|
|
THE SUPPORT ARMS AND SERVICES (3)
No. 69. Corps of Royal Military Police
Corporal: Combat Dress.
Corporal: No. 1 Dress (Duty Officer).
Background: RMP Training Centre, Chichester.
From a watercolour painting by William R. Younghusband.
Postcard No. 69 CORPS OF MILITARY POLICE
The origins of the Military Police (MP) or Provost can be traced back
to the 12th century when Provost marshal were personally appointed by the
Sovereign. The Military Mounted Police became a separate Corps in the Army
in 1877. In 1882 a sister Corps of Military Foot Police was formed for
service in Egypt. In 1926 the two Corps were merged into the Corps of
military police and in recognition of its outstanding war record, His
Majesty King George VI granted the Corps Royal prefix in 1946.
The Corporal pointsman motorcyclist shown rides an Armstrong 500cc
machine. This has excellent rod and cross country capability. He wears a
standard combat suit and 1990 pattern web equipment. He is armed with an
SA80 5.56mm rifle. His helmet is painted with a red band and rank
chevrons. He wears traffic control sleeves and carries a battery powered
traffic baton with red and green lights for night use.
At prestigious events such as visits by Royalty or Heads of State, No. 1
Dress Duty Order is worn. The No. 1 Dress hat has the well known military
police scarlet top, this being the origin of their nickname "The
Redcaps". Further badges of office are the MP arm-band and a whistle
and chain carried in the left breast pocket. White leather or web belt is
worn. If armed, as overseas, a crossbelt is worn to support the 9mm pistol
carried in a side holster. Personal radios are linked to a central control
point.
The Keep at the Royal Military police Training Centre, Chichester forms
the background scene.
Published 1992
Copyright © 1992 Published by Geoff White Ltd.
Ordering / Secure Server
|
