The Australian Military Police in the Korean War 1952 - 1956
Reference material for this story - 1st Commonwealth
Division Provost Company diaries held at the Australian War Memorial Reference:
AWM 52,18/02/197, 1 COMWEL DIV Pro reports 52-56.
Australia agreed
to supply troops for service in Korea. In 1952 an Officer and a Section from
BCOF Japan Provost Company was dispatched to Korea for service with the 1st
Commonwealth Division Provost Company. Additionally, there was a Base Provost
Company in SEOUL and PUSAN which had Australian MPs attached and an Australian
SIB detachment based in SEOUL. Japan was now the logistic and administrative
base for the Korean Conflict and the Australian Provosts were rotated through
Japan and Korea.
The essential
battlefield support duties of traffic control and information posts, along with
maintenance (discipline patrols) of the rear areas were the daily life of the
Australian Provosts. An armistice was signed in 1953 and the conflict came to
an end. By 1955 the 1st Commonwealth Division Provost Company was disbanded and
BCOF Japan then disbanded in early 1957.
In June 1950 the invasion of South Korea by North
Korea was a seen as a challenge to Western democracies. Assistance to the South
Korean government was provided by the United Nations Security Council and
troops of various UN countries were committed. Australia pledged support to the
UN and offered a Battalion Group, which was then serving with the British
Commonwealth Occupation Forces (BCOF) in Japan for immediate deployment to
Korea.
Australian Military Police in the Korean War
Australian military police served in Korea between
the years of 1952 and 1956. They were members of the Royal Australian Army
Provost Corps (RAA PRO), and were part of the 1st Commonwealth Division and its
Provost Company, the 1st Commonwealth Division Provost Company. The men were
all volunteers and "signed on" as members of the new Australian Regular
Army (1950), with no restriction of service or enlistment impediments as was
the case from the last war.
This was the first conflict for the newly formed
Royal Australian Army Provost Corps. The Corps' title was changed from
Australian Army Provost Corps in 1948, when the King approved the use of
'Royal' in the title in recognition of the services provided by the Corps
during World War Two. A new Corps badge was instituted; uniquely Australian in
design (depicting the crossed swords of justice) it has been worn proudly by
Australian military police ever since.
Australia sends troops to Korea
Australia announced that a volunteer force (K Force)
would be provided as part of Australia's contribution to the UN. In September
1950, the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR),
then stationed in Japan as part of the BCOF, would join with other British
Commonwealth units to form the 28th British Commonwealth Brigade
Group. Other Commonwealth forces were already present in Korea, including a
Canadian Brigade Group and a British Brigade Group. The three Brigade Groups
operated as Independent Brigades.
As a consequence, Commonwealth troops, despite their
vast experience in WW2, found themselves occupying the status of minor units
only, and denied any say in the operational planning at any level above the
Brigade. Therefore the decision to amalgamate the three Independent Brigades
into a single Division was to give the military forces of the Commonwealth,
autonomy and status among the many countries that served along side them in
Korea.
The 1st Commonwealth Division is formed
By June 1951 the Staff of a Divisional HQ started to
assemble in Japan from all parts of the British Commonwealth. By the end of
June the newly assembled HQ subsequently moved by ship to the port of Pusan in
Korea, and then by road to a suitable location North of TOKCHONG, a valley that
provided good cover from the air.
Near TOKCHONG at midday on 28th July 1951,
a short ceremony was held to mark the formation of the 1st Commonwealth
Division. Here for the first time a Commonwealth Division flag was flown
alongside flags of Commonwealth countries and the UN.
In addition to the Staff of HQ, it was decided, in
order to minimize overlapping and to save manpower, to integrate as many units
as possible serving two or more Commonwealth countries and was designed to meet
the needs of all components. This took some time to bring about, as the
approval of the Chiefs of Staff Committee in Australia, and the authorities of
the Commonwealth countries concerned was necessary. Eventually twenty-two units
became integrated and entitled to the proud prefix "British Commonwealth -
". Examples of these were an Engineer Regiment, a General Hospital, Base
Ordnance Depot, Base Workshop and Base Provost Company with British
Commonwealth placed before each type of unit e.g. British Commonwealth Base
Provost Company.
