Can anyone please provide the location i.e. address, of the 164 Officer Cadet Training Unit between December 1939 and April 1940? I have evidence that it was located in Colchester in July 1940, but later appears to be at North Wales (1944) and Chester (1946). I don’t want to take it for granted that it was located at Colchester during the period I am researching. Best, Steve.
Hello Joe, That's the link I found that put them in N Wales i.e. Barmouth in Gwynedd, in 1944. I have evidence that 164 OCTU (Inf) was at Colchester in July 1940, but not that it was there from December 1939 to April 1940. Any idea where I could find this information? Many thanks for your your assistance. Best, Steve.
As per Message #1, I have now found a source that reveals that the 164 OCTU was moved to Eaton Hall, Chester, by Lt Gen Sir Brian Horrocks in 1946; link: Cheshire Military Museum | Eaton Hall Nothing yet on December 1939 to April 1940...
Hello Steve, A couple of files at TNA which may help: WO 365/163. OCTUs: situation reports. 1939-1942. WO 365/195. OCTUs: situation reports. 1940. I’ve attached this file which I happen to have copied, which doesn’t help with your dates unfortunately, but gives an idea of what the others may contain. WO 365/150. Officer-cadet and pre-officer-cadet training units. 1942-1943. Regards, Richard
Hello Richard, Although it doesn't cover the dates I am looking at, it does confirm where I will likely find the information. It also confirms that 164 OCTU was at Barmouth on 18 November 1942; so the picture builds. Many thanks for your assistance, it is much appreciated. Best, Steve.
Steve, Only another clue I am afraid, but this person was Adjutant early in the war at 164 OCTU. Lieut.-Colonel Thomas Frederick Hughes, D.S.O. - Worcestershire Regiment Regards Tom
hello Steve Lt. Col H M W Harris MA Hugh Harris was born in Cobham Surrey in 1919. Educated at Marlborough College and Queen's College Oxford. He left in 1939 with an MA Degree. He volunteered for the army and was commissioned into the Queen's Royal Regiment in 1940, having passed through 164 OCTU at Colchester. Commanding Officers - The Queen's Royal (West Surrey) Regiment regards Clive
Thanks for that, Clive. It is indicating again that 164 OCTU was in Colchester in 1939/40. Best, Steve.
Hello Steve, A bit late probably, but I had a look at WO 365/163. This is quite a thick file and seems to have all the fortnightly reports 19 Sep 1939 to 1 Aug 1942. Of course I forgot to take a note of which dates you were looking for so had to guess! Here are a couple of reports: 19 Sep 1939 and 18 Jun 1940 both of which show 164 OCTU at Colchester. Richard
Excellent work, Richard. I have done no research on this for the last two months, mainly due to a holiday and subsequent work commitments. This find of yours has provided me with the impetus to move matters forward again. Thank you! Best, Steve.
Hi Steve. Are you still looking for info on the 164 Octu at Barmouth. If so I have good info for you. Brian Matthews: brimat@gmail.com
If anybody is still interested in the 164 OCTU, I can help. My father was there in Barmouth during 1940 till end of war. I also was in Barmouth as a child during this time. Brian Matthews brimat@gmail.com
Apologies, Brian. I completey missed your message of 20 Febuary 2014. Any information about 164 OCTU gratefully recieved! Best, Steve. PS. Many thanks also for your PM...
hello brian i am trying to trace any group photos that might have my father in law in them he was there 1940-42 we believe, can you help