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Oliver Sturdy Sinnatt
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Dr Oliver Sturdy Sinnatt MC D.Sc M.Sc was born in the West Derby district of north Liverpool in 1882, educated at the Manchester College of Technology, and Owen’s College, University of Manchester. He was Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, London University, King’s College from 1905 where he became a TA Officer in the OTC in 1909.

The critical shortage of officers during the South African War (1899-1902) led to the establishment in 1908 of an Officer Training Corps as part of the Haldane Reforms. Initially, the Corps was in 2 Divisions: a junior division in schools and a senior division in universities. Eight universities, including London, formed contingents of the OTC in 1908. All had previously formed volunteer detachments in emergencies or militia companies. The University of London initially consisted of an HQ (Kensington), 3 infantry Sections (University, Kings and East London Colleges), 2 medical sections (St Bartholomews and Guys Hospitals) and an Engineer company (Kensington).

The first Adjutant, a Coldstream Guards officer, designed the Contingent cap badge based upon the Garter Star. By 1909, ULOTC had a strength of 24 officers and 783 officer cadets. During the 1914-18 war, the OTCs became an officer producing corps and some 30,000 officers passed through. Oliver held various posts in the OTC, including running the Training Camp in Perivale. He was then transferred to the London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers).

Oliver served with the 2/2nd London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) throughout his active service. He was seriously wounded at Poelcapelle, losing a finger of his left hand and having another so seriously damaged that it remained useless for the rest of his life. He also took a bullet through the jaw which led to his ‘Blighty One’ and several months in hospital. After he left hospital, he was given temporary employment at the War Office (Ministry of Munitions) from 3rd June 1918, in the Technical Branch of the Aircraft Product Development. According to the records, he was awarded the Military Cross in January 1918; dispersed 22nd March 1919 and relinquished 1st April 1919 as Substantive Captain.

In 1920 he was appointed to the Professorship of Aeronautical Science at the RAF Cadet College, Cranwell.

Oliver died in 1965 aged 82.