Public Schools and the Junior Officer Corps of 1916

Britain went to war in 1914 with a well trained but small army. Its expansion with the creation of Kitchener’s army meant that by November 1916 the size of its officer corps had grown from 24,896 to 122,352. Tim Halstead will explore how this expansion of the officer corps from one which led a small professional army to one which led a citizen army came about. He will demonstrate that the story is a nuanced one which went far beyond the expanded officer corps being not just about the contribution of the Public School OTC contingents.

Members and non-members of The Western Front Association are equally welcome. Any new visitors are guaranteed a friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome from a group of like-minded enthusiasts.