The formation of an Integrated Provost Company
As a result of the above policy the Commonwealth
military police soldiers serving in Korea were formed into the 1st Commonwealth
Division Provost Company. It was an integrated provost unit comprising British,
Australian and Canadian MP divided into three Sections. The British were No.1
Section, the Australians No.2 Section and Canadians No.3 Section. No.2 Section
was maintained as the Australian Section until 11 August 1953 when the Section
had Royal Military Police members integrated within it. Most Australian MPs who
served in Korea were rotated through this Section. The Section comprised one
SGT and up to 10 CPL.
In keeping with the Commonwealth flavor many
positions in the Company were integrated, with Australian, British and Canadian
MP Officers and SNCO filling various command and administrative positions
within the Company and HQ structures. These positions were also rotated
throughout the conflict and continuously filled by their country MP or swapped
with other country MP where required. This was administered by the Deputy
Assistant Provost Marshal British Commonwealth Forces Korea (DAPM BCKF).
The Australian MPs were able to take their place
within the Division because when the 1st Battalion, RAR, arrived in
Korea in April 1952, an Australian commander, BRIG T.J. Daily, DSO, OBE, took
over the 28th British Commonwealth Brigade from a British Army
commander. This meant that Australians were then allotted a proportion of the
postings to Brigade HQ and an Australian Provost Section was also attached to
the Brigade and subsequent dual role of No.2 Section of the 1st Commonwealth
Division Provost Company.
Some of the men also served in the Provost Section
based in Seoul for policing the troops on leave in the major city of Korea.
There were also Australian SIB personnel serving in Korea, stationed in Seoul
and not connected with the Company who belonged to the HQ British Commonwealth
Special Investigation Section Korea.
They were rotated in place and positions swapped by
the different country MPs where required. At least two Australian SIB personnel
were attached to the SIB Section at any time. An entry dated 8 November 1952 in
the war diary mentions SIB:
Investigation carried out by SIB Det re a member of 3
RAR involved in shooting of American soldier fatally wounded
This story is about No.2 Australian Section and taken
from the official war diary of the Unit 1952 to 1956, currently kept at the
Australian War Memorial Canberra, file number AWM 52 18/02/197 1 COMWEL DIV Pro reports 52-56. The pictures with this
story are from the RACMP Museum, Eastern Command Photo Album and are scanned
copies of the original pictures taken by the MP who were there.
Japan to Korea
The Australian MP presence in Korea actually started
from Japan where Australian MPs serving with the BCOF Provost Company were
asked to volunteer to serve in Korea. It must also be remembered that at this
time, the new Australian Regular Army was being formed with the requirement
that all soldiers in the Army by 1950 must sign on as regular soldiers with the
obligation of service "anywhere and anytime" at the discretion of the
Australian Government. This was a completely new concept for soldiering in
Australia, moving away from the volunteer AIF concept that served Australia in
times of war previously.
The following entries from the BCOF Japan Provost
Company War Diary states:
27
July 1950
Radio
Australia says that Australia will send a ground force to Korea
28
July 1950
List
of volunteers for Korea obtained from BCOF Provost Unit
30
July 1950
Muster
parade held to obtain volunteers for Korea. 3 Officers and 38 ORs sign forms
volunteering for service wherever required
1
August 1950
OC
addresses members who had not volunteered for service where ever required on
their responsibilities - total volunteers now 3 Officers and 47 ORs
21
October 1950 Kure
Return
of volunteers for service anywhere compiled. 63.2% of unit volunteered.
