 84 points, Bishopstone second, with 81 points; Abbot's Wood third, with 55 points; and Ringmer last with 43 points.

On 22 November 1942 a meeting of Patrol Leaders from all over Sussex was held at Tottington Manor. Captain Benson laid down a training programme for greater efficiency and to forestall any staleness that might be affecting the Patrols.