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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: Wernddu on Monday 03 November 14 15:30 GMT (UK)

Title: 51st Highland division WW2
Post by: Wernddu on Monday 03 November 14 15:30 GMT (UK)

Does anyone know what Divisional Pro Coy and "appointed A.P.M " mean in the context of the 51st Highland Division in WW2 ?
I have this soldier's army number - are there any sites I might get information about him?

Title: Re: 51st Highland division WW2
Post by: deebel on Monday 03 November 14 15:41 GMT (UK)

Was he a piper? Acting Pipe Major?

or Assistant Provost Marshall?

Title: Re: 51st Highland division WW2
Post by: km1971 on Monday 03 November 14 16:21 GMT (UK)

As you have his army number you can apply to the MOD for his service record.
http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_records/army.html

You also have to supply a copy of his death certificate.

Ken

Title: Re: 51st Highland division WW2
Post by: deebel on Monday 03 November 14 16:47 GMT (UK)

I think Pro Coy is Provost Company which would be the Military Police attached to the regiment / division. so Assistant Provost Marshall is probably APM. They would be responsible for normal policing within the regiment

Title: Re: 51st Highland division WW2
Post by: Wernddu on Monday 03 November 14 17:12 GMT (UK)

Thanks to everyone for help. Did  Military Police fight as normal soldiers? This one got a Military Cross for fighting through Normandy!

Title: Re: 51st Highland division WW2
Post by: deebel on Monday 03 November 14 17:23 GMT (UK)

Quote from: Wernddu on Monday 03 November 14 17:12 GMT (UK)

Thanks to everyone for help. Did  Military Police fight as normal soldiers? This one got a Military Cross for fighting through Normandy!

Is a corporal in the Catering Corp a normal soldier? Yes. trained soldiers first then specialism. Your ancestor may have been involved in frontline activity initially then posted to Provost Company.

Title: Re: 51st Highland division WW2
Post by: bleckie on Thursday 13 November 14 13:47 GMT (UK)

Hi

As this chap won a military cross (I think back then this was only issued to warrant officers and commisioned officers) all others got the military medal.

If you are sure he was military police try contacting RMP Museum they may have details.
http://www.rhqrmp.org/rmp_museum.html


Perhaps someone will put me right if the above info is wrong

Yours Aye
BruceL

Title: Re: 51st Highland division WW2
Post by: Drew5233 on Thursday 13 November 14 14:20 GMT (UK)

Quote from: Wernddu on Monday 03 November 14 17:12 GMT (UK)

Thanks to everyone for help. Did  Military Police fight as normal soldiers? This one got a Military Cross for fighting through Normandy!

Post his name etc and I'll look up the Military Cross citation for you - Then you'll now exactly what he did :)