1930's OTC Unit?

[Hawthorn]

A photographic postcard I recently came across which I have been unable to positively identify but believe may show an OTC Unit at Camp. Helpfully titled 'Camp, Aldershot 1930, B Coy' in ink to the top and 'Rushmoor 1930' printed at the bottom. To the reverse is the name 'A S(?) Parkwood' or similar.

The Sergeant shown centrally nearest the camera wears a cloth three level shoulder title uppermost with a cloth square shaped cloth badge below. Above his chevrons he appears to wear a metal 'OTC' shaped shoulder title which is not being worn by the Sergeant behind the rear rank. Both Sergeants wear Medal bars for extensive Pre and WW1 Service.

The OR's wear the same cloth shoulder title and square shaped badge as the Sergeants and as can be seen wear black or darkened badges and buttons, one other thing of note is the Man standing centrally in the rear rank wearing WW1 medals?

Under a glass the shoulder titles appear to read 'G W-------' but this could be just my eyes and my attempts to enlarge the photograph with any clarity have failed.

Any thoughts or suggestions are most welcome.

Regards, Simon.

[Alan O]

Simon

Unlikely to be an OTC simply because there are too many medals in view. A PSI might have been a WW1 veteran but you have quite a few in the photo and they all look quite old to me.


Alan

[Hawthorn]

Alan,

Many thanks for that, the fact that the Man in the rear rank has medals confused me but there are some young looking lads in the front rank, which along with the Sergeants unidentified badge above his chevrons made me wonder if this was OTC related. Now I can discount OTC I'll see what else I can establish.

Regards Simon.

[Alan O]

They are territorials. I did wonder if they could be Inns of Court OTC but I think the OTC title was dropped between the wars.

The square arm badge is very unusual for an interwar uniform as are the S/Ts.

[Hawthorn]

Alan,

Many thanks for the steer, will see what I can find.

Simon.

[grey_green_acorn]

I would think a London Territorial rifle / black button regiment wearing the ‘Dutch Tile’ formation sign of the 47th London Division.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/47th_(...ndon)_Division

Tim

[grey_green_acorn]

Possibly the Queen’s Westminsters & Civil Service Rifles wearing this cloth shoulder title?
Image from Orasot collection.

Tim

[Alan O]

I did think it was a black buttoned London Regiment and that ties in nicely.

[grey_green_acorn]

Better picture of the 47th London Division formation sign.

Tim

[Mike H]

If you look at the last image of the 3 in post#1 the closest soldier in what's the rear rank appears to wearing a thin cross type badge. This would fit to what's already been deduced.

[Hawthorn]

Many thanks for that Tim and Mike, think that identifies that card.

Regards, Simon.

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by grey_green_acorn

Possibly the Queen’s Westminsters & Civil Service Rifles wearing this cloth shoulder title?
Image from Orasot collection.

Tim

Good spot Tim, I too think that you’ve cracked it along with everyone else’s ID of the black buttons, cap badge, and likely London link. Excellent job all round methinks ?

[Alan O]

Another good picture of the cloth arm badge

[Hawthorn]

Thanks Toby and Alan.

Simon.