7
May 1951
Recommendation
submitted to BCOF HQ requesting approval for Australian MP to be detached to
Korea for duty
27
August 1951
Approved
for 1 Australian MP to be sent to FMA BCCFK
Approval
granted for APM to visit Korea
1
September 1951
APM
depart for inspection tour of Korea
CPL
Hill depart on attachment to RMP in Korea - RMP Det 262 Base Provost Coy FMA
Korea
1
November 1951
Visit
from APM BCFK to discuss establishment of Integrated Provost Coy
As can be seen from the above entries CPL Hill was
one of the first Australian MP NCO to enter Korea on 1 September 1951 on
attachment to the RMP already serving there. From this time on, one or two
Australian MP were permanently rotated through Korea for a couple of months
each time from the BCOF Japan Provost Company then back to Japan for reposting
or return to Australia. This was the case for the Australian MP until 14 July
1952.
An Australian MP Section is formed
On 14 July 1952 at Kure, Japan, half of the BCOF
Australian MP Section was interviewed by DAPM HQ BCFK reference some personnel
moving to Korea for permanent attachment to the newly formed 1st Commonwealth
Division and its Provost Company, the 1st Commonwealth Division Provost
Company.
The
Section selected to deploy consisted of:
SGT:
SGT O,Connor
CPL:
Cockram, Curphey, Munachen, Powell, Hill, Smith, Sullivan,
Driver:
PTE Wren
The
following entries were recorded in the War Diary as the Section prepared to
deploy to Korea:
14
July 1952 Kure, Japan
Section
draw kit from 1 RHU. Medical and Inoculations completed
15
- 18 July 1952
Packing
in readiness to move
17
July 1952
Farewell
party given by ORs Britcom Base Pro for AustSection
18
July 1952
Embark
SS OTARU Maru. Depart KURE at 1800hrs
20
July Korea 1952
Arrive
Pusan disembark 0830 hrs. Met by Lt Slater who took men to BRITCOM SUB Area
Transit Camp.
21
July1952
Rest
22
July 1952
Depart
by train for Seoul.
Arrive
at 1800. Stay night at FMA Detachment Britcom Base Pro Coy
23
July1952
Depart
by MT to DIV Area. Arrive at HQ 1 Comwel Div Pro Coy (1st Commonwealth Division
Provost Company) and meet OC MAJ AMIRAULT. Lunch at HQ. Proceed to No 2 Section
1 COMWEL DIV Pro Coy and met by Section SGT (Sgt Bright RMP).
24
July 1952
Sgt
O'Connor and Bright on extensive tour of BDE area. Supplied 4 NCO for special
duty with Coy HQ. New Pintail bridge over IMJIM River open.
SGT O,Connor was to take over from SGT Bright after a
handover and familiarisation was conducted between them over a few days.
Unfortunately SGT O,Connor did not posses the depth of experience or leadership
required for the job and after much counseling and serious morale crisis within
the Section he was removed from the position and sent back to Japan. The war
diary states:
19
October 1952
Morale
in section declining. Section Sgt seems to be the falling off of Section
Efficiency. OC spends morning with SEC and interviews all Aust members
personally.
30
October 1952
Sgt
O,Connor relieved and sent to Japan for repost to Aust. CPL Clode assumes
appoint of NCO I/C Sec. DAPM 1 COMWEL DIV visits Section.
4
Dec 52
SGT
1/221 G.Sayeg arrives to take over as 2 Section IC.
Morale
of the Section and unit discipline
From this time on morale was excellent with the
Section performing very well on all tasks. Morale was so good that some members
of the Section did not want to go home when their tour had finished. Many
inquiries were made by the men about extending their tours and the matter was
raised and mentioned in the war diary on 3 occasions. The following entries
from the war diary clearly show the men's morale:
December 7 1952
Ministerial inquiry - CPL Hollibone wife wants him
home. Member not want to come home until finish tour. Section SGT working well
morale high.
5 March 1953
Personnel due for release from Korea in near future,
some personnel are desirous of serving another term here, official ruling will
be asked on the subject.
