[Alan O]

Haberdasher Askes School, Hampsted (moved in 1951 to Elstree)

A cadet corps founded in 1914 and recognised by the WD in 1915. It was part of the 3rd Cadet Bn Royal Fusiliers. It was then disbanded as part of the 1930 cuts.
Re-raised as cadet corps in 1936. The school old boys website records that an OTC Coy being raised in 1937 but the CC remained in existence; presumably for younger boys. From the school website:

Blessley has described how the old Cadet Corps was closed down. By about 1936 the political situation in the Country had changed and a new Cadet Corps was formed under 'Dicky' Small. It was largely a signals based Corps. Apart from basic square bashing, the cadets’ main activity seemed to be learning morse code and practising sending messages by waving flags in long or short strokes. It also had a small survey section whose members spent their time surveying the School grounds, and a bugle band.

The following year an O.T.C. of company strength was started under Reg Adams, an English Teacher. I think this must have been considered more 'up market1 so most people transferred to it but some diehards remained with the Signals Cadet Corps which was retained as an independent specialist unit. In the O.T.C. we had parades on Friday afternoon when we did our square-bashing, weapon training and infantry field tactics, and also had an annual inspection by a senior Army officer and field days in Windsor Park. I was a keen member of the O.T.C. rising to the rank of sergeant, and especially enjoyed shooting practice on the .22 range at the School and with .303 ammunition on Rainham Marshes and in the annual contest at Bisley.'



The London Gazette of 1939 confirms it as an O.T.C. in that year. It later became a CCF and is currently badges to the RRF.

It is therefore correct to show its an OTC badge but it was only one for 4 years out of its 100 year history.

There was also a sister school of the same name in Hatcham but known as the 'Askes' who were affiliated to the 7th Bn RF post WW2.