THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE POLICE

2010-11-10T21:40:00.003Z

HISTORY OF THE RAF POLICE - During my 20 year research into the history of the RAF Police, I have amassed one of the largest depositories of information regarding the global activities of the branch dating back to the very beginning. In the lead-up to 2018 many authors will be working hard to compile the rather impressive history of the service during its first 100 years but most will focus on the flying exploits. My intention is to produce a book, comprising several volumes, which will offer readers and historians alike a valuable insight into what the RAF Police have achieved during those first 100 years at home and abroad and I’m sure the book will make a valued addition to the records held by the RAF Historical Branch for future generations to refer to. If you served in the RAF Police or are still serving and you have a story to tell then I would be delighted to hear from you with a view to including it in the book. Your contribution may be the missing piece of the jigsaw.

2010-10-10T22:49:00.008+01:00

"More Bloomin' Snowdrops" was published in November 2010 and can be ordered direct from the publisher on www.woodfieldpublishing.co.uk

My new book contains a second collection of humorous stories and cartoons contributed by former RAF Policemen – known as ‘Snowdrops’ to the wider RAF community because of their white headgear. In the line of duty, Snowdrops witness all manner of bizarre incidents and encounter oddball military characters in all corners of the world. They also enjoy playing pranks on one another to relieve the more boring aspects of their work. As a result, they have many amusing stories to tell. Just like its predecessor, the tone of this book is unashamedly light‐hearted and will soon have its readers laughing aloud at the antics of RAF Police over the years. Any former snowdrop, RAF airman or airwoman or indeed anyone who has served in the Armed Forces in any capacity will be sure to find plenty to laugh about and may well recognise themselves in the situations described.

RAF Police History - The Project

2009-03-31T15:22:00.010+01:00

Since 1993 Stephen R Hingeley-Davies has been researching the complex history of the RAF Police since its formation on the 1st April 1918.

His first successful book, ‘Fiat Justitia – A History of the Royal Air Force Police’ was published in April 1997, after which, many former Provost Officers, RAF Police Warrant Officers and NCOs came forward with a story to tell the author of their service around the world. As a result, the author’s research has continued and he is currently working towards recording the first 100 Years of the RAF Police 1918 - 2018.

In November 2005 the author published his second book, ‘RAF Police Dogs on Patrol’ and ‘RAF Police Operations in Europe’ was published the following year. In November 2007, ‘RAF Police – Cape Town to Kabul’ was published and in October 2008, ‘RAF Police – Bombay to Ascension Island’ and ‘Those Bloomin' Snowdrops' were published. Published in November 2009, ‘RAF Police – The Great Escape Murders’, tells the incredible story of the Great Escape from Stalag Luft III in 1944, the murder of 50 re-captured RAF prisoners by the Gestapo and the post-war investigation by the RAF Police Special Investigation Branch which hunted down the killers and brought many to justice.

Indeed, in February 2009, the author was interviewed in London by Australian film director Steve Westh in connection with a documentary about the complicated investigation. ‘The Great Escape – The Reckoning’ was screened on UK and Australian television in the autumn of 2009.

In November 2010, the author published, 'More Bloomin' Snowdrops', a further collection of RAF Police humour and cartoons.

The authors latest offering, 'RAF Police - Whitecap Two-Five' is expected to be published by Woodfield Publishing Ltd, in early 2012, and tells the story of the author's RAF career.

Even though these books have been published, the author continues to update the master manuscript with new information generated by the publication of his work. The books already published can be ordered direct from the publisher:

Woodfield Publishing Limited, Woodfield House, Babsham Lane,

Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO21 5EL. Tel: 01243 821234 Fax: 01243 821757

e-mail: about:info@woodfieldpublishing.co.uk%20

Website: http://www.woodfieldpublishing.co.uk/

or, alternatively, you can order my books on-line from either:

AMAZON - WATERSTONES - W H SMITH

The RAF Police Association is currently trying to expand and recruit new members; producing a further wealth of historical material on which to drawn from. Indeed, can the other Service Police organisations recount their first 100 years in such detail? The answer is ‘No’. The RAF Police however, are already on the way to doing just that. If you can contribute anything to the history of this unique branch of the Royal Air Force then please send your submission to the author. It matters not whether you did National Service or a full blown career so please contact him, you may hold an important piece of this gigantic jigsaw that is indeed, the History of the Royal Air Force Police.