The war diary does not mention a reply to the above
inquiries. There was one case of a unit member being charged in November 1952.
CPL Fisher was charged under Section 19 (Drunk), and Section 40 (Create a
disturbance), of the Army Act. He was found guilty and reduced to the rank of
Private. Evidence suggests that the men spent 12 months in Korea with an entry
in the war diary stating the first replacements of personnel:
Replacements, Training and Duties of the Section
7 June 1953
The section trying to settle down with new
replacements.
The new replacements "hit the ground
running" with on the job training where possible as many men had no formal
or limited MP training. Often men were recruited for the MP from other
Australian Army Corps and Units based in Japan or Korea with no chance to attend
a formal training school. The following war diary entry noted:
7 June 1953
Some trg done 2 members gained licenses, now all have
limited knowledge of map reading. Every opportunity is made for trg. Training
of replacements was done on the spot.
Experience was to compensate for any training
deficiencies within the Section with the Section performing many "policing
blitzes" on 1st Commonwealth Division personnel. Often check points would
be established where personnel were checked for IDs, driving licenses and correct
vehicle documentation, adherence to Unit Standing Orders reference wearing of
steel helmets or carriage of weapons and equipment, etc. Many offence reports
were submitted for contravention of above orders and regulations.
As from May 1953 a Korean MP accompanied the Section
to check Korean Army personnel known as KATCOMS, (Koreans attached to
Commonwealth Divisions).
Signs and signposting were a major task of the
Section. All roads to and from the Brigade HQ and roads in the AO were required
to be signed. When the Brigade HQ moved the signing activity was at a
"frenzied" pace with all unit personnel involved in signing. Signing
was often hazardous with the Section under constant danger of shelling or enemy
small arms fire especially in daylight hours. An entry in the war diary of 12
April 1953 noted:
Section signing patrol working in "Bowling
Alley" was subject to enemy shellfire today, no casualties. In future will
sign this area at night
There were many problems encountered with signing and
a large effort was maintained by the Section to maintain sign integrity.
Initially the MPs did not make there own signs with signs having to be produced
at the Company signing shop and then brought to the forward areas. This quite
often took considerable time especially when the MPs had to compete with all
Brigade elements to have signs made. Also the large quantity of signs required
made the job of producing signs even longer. Often when materials where in
short supply the MPs resorted to using bits of timber or flat iron for making
signs and putting them up on trees or any other suitable place. This situation
was fixed once it was realised that a UK member of the Company was an ex sign
writer and signs were now produced locally. The standard and quality of the
signs greatly improved after this time. In fact signs were so good that the
Company often suffered the loss of them, not because of wear and tear or damage
but to "souvenir hunters" from the Brigade and Division who felt they
were worthy of being stolen and hung up in the boozers. An entry from the war
diary records such incidents:
8 Sep 53
It is believe worthy of note that attractive signs
have been erected by this Coy at 38th Parallel and most units have seen fit to
abscond with these signs when leaving this theater
Signs were also produced for the Battalion areas of 1
and 2 RAR. Many of the signs became hard to see at night or during the bad
weather in the winter months despite the quality and large size of the signs.
To overcome these problems the Section borrowed the idea from the Canadians of
using luminous "Scotchlight" type signs and set about making them
instead. As our logistic system did not have this type of material it was
borrowed from the Canadians when required and found to be plentiful and
excellent for signing purposes. Sign maintenance was a continual problem with
mud and dirt constantly making the signs unreadable. The war diary entry of 22
November 1952 states:
Sign maintenance is a full time job for 2 NCO daily
Often signs were required to be erected in areas
close to the front lines. Signs like "Steel Helmets must be worn" for
personnel or "No lights line" for vehicles. Often these signs were
not adhered to forcing the Section to do mobile policing patrols of these areas
enforcing the regulations. This was not to be the only case of mobile policing
patrols and discipline duties
Other Duties performed by the Section were, policing
duties for concerts at the Brigade theater, cash escorts to the Australian Cash
Office staff to SEOUL and return and escorts of heavy engineering equipment.
