I've been search madly for two pieces of information, but unfortunately, I've not found anything really pointing me in the right direction. I'm looking for training length for two forms of training:

1) Officer Training Corps training length
and
2) Cavalry training length

I've looked through many links and sources, but nothing gives me an idea of how long training would be, and I'm even curious on the specifics of both. I know a lot of RFC pilots had done OTC before joining so it's still hard to gauge the length of it.

If anyone has info that would be great. If you want the full story on why I need this then PM me as well.

Cheers

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I can't say about cavalry training, but concerning officer training once the pre-war OTC pool had been exhausted the British Army established Officer Cadet Battalions, (OCBs), beginning in early 1916 to train men from the ranks to become 'temporary gentlemen'. OCB training was four to four-and-a-half months long.

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Thanks Lou

For the people that went to OTC between August 1914 and the creation of OCB in 1916, was that pretty much OCB before being "officially" created? I know a lot of the people who went through it had the T designated with their rank.

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While I cannot locate it at the moment I recall reading that British OTC before and at the beginning of WWI was more rigorous and longer in duration, though I don't remember how much longer - sorry. As the shortage of officers became more and more acute the OCBs were created and the training periods shortened in order to fill the need. And it did seem to be an extension and streamlining of the OTC.

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In the cavalry, training is not so important. Having a proper gentleman's pedigree is all it takes to become a good cavalry officer!

Sorry, not helpful. But I couldn't resist.

Cavalry lesson #1, according to a 1892 cartoon in Punch magazine...



General: Mr. De Bridoon, what is the general use of the cavalry in modern warfare?
Mr. De Bridoon: Why, I suppose to give tone to what otherwise would be a mere vulgar brawl!

CaNy_Ace88,

Check the following paper. It discusses the curriculum of the Royal Military College at Sandhurst, which while more detailed than the UOTC or OCB curricula, would give a good general outline to work from.

http://www.army.mod.uk/documents/general/rmas_occ_paper_17.pdf

Ha Raine, I love the cartoon. And thanks for the link. Just what I was looking for.

Cheers