Stephen R Hingeley-Davies

Portugal

Telephone and Fax: 00 351 262 95 9933

e-mail: stephendavies021@gmail.com

RECENT CHANGES TO THE RAF POLICE

At the beginning of 2009, the RAF Police completed a major realignment in the way it supports global RAF tactical operations and joint military manoeuvres.

In 2005, as a result of Project DARWIN, the former Headquarters Provost & Security Services (HQ P&SS), located at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire, was renamed as the Headquarters Provost Marshal (RAF) (HQPM(RAF)). An officer of Air Commodore rank, located at HQ AIR (High Wycombe), was appointed as the Air Officer in charge of Force Protection and the RAF Police, while the appointment of RAF Provost Marshal was bestowed upon a provost Group Captain. While the Air Commodore remains the figurehead of the branch, unlike the Provost Marshal, he has no remit to investigate or influence criminal or security matters. In addition, the former RAF P&SS regions were combined to form No 1 Specialist Police Wing (1SPW) to undertake the functions previously provided by P&SS and comprised three squadrons; RAF Special Investigation Branch (SIB), Counter-Intelligence Squadron (CIS) and Security Services Squadron (SSS). SSS is based at RAF Henlow with HQPM (RAF), along with the command nucleus of the SIB and CIS, while SIB and CIS teams were established at HMS Caledonia (Scotland), RAF Halton (Buckinghamshire) and, RAF Cranwell (Lincoln) to provide specialist local support to RAF station commanders. RAF Police are also employed overseas with joint police and security units in Gibraltar, Cyprus, the Falkland Islands and are also fully committed to ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a consequence of the Armed Forces Act 2006, operational RAF Police were no longer subject to the control of RAF station commanders, but instead answered to the Provost Marshal in respect of police and security matters, rather like the system employed by the Royal Military Police (RMP).

On the 1st April 2008, further changes to the higher level organisation of the RAF Police took place to tie in with the implementation of Project DARWIN 2, which saw the renaming of the HQ PM(RAF) to the Headquarters RAF Police (HQ RAFP) and the formation of No 2 RAF Police Wing (2PW). In addition, after spending four years under the control of the Force Protection Centre at RAF Honington, No 3 Tactical Police Wing (3TPW) reverted to being under the command of the Provost Marshal. As such, all RAF Police employed on No 1SPW, No 2PW and No 3TPW, amounting to some 75% of the branch, brigaded under the direct command of the Provost Marshal for the first time in the 90 year history of the RAF. The remaining 25% of the branch were serving with joint police & security units in Cyprus, Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands and as such, are subject to the command of the local provost marshal. In a first for any trade within the RAF, HQ RAFP also took on the responsibility for managing the bulk of the RAF Police being deployed on operational commitments which, in December 2008, stood at some one hundred and fifty posts in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Falkland Islands and elsewhere. By the end of 2008, No 2PW controlled the activities of four RAF Police Squadrons deployed around the UK and was responsible for providing station commanders with general police duties, Air transport security (ATSy), military working dogs (patrol, police dog and search) and higher level protective security tasks including physical and information security. No 4 RAF Police Squadron, located at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland assumed responsibility for RAF Police operations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England. No 5 RAF Police Squadron, located at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, assumed responsibility for RAF Police operations in Central England, North and Central Wales. No 6 RAF Police Squadron, located at RAF Marham near Kings Lynn, assumed responsibility for RAF Police operations in East Anglia and South East England, while No 7 RAF Police Squadron, located at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, assumed responsibility for RAF Police operations in the South and South West of England and South Wales and also assumed responsibility for the coordination of the RAF Police Air Transport Security (ATSy) commitments at home and in support of deployed RAF aircraft.

RAF Police training is carried out at the Defence College of Police and Guarding (DCPG) located at MoD Southwick Park, Hampshire, an establishment shared with the Royal Naval Police (RNP) and the Royal Military Police (RMP). Other specialist police and security training courses, such as the Home Office Detective training course, continue to be conducted at other service or civil police establishments around the UK, while basic and specialist training courses for dog handlers are conducted at the Defence Animal Centre, Melton Mowbray.

