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

28 Nov 15 - 09:12 AM (#3754177)
Subject: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: GUEST,Mr Red in a hurry

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?


28 Nov 15 - 09:32 AM (#3754180)
Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: GUEST,Mike Yates

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


28 Nov 15 - 11:13 AM (#3754203)
Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: Mr Red

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


28 Nov 15 - 11:50 AM (#3754216)
Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: cnd

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"


28 Nov 15 - 06:42 PM (#3754322)
Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: Jack Campin

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.


28 Nov 15 - 06:55 PM (#3754325)
Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: McGrath of Harlow

SP could be Service Corps


28 Nov 15 - 11:52 PM (#3754363)
Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: GUEST,#

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.


29 Nov 15 - 05:36 AM (#3754389)
Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: Mr Red

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


29 Nov 15 - 06:06 AM (#3754392)
Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: GUEST,Mike Yates

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".


29 Nov 15 - 06:20 AM (#3754393)
Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: Megan L

found a site that gives some information on Soldiers pay ww1


29 Nov 15 - 10:17 AM (#3754428)
Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: Lighter

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


29 Nov 15 - 01:02 PM (#3754462)
Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: Mr Red

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.


29 Nov 15 - 06:39 PM (#3754521)
Subject: RE: Folklore: 'MPSC' ?? British Army 1919 - any ideas
From: Thompson

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.