William Slade Vincent

6.1
Wadham College Officer Training Course 1915

On 1st December 1915, William was formally notified that he had been accepted into the army with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant (on probation) and was posted to the 3rd Battalion (Bn.) King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment (K.O.R.L.R.), then stationed at Port Stamford, Plymouth. But before going to Plymouth, he was instructed to report to the School of Instruction, Officer Training Course (O.T.C), Oxford University, Oxford on 8th December 1915.

He was also instructed to take his own bedding and kit, and uniform, if it was ready. He had to pay his own expenses incurred in getting to Oxford.

Oxford O.T.C. Course [54]

The 10th O.T.C. course ran from 8th December 1915 to 20th January 1916 and all candidates were registered prior to commencing the course. He again stated an incorrect age.

Registration of Probationary Officers for Wadham O.T.C. [55]

Officers residing at Wadham O.T.C. [56]

William did not excel on the course, having a combined score for Musketry and Tactics of 78, and failed the course. The highest score was 156 and the lowest was 44. But as the British Army was desperate to recruit officers, many candidates on the course saw action quite soon after the course and received further training later, when it became obvious that the training they had received at the O.T.C. school was insufficient.

Scores on Wadham O.T.C. Course [57]

A photograph of the course attendees was taken during the course and William is number 7 in the front row.

Course 10, Officer Training Course December 1915 – January 1916. William No. 7 [58]

A closer view of William is seen below.

2nd Lieut (on probation) William Slade Vincent [59]

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[54] National Archive of UK – Service Record William Slade Vincent
[55] - [59] GreatWarForum.org