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  #1  
Old 24-07-15, 04:51 PM
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Default OTC Efficiency Badge?

Hi,

Will any member who knows, kindly confirm or deny whether the diamond efficiency badge in this OTC photo from circa 1929 to 1939 is the same (I.e. white on red) as the volunteer efficiency badge discontinued in 1909?

Please will someone also enlighten me as to the likely colour of the star worn above the chevrons?

The unit is Brighton Grammar School OTC and whilst I'm familiar with this unit's badges, 'cadet' badges per se are not my area. I have read the previous threads and attempted to obtain Keith Rawlings book.

Thanks in advance and kind regards,

Pete.
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  #2  
Old 24-07-15, 05:02 PM
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The star is probably red to indicate Certificate A proficiency. A similar one is shown in the picture of the Alleyns OTC cadet I have just posted.

Jon
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Old 24-07-15, 05:08 PM
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Thanks Jon; that was a quick reply!

Pete.
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Old 25-07-15, 12:21 AM
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Default OTC efficiency

Pete,

Confirming what Jon said. The hollow lozenge shape on the cadet's lower right arm is the efficiency badge, almost indistinguishable from the earlier Volunteer Efficiency badge. The coloured stars, and half stars are the later Certificate A and B awards.

Attached are scans of current ACF stars, and the OTC Efficiency badge.

Stephen.
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  #5  
Old 25-07-15, 06:09 AM
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Stephen,

Thank you for confirmation and taking the time to add photos.

KR,

Pete.
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  #6  
Old 25-07-15, 08:37 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by badjez View Post
Pete,

Confirming what Jon said. The hollow lozenge shape on the cadet's lower right arm is the efficiency badge, almost indistinguishable from the earlier Volunteer Efficiency badge. The coloured stars, and half stars are the later Certificate A and B awards.

Attached are scans of current ACF stars, and the OTC Efficiency badge.

Stephen.
Certificate B ? Please enlighten me as I've never heard of this before. I know of Certificate A (parts 1 and 2), certificate T, APC (ACF) and APC (CCF) but am unfamiliar with Cert B.
Looking forward to learning about it!
PL
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Old 25-07-15, 09:27 AM
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Paul,

All I can say is that this silver ash try with silver plated Kings Regiment collar badge was I believe given by Liverpool University OTC to cadets who had passed Certificate "B", at least that is what the engraving on the edge suggests.

Peter

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  #8  
Old 25-07-15, 10:40 AM
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Cert A was Junior Division whilst Cert B were Senior Division OTC qualifications rather than modern ACF.

I quote from Oxford OTC's history:

An important aspect of the new OTC was the provision of permanent staff from the regular army to provide rigorous training for the cadets. Training during term took
the form of short courses (usually about one per week) which took place at a time that did not interfere with University work or sport. Training included parades, attending camp and studying for voluntary examinations. These examinations were held twice a year in March and November, and took the form of certificates A and B. Certificate A was designed primarily for members of the Junior Division of the OTC and B for the Senior Division; both examinations contained written and practical elements. Although the examinations were voluntary, successful candidates gained some advantages; for example, the holder of certificate B was entitled to a commission in the Special Reserve of Officers or the Territorial Force.
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Old 25-07-15, 06:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan O View Post
Cert A was Junior Division whilst Cert B were Senior Division OTC qualifications rather than modern ACF.

I quote from Oxford OTC's history:

An important aspect of the new OTC was the provision of permanent staff from the regular army to provide rigorous training for the cadets. Training during term took
the form of short courses (usually about one per week) which took place at a time that did not interfere with University work or sport. Training included parades, attending camp and studying for voluntary examinations. These examinations were held twice a year in March and November, and took the form of certificates A and B. Certificate A was designed primarily for members of the Junior Division of the OTC and B for the Senior Division; both examinations contained written and practical elements. Although the examinations were voluntary, successful candidates gained some advantages; for example, the holder of certificate B was entitled to a commission in the Special Reserve of Officers or the Territorial Force.
Thanks Alan,
much appreciated, I assume then that Cert B later became MTQ1 and MTQ2 within the OTCs ?

PL
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  #10  
Old 25-07-15, 07:19 PM
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That would be logical. Although Cert B with its 'commissioning earning' status seems to be a bit more advanced than MTQ2 ever has been. Obviously pre Westbury days when being a good chap from the right school was enough to get you into most regts.
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