![](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/OCTU-Wrotham-Camp.jpg?resize=640%2C705&ssl=1)
The purpose built Pre-Officer Cadet Training Unit at Wrotham Camp was reputed to be at one stage the largest training establishments in the world with up to 10,000 cadets on site at one time. The first intake into Wrotham was in August 1942 and the camp continued training potential Officers until its closure was announced on 8 April 1946. The purpose of the camp was to provide up to 8 weeks of military training to bring selected Officer Cadets to the same standard of training in a common military syllabus prior to attending a regular Officer Cadet Training Unit. The newly established 148 Training Brigade was established to run the punishing training programme which included drill, fitness, military law, first aid, map reading and other field skills from 0700 and 2200 daily. A dedicated ‘wing’ at Wrotham also trained the Officer Cadets in driving; with one week spent on 4-wheels, and the second on two, both on and off road, as well as vehicle maintenance. A total of 5 training wings focused on infantry skills (A, B, C), driving and maintenance (D) and artillery (E).
When the camp closed in 1946, the training wings A, B and D soon became homes for local refugees from the German bombing raids, while the remainder of the camp was demolished. The modern day village of Vigo sits on what was the infantry training wing, while Vigo Rugby Club occupies the driving and maintenance wing site.
Despite the short lived history and 70 years having passed, and much development, there remains a surprisingly complete footprint of the vast training site. Below are some of the photographs of the remains of Pre-OCTU Wrotham, the best preserved of which are at E wing to the east of the site just south of the White Horse Road.
![DSC_4387 A map reading platform sitting high on the hillside overlooking the Pilgrims Way and valley below.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_4387.jpg?w=813&h=541&ssl=1)
![DSC_4380 At the bottom of the hill sits one of the obstacles from the assault course.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_4380.jpg?w=379&h=253&ssl=1)
![IMG_5508 The quarry in which the Officer Cadets trained. This training often included over head fire from a Bren gun.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_5508.jpg?w=379&h=284&ssl=1)
![DSC06268 A water pumping station at the bottom of the hill was required, and a steel water tank was constructed at the top of the hill as visible in the contemporary photograph.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC06268.jpg?w=380&h=285&ssl=1)
![DSC_6651 A water or sewage pump house on the edges of E wing.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_6651.jpg?w=428&h=285&ssl=1)
![IMG_5531 Another one of the few remaining buildings remaining in C wing. Based on the Google Maps images this building was possibly part of a water treatment facility.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_5531.jpg?w=380&h=285&ssl=1)
![DSC_3678 Anti-tank cylinder at E wing.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_3678.jpg?w=395&h=264&ssl=1)
![DSC_4237 Anti-tank cylinder at Vigo Rugby Club on the site of the old driving and maintenance wing.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_4237.jpg?w=395&h=263&ssl=1)
![DSC_3738 One of the many remaining hardstanding tracks. This one is in E wing.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_3738.jpg?w=797&h=531&ssl=1)
![DSC_3666 Substantial foundations remaining at the furthest reach of Wrotham Camp at E wing, just off Whitehorse Road.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_3666.jpg?w=596&h=397&ssl=1)
![DSC_3685 A mysterious wall constructed of anti-tank cylinders at E wing.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_3685.jpg?w=596&h=397&ssl=1)
![DSC_4245 Foundations at D wing, driving and maintenance.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_4245.jpg?w=797&h=531&ssl=1)
![DSC_4262 Foundations at D wing, driving and maintenance.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_4262.jpg?w=395&h=264&ssl=1)
![DSC_4266 Foundations at D wing, driving and maintenance.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_4266.jpg?w=395&h=263&ssl=1)
![DSC_4281 DSC_4281](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_4281.jpg?w=396&h=264&ssl=1)
![DSC_4300 Foundations at A/B wing.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_4300.jpg?w=396&h=264&ssl=1)
![DSC_4316 Foundations at A/B wing.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_4316.jpg?w=396&h=264&ssl=1)
![DSC_4340 Foundations at A/B wing.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_4340.jpg?w=395&h=264&ssl=1)
![DSC_6378 Foundations at D wing, driving and maintenance.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_6378.jpg?w=395&h=263&ssl=1)
![DSC_6487 Foundations at D wing, driving and maintenance.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_6487.jpg?w=797&h=531&ssl=1)
![DSC_6533 Toilet plumbing at E wing.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_6533.jpg?w=596&h=397&ssl=1)
![DSC_6561 Foundations at D wing, driving and maintenance.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_6561.jpg?w=596&h=397&ssl=1)
![DSC_6589 Foundations and steps at D wing, driving and maintenance.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_6589.jpg?w=797&h=531&ssl=1)
![DSC_6608 Rather grand foundations at D wing, driving and maintenance.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_6608.jpg?w=395&h=264&ssl=1)
![DSC_6639 Foundations and steps at D wing, driving and maintenance.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/DSC_6639.jpg?w=395&h=263&ssl=1)
![IMG_5522 Foundations at D wing, driving and maintenance.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_5522.jpg?w=596&h=447&ssl=1)
![IMG_5525 Foundations at D wing, driving and maintenance.](https://i0.wp.com/frontlineulster.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_5525.jpg?w=596&h=447&ssl=1)
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