Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas

Subject: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: GUEST,Mr Red in a hurry
Date: 28 Nov 15 - 09:12 AM

for my Stroud Audio Archive
I have recorded a chap who's grandfather served in the Boer War and WW1
His army record shows he ended up "attached" the MPSC in 1919 with his wages being sent to his wife which may be significant. By all accounts he never spoke of his experiences to the Grandson, even though they lived in the same house. He kept his "army tin box" (with his name on it) in the bedroom until his death. The Grandson still has his many medals.
I would guess the "MP" is Military Police (or Military Prison?) but other than maybe "Special Company" I couldn't guess the rest. Web Search doesn't reveal anything that is remotely helpful.

What do the Military Fans of this parish think MPSC stands for?

Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 28 Nov 15 - 09:32 AM

Possibly the Military Provost Staff Corps, which was formerly known as the Military Prison Staff Corps (prior to 1906).

Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: Mr Red
Date: 28 Nov 15 - 11:13 AM

Sounds like he was re-rehabilitating ex military prisoners. eg Role of the MPS as it is called today.

Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: cnd
Date: 28 Nov 15 - 11:50 AM

I've found a site that supports Mike Yates. It was in use in WWI, according to it. Here is that site: http://www.1914-1918.net/abbrev.htm

The only other one I found that made a little sense was "Military Personnel Service Center"

Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: Jack Campin
Date: 28 Nov 15 - 06:42 PM

If he was administering Field Punishment no.1 to soldiers who might have ended up as his neighbours you can see why he might not have wanted to boast about it.

There are lots of links (including EBay auctions) to pictures of the relevant badges and medals.

Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 28 Nov 15 - 06:55 PM

SP could be Service Corps

Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: GUEST,#
Date: 28 Nov 15 - 11:52 PM

There was a medal issued for the M.P.S.C. (Military Provost Staff Corps). If one of the medals the grandfather had and the grandson has is that medal, then I think there's the answer.

Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: Mr Red
Date: 29 Nov 15 - 05:36 AM

I am editing his audio at the moment. When it is on the website & I burn the CD for him I will take it personally and check. He may know, or be glad of the information.

Mr Red

Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 29 Nov 15 - 06:06 AM

It seems strange that his pay was going to his wife. Could this actually mean that he was a prisoner of the MPSC, rather than a guard? It could explain why he kept this from his grandson. I suppose that it all depends on the meaning of the word "attached".

Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: Megan L
Date: 29 Nov 15 - 06:20 AM

found a site that gives some information on Soldiers pay ww1

Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: Lighter
Date: 29 Nov 15 - 10:17 AM

M.P.S.C. was the initialism for "Military Provost Staff Corps" during WW2, and presumably earlier (what else could they use?).

Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: Mr Red
Date: 29 Nov 15 - 01:02 PM

I think "Provost" would be used to be distinct from "prison" which would hold connotations. But the word "attached" always had me circumspect. If the grandson's frame of medals shows an MPSC medal we have a sort of answer. The soldier was in the Glosters who have plenty of records and you can ask in their museum in Gloucester Docks. We will see.

Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: Thompson
Date: 29 Nov 15 - 06:39 PM

A good part of all soldiers' pay was always sent home to his wife, much to the dismay of new recruits in World War I who hadn't realised this disturbing fact.