History of MP Investigators WW2

Information taken from History of Provost Marshal Directorate HQ AMF 1939, AWM 54 803/1/1

The Special Investigation Branch of the Australian Army Provost Corps was formed by order of the C in C HQs AIF, Middle East, at the end of 1940.

Its functions were to combat pillage, mis-appropriations, pay frauds, etc, and carry out the more serious and complicated matters of investigation.

In Jan 41, 1 WO1 and 1 SGT were appointed. Both were experienced and trained investigators. The Section was slowly expanded and trained, and in June 42 a W/E of 1 Officer and 24 ORs was authorised. On return of the AIF to Australia the Branch was expanded to permit of the attachment of Sections to field formations in New Guinea, HQs L of C Areas and Commands, and reached a W/E of 7 Officers and 122 ORs when hostilities ceased. This W/E, whilst inadequate in busy periods, was in the main, suitable. It gave the CO SIB reasonable elasticity to transfer personnel to meet requirements in the various formations.

The CO Aust SIB was directly responsible to the Provost Marshal and the SIB HQs was accordingly located in Melbourne. CO SIB allotted personnel attached for duty to the various Formations and was responsible for promotion to NCO rank, transfers and personal records. The OC SIB Section was under command of the APM or DAPM of the Formation. This provided better control of personnel, closest co-operation with both Provost and Civil Police, and gave access to Senior Staff Officers of Formations on confidential matters.

Personnel were carefully selected and trained by the small nucleus of trained investigators, but rapid expansion of this Branch was not possible until a number of trained detectives were attached to Sections by the Commissioners of Police in certain States. This plan was advantageous to both Army and Civil authorities in that:

1. The training of SIB personnel was greatly assisted.
2. The closest co-operation and liaison with the Civil Police ensued.
3. Enabled soldiers involved in Civil Offences to be interviewed by SIB personnel then handed over to the Civil authorities expeditiously.
4. Enabled Civil Police to deal with civilian receivers of Army Stores and Property.

With efficiency the successful result of investigations increased progressively. In criminal and quasi-criminal cases the progress can be gauged by the number of arrests and the value of Army property recovered. A summary of activities for the past 2 years is as follows:

In addition, several thousand pounds have been saved by the clearing up of allotment frauds.

A lack of security was especially noticeable in the case of controlled stores. Many cases were found where Depots and Units failed to keep records of the numbers of pistols, binoculars, etc. As few records were kept of the numbers stamped on tyres, MT engines etc, investigation by the SIB was greatly hampered in tracing thefts that were reported. The indifference on the part of some senior Officers to losses and thefts of Army Stores was apparent by their failure to carry out frequent checks and to adequately punish offenders when caught. Approximately 66% of the losses of stores and equipment investigated were reported by Ordnance Stores, Workshops and AASC and Canteens Service. The attractive stores and large number of personnel employed made security very difficult. A number of Officers and ORs holding responsible positions in AASC and Ordnance Stores were found to have criminal records.

1. That in future all aspirants for commissioned rank on remobilisation be "vetted" by the CIB of the various States.
2. That personnel with police records be not employed in Units where temptation is so readily at hand.
3. That all personnel making application to be employed by the Australian Army Pay Corps be fingerprinted before taking up duty.
4. That records be maintained by Units of the numbers stamped on Controlled Stores.

Many inquiries necessitated the use of plain clothes and plain coloured motor cars. Personnel were granted an initial plain clothes allowance of 14 pounds and 15 pents in 1943, but no maintenance allowance was approved. This allowance is considered essential in view of the consistent use of plain clothes by certain personnel.

Some Formations recently ordered SIB to undertake inquiries into soldiers applications for compassionate leave. It is considered that only in very special cases SIB personnel should be used for this task, as the services of these skilled Investigators have been fully taxed in duties for which they were raised and trained.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that on mobilization, an SIB of the Australian Army Provost Corps be raised immediately. Commissioners of Police in each State would readily make available the services of three detectives who would train other personnel. The early elimination of criminals and other undesirable persons would be their first task.