Bristol Officers Training Corps was formed in 1910 and has had a long and distinguished History.

Training in the early days consisted of infantry skills with musketry playing an important part.  As training evolved a compulsory "Field Duty" was introduced, one being held in the winter term and another in the spring term.  Annual camp was undertaken collectively with the other university contingents until about 1928 after which we trained separately. 

In 1932 when the annual camp was cancelled a voluntary camp was organised, it was well attended and all those who participated agreed to share the cost.  Discipline was probably stricter too; for in one year, when a number of Officer Cadets absented themselves from camp at a cost to the unit of some 6 Guineas a head, the Officer Commanding sought approval to recover 2 Guineas from each "for failing to make themselves efficient".

In 1925 when new buildings at Bristol University where opened by King George V and Queen Mary the UOTC provided a 100 man Honour Guard.  A letter of appreciation was received from Windsor Castle to mark the occasion.

At the outbreak of the Second World War 21 Officer Cadets applied for immediate emergency commissions and 80 volunteered for further training.  The remainder of the contingent assisted in the running of No 5 Reception unit until its close in 1940, or helped in the training of the Home Guard.

In 1958 out first Honorary Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel O D Kendall, was appointed.  Today the appointment is held by The Hon N Soames MP.

Over the years, as the unit developed, in addition to the Infantry Company a Signals Troop was formed in 1936, to be followed in 1963 with an Royal Engineers Troop, a Royal Armoured Corps Troop in 1967 and a Royal Artillery Troop in 1973.

It recruits from three major Universities; Bristol, Bath and the University of the West of England (UWE).

The cap badge is that of the Coat of Arms of Bristol University.  The centre is the Coat of Arms of the City of Bristol.  The other icons of the Sun, Dolphin and Horse relate to the great families of Bristol.