The O.T.C. in 1914 The Novocastrian extracts compiled by Mike Barlow (53-64) Surprisingly little has changed in the 100 years that have passed since the First World War. Parades in school taught the cadets the elements of Certificate A (very like the Basic and Advanced Proficiency that is taught today), which involved drill, map reading, fieldcraft and shooting. Unlike today, the papers had to be sent off to the War Office for marking, and a pass marked out potential officers.
There were two camps in 1914, one in Race week at Barnard Castle, and one in the summer on Salisbury Plain that for obvious reasons was cut short. To show how little has changed (except the fact that this was the only period when a Headmaster in uniform took command), excerpts have been taken from The Novocastian reports of the time: in the text there is reference to the N.E.C.S. – the North Eastern County School. In 1924 this became Barnard Castle School. ‘On Saturday 20th June, fifty-five cadets went into camp at Westholme, Marwood, near Barnard Castle. The Headmaster was in command. A better place for a camp could hardly have been chosen, the weather was splendid, and a very enjoyable and instructive week was spent.’ The next extract refers to The Field-Day during the camp, and will be very familiar to generations of cadets, as the scenarios are much the same today. One major difference in the last 60 years is that fixed bayonets are no longer issued to cadets! Some of you will remember the picture (below) dated 1949 previously seen in issue 69. ‘On the top of the cliff behind the camp stands Porter’s Farm, and here on the morning of the 25th June, we were marched and halted, what time Major Talbot, Lieut. Little, Sgt. Douglas reconnoitred with a squad of picked scouts, who had been sent out before we left camp. Presently word came in that the enemy (the N.E.C.S. O.T.C.) were advancing through the fields above the river. Accordingly our company moved off to take up its position. A certain hedge was decided upon as our last position and half way across the field in front of it, Sgt. Simpson extended his party, while Sgt. Bailes with a flanking party advanced on his left and Col.-Sgt. Potts took his men upon the right, both these parties extending along a wall Left: Major Talbot, Headmaster (12-22) Below: A typical scene in 1914, cadets using fixed bayonets (photo dated 1949)
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