CONCISE HISTORY

2009-03-30T17:59:00.012+01:00

POINTS OF INTEREST IN THE HISTORY OF THE

ROYAL AIR FORCE POLICE

stephendavies021@gmail.com

Please e-mail me if you have a contribution to make

THE RAF POLICE IN 2007

With the recent establishment of the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS) on RAF stations to undertake armed guarding and security tasks and the introduction of the RAF Force Protection Organisation in 2003, the RAF POLICE have been subjected to large-scale reductions in personnel and a major realignment in the way the branch supports global RAF tactical operations and joint military manoeuvres. In April 2005 as part of Project Darwin, the former RAF Provost & Security Services (P&SS), located at RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire, was renamed as the Headquarters Provost Marshal (RAF) (HQPM(RAF)). The Air Commodore relinquished his office as Provost Marshal (PM(RAF)) to a provost Group Captain before taking up his new appointment as Assistant Chief of Staff Force Protection; Commandant General RAF Regiment & Air Officer RAF POLICE. The change at the top was brought about to allow the Air Commodore to concentrate on directing the wider aspects of Force Protection, whilst allowing the Group Captain to independently manage all police investigatory functions. While the Air Commodore remains the figurehead of the branch in his capacity as Air Officer RAF POLICE, he has no remit to investigate or influence criminal or security matters. Although the new PM(RAF) is tasked to report through the Air Commodore to the Air-Officer-Commanding No2 Group (HQ Air Command) in respect of normal police and security matters, he retains direct access to the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) in respect of investigative affairs. As part of the restructuring, No 1 (Specialist Police) Wing (SPW), under the command of a wing commander was formed, to take over the functions previously carried by P&SS, and comprises three single-capability squadrons; RAF Special Investigation Branch (SIB) (No 1 Squadron), Counter-Intelligence Squadron (CIS) (No 2 Squadron) and Security Services Squadron (SSS) (No 3 Squadron). The SSS in its entirety is based at RAF Henlow with HQPM (RAF), along with the nucleus and command structure of the SIB and CIS, while elements of expertise from the SIB and CIS are established at three dispersed units; HMS Caledonia (Scotland), RAF Cranwell (Lincoln) and RAF Halton (Buckinghamshire) to provide prompt professional specialist support to RAF unit commanders. Plans are currently in hand to divide RAF POLICE resources within the UK into three wings; General Police Wing (GPW)(4 squadrons), Specialist Police Wing (SPW) (3 squadrons) and Tactical Police Wing (TPW) (3 squadrons; 2 regular and 1 RAuxAF).

At the beginning of 2007 the establishment of the RAF POLICE stood at 188 commissioned officers, 44 warrant officers and 1,438 NCOs. In April 2007, following on from Project DARWIN 2; the second phase of re-structuring the RAF POLICE, the stage is set for the PM(RAF) to exercise command over all RAF POLICE personnel serving within HQ Air Command, which amounts to about sixty-five percent of the RAF POLICE establishment. Those not subject to his direct control will include personnel serving with TPW who, for the time being, will remain under the command of the Force Protection Organisation and personnel employed with joint units overseas such as Gibraltar, Cyprus and the Falkland Islands. With MPGS established on RAF stations to undertake guarding and routine security commitments, there is no longer a requirement to staff individual RAF stations with police flights in the traditional way. As such, four numbered RAF POLICE squadrons were formed around the country, as part of No 2 (General) RAF POLICE Wing, to undertake general police duties, higher level security tasks and Air Transport Security operations on and off RAF stations within their respective area of responsibility. The units chosen to base the district headquarters of each squadron are; RAF Lossiemouth (No 4 Squadron), RAF Waddington (No 5 Squadron), RAF Marham (No 6 Squadron) and RAF Brize Norton (No 7 Squadron). While each squadron commander and his small management team will operate from the district HQ, the majority of RAF POLICE personnel assigned to each squadron will be attached to RAF stations within their respective district. The elements of expertise from SPW, comprising SIB and CIS, established at HMS Caledonia, RAF Cranwell and RAF Halton will continue to operate as before.

Since November 2005, all RAF POLICE training has been carried out at the Defence Police College at Southwick Park in Hampshire, an establishment shared with the Royal Naval Provost Branch and the Army’s Royal Military Police. In addition to initial police training for new recruits and provost officers, specialist post graduate courses are offered in respect of Air Transport Security training, Special Investigation training, Crime Scene Forensic training, Counter-Intelligence training and Computer Security training. Other specialist police and security training courses, such as the Home Office Detective training course, continue to be conducted at other service or civil police establishments around the UK, while basic and specialist training courses for dog handlers are conducted at the Defence Animal Centre, Melton Mowbray.

HISTORY

The appointment of Provost Marshal within the UK dates back to the 13th century when they were appointed by the King to keep order in the rabble armies raised by his barons.

