Royal Military Police: Rushmoor ties celebrated at centenary

Owen Filer from Cwmbran, the last surviving member of the Corps of Military Police (India), attended the Corps of Royal Military Police (CRMP) event at Southwick Park, near Fareham, to mark 100 years since its formation and 80 years since it was granted the 'Royal' prefix.

The Duchess of Gloucester, Colonel-in-Chief of the Adjutant General’s Corps, joined serving personnel and veterans at the regimental headquarters to celebrate the occasion.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester KG GCVO visited Southwick Park, Fareham, to commemorate the heritage of the Royal Military Police (RMP). (Image: Cpl Christian P Delice)

Brigadier Sarah Pringle-Smith, Provost Marshal, said: "The royal prefix is one of the most prestigious, and greatest honours that can be bestowed on a military organisation, and for us it was awarded for our service during the Second World War.

"It represents pride, professionalism, and our service, but is also a reminder for us that the standards that we uphold today were built on the foundations of those that have gone before us."

Since its formation, the RMP has served in conflicts around the world including Korea, Northern Ireland, the Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Its roles include detainee handling, route security, personal protection and frontline support.

Service personnel from the Corps of Military Police on the parade square at Southwick Park in Fareham. (Image: Cpl Christian P Delice)

The corps also shares a connection with Rushmoor, having been granted the Honorary Freedom of the Borough in 1984 and reaffirmed in 1995, an honour that allows them to march through the borough with "drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed".

As part of the centenary celebrations, the Duchess toured a specially constructed time tunnel illustrating the RMP’s 100-year history and later unveiled a portrait of herself at Southwick House, the site from which D-Day was launched.

Mr Filer said: "It’s wonderful. I’ve never been to a gathering like this and it’s nice to see the boys.

"I’m incredibly proud of my service."

The day concluded with a high tea for veterans and their families in the grounds of Southwick House, where guests were presented with commemorative coins.

Corporal Holly Ballard, of 160 Provost Company in Aldershot, said: "The Duchess’ visit was great.

"We’re a small corps and don’t often get opportunities like this.

"It’s great she’s here and shows we’re thought about at a higher level."

Brigadier Pringle-Smith said: "Very few people get to lead their organisations through such a proud moment in history, and today belongs to the those that have served before us, those serving today and those who will serve beyond our time and who will carry the Royal Military Police into the future.”