History of the RACMP Lanyard
Researched by Antony Buckingham, MP History Website
The current Corps lanyard was approved for wear by RACMP on 25th June 1995. Prior to this date the lanyard was worn and owned by the soldiers of 2/4 RAR. Upon delinking of the two Battalions the lanyard was applied for by the RACMP and subsequently granted. Until this time members of the Corps wore a red lanyard.
A red lanyard was also worn by Australian, UK and NZ Provosts who served with the
28th Commonwealth Infantry Brigade Group Provost Unit in Malaya and Borneo 1950s/1960s. Reg Smith, a CPL of the RMP posted to the Unit states "The OC, Mick Gray, introduced the use of scarlet lanyards for unit personnel. It was approved by PM FARELF and to my knowledge the only Commonwealth Provost Unit to have such an item".The current lanyard is a combination of a Red colour twisted with a Black colour to denote the Corps colours of RACMP - Red over Black.
What are the origins of the Corps colours?
The following information is offered to support the current colours:
The book by Glenn Wahlert - 'The Other Enemy'
In 1854 the British Army Cavalry Staff Corps was reformed as Mounted Staff Corps for service in the Crimean War. Their primary duties where policing duties; maintaining law and order among the troops. Most of the recruits came from the Irish Constabulary. The uniform of the Irish Constabulary included a red tunic, braided with black cord.
An article from Pointsman Magazine in the 1980s titled 'The Anzac Provost Corps in Egypt and Palestine 1916-18' by Major J.V. Hoban
An ANZAC Provost Unit was raised in Egypt in March 1916 primarily of volunteers from the Australian Light Horse Brigades.
It would appear that Military Police wore the dress and colour patches of their parent units, many of which were Light Horse Regiments. It is fitting, therefore, that the current Corps colours (red and black) and vehicle unit tac signs are identical to those of the 7th Light Horse Regiment.
An entry from the War Diary of the 1st Commonwealth Division Provost Company Korea dated 1953.
A red scarf is authorised for wear by all unit members.
Picture of current RACMP lanyard