From OTC to OCB: the selection and training of junior officers during WW1
This talk by Charles Fair looks at the formation of the Officer Cadet Battalion (OCB) system in 1916 and how it developed out of the OTCs and precursor Schools of Instruction.
Officer Training Corps was split into Junior Divisions (at public/secondary schools) and Senior Divisions (at universities, plus the Inns of Court OTC). The OTC were designed to create a reserve of educated young men with basic military drill, discipline, and leadership foundations.
By 1916, soaring casualties and the complexity of modern industrial warfare made ad-hoc training unsustainable. The army mandated that temporary commissions could only be granted to candidates who passed through a formal Officer Cadet unit.
By mid-1917 a highly professionalised system of OCBs had evolved, and this sat within a broader framework for developing officers. This system produced officers of sufficient quality and quantity that it helped enable the BEF's success in 1918.
Becoming a member of The Western Front Association (WFA) offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for those passionate about the history of the First World War. Here's just three of the benefits we offer:
With around 50 branches, there may be one near you. The branch meetings are open to all.
Utilise this tool to overlay historical trench maps with modern maps, enhancing battlefield research and exploration.
Receive four issues annually of this prestigious journal, featuring deeply researched articles, book reviews and historical analysis.