Special duties at Company HQ were often undertaken
with the Section performing many "policing blitzes" on 1st
Commonwealth Division Personnel. Often check points would be established where
personnel were checked for IDs, driving licenses and correct vehicle
documentation, adherence to Unit Standing Orders reference wearing of steel
helmets or carriage of weapons and equipment etc. Many offence reports were
submitted for contravention of above orders and regulations.
As well as the front lines the rear areas were
required to be policed as well. Often the Section checked Commonwealth
personnel in the towns and villages. Many offences were detected, one of the
most common being vehicles left unattended. Vice raids were common with up to
20 or more prostitutes operating illegally who after being checked for
credentials were handed over to the Field Security Units that contained Korean
Police for handling. Operation POLICECAT was conducted often and concentrated
on black-market and vice raids of the rear areas and involved elements of the
Korean Police, Korean MP and the Section to achieve very good results. It was
noted that cases of VD were well down in these areas. As from May 1953 a Korean
MP accompanied the Section to check Korean Army personnel known as KATCOMS,
(Koreans attached to Commonwealth Divisions).
On occasions members of the Section were required to
participate in Divisional or to a lesser extent Company parades. One such
parade in October 1952 rated a mention in the war diary:
GOC MAJ GEN AR West CB DSO spoke personally to each
member on parade impressed with length of service and experience of each
member.
Another important duty performed by the Section was
convoy escorts from the rail head at TOKCHONG up to the forward areas. At the
front lines the Battalions were relieved in place and the importance of getting
the relief troops to the right location was vitally important. The Section
supported the Australian Battalions relief often, but due to the nature of the
Commonwealth influence they did support units of other Commonwealth countries
in this task as well. Many times the Section was congratulated by the Brigade
Commander for "outstanding" performance. An entry in the war diary dated
26 June 1953 noted:
Support 2 British Units moving into the front line.
Weather so bad that an MP had to walk in front of vehicle to guide to location
- walk for 1/4 mile.
When ammunition was to be destroyed the Section would
deploy Pointsman to stop traffic moving into the danger area. When the Brigade
was on the move the Section provided the convoy escorts, TCPs, check points,
pointsman and info posts as well as all the signing, with RMS and Francos
necessary to make the move a success. Brigade HQ commented favorably on the
standard of signing and the support provided by the Section for these moves.
The first Brigade move caused a few problems with the MPs moving at the same
time. The following war diary entry dated 5 October 1952 states:
Section to new LOC. Section moving as same time as
BDE poses problem for manpower to carry out TC duties as per mov instruction.
In future section will move 24 hrs before BDE HQ.
After this incident no other major problems with the
Brigade moves occurred again. Once the Brigade had settled in their new
location the Section was involved in signing the Brigade area. This was a big
job and one that occupied much of the Sections time when not providing Provost
support to other Units or locations. Also the Section had to set up tent accommodation
for themselves and the Company and sign these areas as well. Constant
beautification and sign maintenance of all areas was a continuous problem.
As of the 5th of October 1952 the Section was
responsible for maintaining a Police Post at TEAL Bridge. TEAL bridge was
taking the MSR left of Brigade. This bridge was vitally important to the
logistic support of the Brigades fighting at the front lines.
A sandbagged-tented area was established with some
defensive positions created.
On the 26th the bridge was subjected to light enemy
shelling, but the Section remained in place to carry out their duties. The war
diary noted:
TEAL bridge area subject to light enemy shellfire.
This Police Post turned into an essential information
post that was indispensable to the Brigade. The Section was to man this post
for some months. On the 5th of February 1953 the Section commenced duty at the
UN traffic post on Route 33 near the Newcastle Road House. This post was manned
by MP of the Commonwealth Division as well as US and ROK MP, checking personnel
and vehicles from their own country forces. The duty was for about a 24 hour
period and was conducted frequently by the Section with the various countries
MP. The traffic post was also manned during Brigade moves or Exercises.
