Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice British WWII hollow desk medal measuring 2 7/8″ in diameter, awarded to the Best British Cadet, referred to as E.C.47 by Officer Commanding R. J. Wallace in 1944. The SENIOR OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOLS were introduced in 1920 and only Candidates of “SPECIAL APTITUDE” for Battalion Command or higher were nominated to attend. Clearly it was to expand these Officer’s with what was then known as HUSH HUSH subjects. No doubt including POLITICAL, INTELLIGENCE and BROADER VERY SECRET TOPICS. As indicated on the front of the badge, this was awarded at O T S BELGAUM, in the Indian city of Belagavi (called Belgaum by the British).
The last Commander BRIGADIER WILLIAM SLIM was appointed in June 1939 but the facility was to close in September 1939 when War broke out with Germany. In fact the facility continued until being closed in 1946 once hostilities had ceased.
Interesting that the Cadet winning the Medal was only referred to as “E.C. 47” but a good hint that this specialized training included much more than one would think. Possibly from the WWII “Covet War Effort”. Definitely some very interesting research potential here!