HC Deb 13 May 1919 vol 115 cc1416-7
12. Brigadier-General COLVIN

asked the Secretary of State for War if cadets belonging to the Artists' Rifles (Officers' Training Corps) were after the Armistice compulsorily transferred to the 5th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, now stationed at Rugeley Camp, Staffs; whether the majority of the cadets had nearly completed their course of instruction; and why they should have received different treatment to officers' cadet battalions, which have been demobilised, and Colonial cadets of the officers' training corps, who were given commissions prior to demobilisation?

23. Major NEWMAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all Officers' Cadet Battalions have been demobilised; whether recruits who were selected to join the Artists' and other Officers' Training Corps, on the understanding that unless they were found incompetent or unsuitable they would be granted commissioned rank, are now compulsory and permanently transferred as privates to the 5th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps or other units; whether Colonial members of the Officers' Training Corps were posted to No. 11 Officers' Cadet Battalion and demobilised with commissions; and will he take steps to remove this anomaly?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I will reply to these two questions at the same time. All officer cadets serving in Officer Cadet Battalions have been demobilised. Members of the Inns of Court Officers' Training Corps were ordinary enlisted soldiers, and, as such, were liable for service in the Army unless they could be demobilised under the Regulations in force. The Colonial members were under an agreement as to repatriation under a scheme made with the various Governments. It was for this reason and for the better organisation of repatriation that these members were collected and placed at the Officer Cadet Battalion mentioned. I should point out that Officer Cadet Battalions were not the same as Officer Training Corps. The former were composed of those who had been selected from Officer Training Corps and other units, and were, in fact, a higher step in the organisation.

General COLVIN

Will any preference be given to these cadets in the granting of commissions?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I should like to have notice of that question.

Major NEWMAN

Is it not a fact that these men joined these units on the understanding that they would get commissions if they proved competent?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I gather that the War came to an end before the process of their training was completed.