Truce talks get some results
By July 1953 truce talks were finally yielding
acceptable outcomes even though talks had been ongoing since July 1951. The
main point of disagreement for both sides was the exchange of POWs. Indications
were that the North Koreans were vying for time as attacks and small battles
were common during this period. As part of the truce both sides agreed to swap
POWs. The following war diary entries detail the situation:
12
Jul 53
OP
EMPOROR
All
sections engaged in signposting for MP aspects of OP HOMEWARD BOUND the
Commonwealth version of BIG SWITCH return of repatriated POWs.
13
Jul 53
Briefing
about above if it should happen.
24
Jul 53
OC
to conf mention of a possible MP role should a truce be signed.
26
Jul 53
O
gp called at 2100 on action by MP if truce is signed.
27
Jul 53
Shells
fell in the DIV area throughout day. One shell landed in 3 sect area at 2015
hrs and failed to detonate due to the time fuze being too wet to explode.
28
July 1953
Truce
taking effect all units pull back to their positions.
29
Jul 53
Units
pull back to KANSAS LINE salvaging all material that may be useful for
construction etc. of line. Provost commitment reduced for OP HOMEWARD BOUND.
In August of 1953 further signing and special signs
were created for "ambulance" roads for OPERATION HOMEWARD BOUND. The
operation was complete by early September and all signs were then removed.
The static war
The KANSAS LINE was the name for the position that
the allied forces occupied and were to hold in the event of hostilities
starting again. The Section was now to move and perform the duties of a Base
Provost Company. The Section ceased to look after TEAL Bridge. The war diary
comments:
31 Jul 53
All secs areas reallocated preparing to assume role
of BASE PRO COY in maintain law and order in villages behind stay back line.
Aust Sect cease look after teal bridge.
During 1953 the war diary noted some
"notable" events:
25 January 1953
Whilst participating in a pistol shoot, CPL Cockram's
pistol had a faulty shell remaining in the barrel after being fired, a second
round was fired without knowledge of the first one still being in the barrel
resulting in the second round splitting the barrel and forcing its way out.
3 June 1953
CPL Powell was promoted to SGT. The war diary noted 1st
person to be promoted to SGT in the Section in Korea
18 Jul 53
Today marks the anniversary of the founding of the
Aust Sect and integration with RMP and Canadian
28 Jul 53
2nd anniversary of forming Comm DIV.
August 53
3 pers depart for Aust for detach with Royal Visit
car Coy. All recom from 2 Aust Sec were accepted for this special duty and we
are justifiable proud.
And on 11 August 1953 the Section had RMP members
integrated within the Section:
No2 sect becomes integrated with Brit and Aust pers.
From this time on the Section was involved in
maintaining discipline and policing duties of Commonwealth troops. As such the
Section was forced to conduct mobile policing patrols of certain areas. Because
the fighting had ceased and a "rear area" mentality had been adopted
by the troops, discipline and procedures became slack. Because of the static
situation and the fact that unit areas could now be established on a more
permanent basis, and often near villages, the opportunity for theft was rife
among the local population with American units being worst hit. Lack of
security by personnel was seen to be the biggest problems. Black-markerteering,
vice, theft and blatant disregard for orders were becoming all too common and
the Section was engaged in a permanent policing activity. As the troops became
complacent, some soldiers were reluctant to carry weapons, carry field
equipment, correct vehicle documentation etc. and the Section was forced to
conduct discipline patrols of these areas.
Truce violations were occurring on a frequent basis
by Allied troops. The war diary of 7 Aug 1953 stated:
No.2 Sec moves to South of River IMJIN at MR 254057.
Daylight patrols cut by 25% and night patrols increased. Curfew regs enforced as
numbers of pers observed wandering around by night on MSR subsequent to truce.
The IMJIM River was to become a well known location
to the Section. Smoke round trials were being conducted at the PINTAIL bridge
which went over the IMJIM river and the Section was required to man the bridge
for the duration of the trials. The Section established a police post at the
bridge. PINTAIL Bridge was taking the right Brigade MSR.
Vehicles and Logistics
Vehicles and logistics were a major problem for the
Section. Upon arriving in country in 1952 the Section inherited their vehicles
from the RMP. The vehicles were left overs from WW2 and comprised a mix of USA
and British vehicles. Indications are that the jeep was the mainstay of Section
TPT with all of the MP signing work and other tasks carried out using the jeep.
It seems that the trucks used were of British origin around the 1 ton category.
The Company owned 2 of these type vehicles. All the vehicles had been poorly
maintained and the war diary notes the problems the Section was having until
self help and initiative of the men improved the situation:
2 October 1952.
Section TPT in poor condition, replace and
maintenance of MT in this theater is a major problem. Standard of section MT
has improved considerably since vehicles were taken over from previous UK
section.
8 October 1952
Sec TPT in serious position, only 2 jeeps being
serviceable at present time.
22 October 1952
SEC MT position still unchanged 2 jeeps still only
serviceable. COY MT position becoming more serious.
29 October 1952
Sec TPT inspected by Coy Tpt Sgt. Sec Tpt is still a
major problem.
7 November 1952
Sec TPT position improves, now have 3 jeeps
serviceable. MT ramp constructed in Sec Area.
18 November 1952
Sec Tpt improved with 4 jeeps and two 1 ton trucks
now serv. Tpt position improved only by initiative and self help of the men.
19 November 1952
MT repainting program commence
22 November 1952
Veh painting continue, 2 jeeps completed.
24 November 1952
One new reconditioned jeep issued to Sec. 1st veh
replacement since arrival in Coy during Jul 52
26
November 1952
All
sec jeeps now repainted and in good working order.
29
November 1952
All
Section trailers no repainted.
The vehicle situation was to remain stable for the
remainder of the time that the records cover the Section. It was noted that
when rotations of personnel occurred and the new replacements had no MT
mechanical knowledge the vehicle situation started to flare up again. Driver
training and "hands on" lessons where required to fix these problems.
Uniforms were another problem the Section faced. The
Australian Battle Dress uniform was found unsuitable for the Korean winters and
approval was granted for the Australian Section to wear British Battle Dress.
Uniforms were standard Australian Army issue or British when necessary; the
slouch hat was worn as duty headdress with Corps badge on the left side brim
turned up and white webbing and gaiters worn to indicate MP. The MP armband was
worn on the right arm. The badge of the 1st Commonwealth Division was worn on
both shoulders and shoulder titles embroidered 'Royal Australian Army Provost
Corps' with a white border around the writing worn as well. White traffic
sleeves where required to be carried and worn when performing traffic control duties.
Initially in short supply uniforms were a priority for the MPs and the
following war diary entries indicate some of the problems:
16
October 52
COY
changes to Battle Dress, Australian type BD not considered suitable for service
in this theater, approval given from HQ 28 BRITCOM INF BDE for personnel to
wear UK type BD. To be issued when available from Coy HQ.
23
October 1952
Winter
clothing issue to all personnel.
6
November 1952
Battle
Dress issued to UK members of Sec. Supplies at present are inadequate for issue
to Aust personnel.
An
interesting uniform note was the following entry dated 23 May 1953:
Red
scarves issued to all personnel. Scarves will be worn officially as part of
duty dress from now on.
Summer clothing was 2 sets of OG clothing and AB
Boots. Initially there were not enough OG uniforms to allow 3 per man and more
were to come from 3 RAR Q in due course.
Towards the end
As the years went by in Korea the Australian contribution
to the Company was growing smaller each year until about 1954/55 the Section
was down to just 2 Australian MP NCO only.
The following entries trace the evolution of the
Company and ultimately the Section:
July 1952
Australian Section - 1 Commonwealth Division Provost
Company (COMWEL DIV PRO COY)
14 October 1954
Reorganisation of Company 1 COMWEL DIV PRO COY to
change name to 1 Commonwealth Brigade Provost Detachment (1 COMWEL BDE PRO DET)
7 November 1954
1 COMWEL DIV PRO COY Non-Operational
16 January 1955
Name change to 1st Commonwealth Division Independent
Provost Company (1 COMWELDIV IND PRO COY)
15 May 1956
Commonwealth Contingent Korea Provost Section (2
Australians serving in Section only)
14 June 1956
1st Commonwealth Division Independent Provost Company
disbanded
HQ AUSTARM Component (1 or 2 Australian Provosts attached to a Brigade
Provost Section in BCFK)
1957
End of Australia's involvement in Korea and Japan -
all Australian troops return to Australia
Looking back
The 1st Commonwealth Division; although the
establishment and organisation of the Division was normal by the standards of
the day, nevertheless it was a unique formation for the following reasons:
Over the course of the 1st Commonwealth Division
Provost Company many changes were made among the Sections and Company personnel;
but the Division's and Company's truly Commonwealth character was not altered,
and the Commonwealth spirit was maintained throughout. The 1st
Commonwealth Division Provost Company was the most successful integrated Unit
that served in the 1st Commonwealth Division no thanks to the skill,
determination and brotherhood of MPs all over the world.
The Australian MPs in Korea represented the Corps
well. Many and varied tasks were performed by the men, often in trying and
dangerous conditions and they proved, once again, the great asset of a Military
Police presence when on operations or active service. These glory days of the
Australian MP were soon to end. With the withdrawal of Australian troops from
Korea and Japan, the end of National Service in Australia and post war
reductions of the Australian Army the Corps was seriously reduced in numbers
and equipment.
An example of a typical day in the field for the
Korean MP was expressed as follows:
1st Commonwealth Division Provost
Company
Daily Detail for Sunday, 25 April,
1954
Courtesy RACMP Museum, 2001
REVEILLE:
0230 hrs
BREAKFAST:
0300 hrs
PINTAIL
BRIDGE
LCPLs
Reid & Tinsley
LCPL
Bryant & Pte Godwin
DIV
EXERCISE
The
following personnel will be remaining behind from the DIV EX.
CPL
McLaren - Day Ord Sgt
CPL
Sterrick - Night Ord Sgt
Pte
Godwin - Security of CQMS Store
LCPL
Bryant, LCPL Tinsley, LCPL Munday, LCPL Reid, LCPL Ball - Security of all
tentage
PTE
Davies - Cook
Night
Ord Sgt CPL Sterrick will ensure that everyone is called at 0230 hrs.
Parade
will be ready to move off at 0430 hrs.
All
tents will be securely fastened from the inside.
No
weapons will be left behind. All items of personal kit and military will be
kept under lock & key or to Q stores according to Section NCOs
arrangements.
Each
man going on the ex will carry 12 rounds of ammunition, .38 or 9mm, ACC Cooks
and attached personnel (REME) will carry Rifles and 1 Bandolier of ammunition.
Care
and Safety of Arms and Ammunition:
The
harbour area for HQ 1 COMWEL DIV Pro Coy is situated near Korean Villages.
Extra special attention will be paid to arms and ammunition.
DRESS
Dress
for Ex will be:
Shirt
Sleeve Order
BD
Trousers
White
Equipment
Armbands
and Traffic Sleeves to be taken by all. Brassards to be worn showing rank. BD
Blouse to be carried in Kit Bag.
Complete
change of washing, 3 pairs socks, toilet requirements will be taken. All ranks
will have in their possession cleaning material for white equipment, blackening
brushes and dusters.
Traffic
Sleeves will be clean. No excuse will be accepted whilst on EX.
Pointsman
will give clear signals at all times to the letter of all commissioned Officers
of all nationality.
IN
THE FIELD RSM
24
Apr 54 1 COMWEL Div Pro Coy