In 1629 King Charles I, issued his ‘Articles of War’ which described the role of his Provost Marshal in the following terms:

“The provost must have a horse allowed him and some soldiers to attend him and all the rest commanded to obey him and assist him, or else the service will suffer. For he is one man and must correct many and therefore he cannot be beloved. And he must be riding from one garrison to another, to see that the soldiers do not outrage nor scathe about the country.”

During the Peninsular Wars, the Provost Marshal and his staff, serving under the Duke of Wellington, were granted extensive and harsh powers of punishing soldiers discovered committing acts of indiscipline.

In 1855, the official Corps of Military Mounted Police was formed at Aldershot Garrison and the Corps of Military Foot Police were later formed to enforce military orders and regulations.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) was formed on 1^st April 1918, by combining the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and the Royal Flying Corps (RFC).

On the same day, RFC personnel at Halton Park and Blandford Camps, employed on internal camp policing duties became the first members of the RAF POLICE. Initially, the Army Provost Marshal was responsible for external policing, training and police policy matters. Wg Cdr Brierley, an Admin Officer, was detailed to act as the first part-time RAF Provost Marshal. (A list of RAF Provost Marshals is attached at the end of this document).

In 1919, the RAF POLICE School was set up at Halton Park under the command of Flt Lt Bishop with Cpl Charles Guy and Cpl William Kerby as two of the first instructors.

Apr 1920 - The Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF) was disbanded along with the WRAF Patrol element. During the year surplus airmen were being drafted onto RAF Service Police duties at RAF stations at home and abroad.

In 1928, the first mounted RAF Service Police Section was formed at RAF Hinaidi in Iraq.

In 1931, King George V approved the appointment of Sqn Ldr Stammers as the first dedicated RAF Provost Marshal & Chief of Air Force Police. Sqn Ldr Richdale, a former Det Insp with the Kent Police, took command of the RAF Service Police School and began establishing the nucleus of the Special Investigation Branch (RAF SIB).

In 1936, during the build-up to WW II, a Nazi spy, Dr Gortz, was arrested at Harwich by Special Branch officers and later convicted of espionage on the evidence supplied by the RAF Service Police who had been monitoring his activities on RAF stations in East Anglia and the Home Counties.

During 1937, the RAF Service Police School left Halton Park and set up in its new home at RAF Uxbridge with the newly established RAF POLICE HQ. In Iraq, RAF Hinaidi closed and the mounted RAF Service Police rode for 2 days across the desert to reach a new unit at RAF Habbaniya, over 80 miles away.

In 1939, with the threat of war approaching, the establishment of the RAF Service Police increased and the RAF POLICE trade was officially approved.

On the outbreak of war, a specially equipped RAF POLICE Service Unit, commanded by Sqn Ldr Richdale, joined the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and deployed into France. RAF Deputy Assistant Provost Marshals (DAPM) established at all Group and Command HQ. 13 RAF POLICE Districts were formed in the UK; RAF POLICE employed on Districts were responsible to PROVOST MARSHAL while RAF POLICE employed within RAF stations were responsible to the Station Commander.

May 1940 - The BEF including RAF POLICE, evacuated from Dunkirk as the Germans swiftly invaded Belgium and France. RAF POLICE in London busy dealing with an assortment of offences committed by RAF personnel; thefts, assaults, drunkenness, false impersonation, disciplinary offences and desertion.

Mid 1940 - RAF Security School established at RAF Halton. Security Officers and RAF POLICE were trained in security duties. Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) Police recruited (George & Moll being the first two).

1941 - RAF POLICE HQ moves from RAF Uxbridge to Hitchen House in Burnham near Maidenhead. Sgt George commissioned as first WAAF DAPM. RAF POLICE established to provide security during the secret trials on the first British jet; Gloster Whittle E28/39.

May 1941 - RAF POLICE at RAF Turnhouse guard Nazi Deputy Rudolf Hess for the night following his unexpected arrival by parachute into Scotland.

Feb 1942 - RAF POLICE in London assist New Scotland Yard detectives to identify RAF Cadet Gordon Cummins, who murdered 4 women and attempted to murder 2 more. Descriptions, bank notes from a pay parade and a lighter belonging to a victim sealed his fate and he was convicted and later hanged for murder.

Mid 1942 - RAF POLICE Sgt attached to the RAF Records Office Gloucester to assist with police enquiries regarding RAF personnel. PROVOST MARSHAL’s Office at the Air Ministry increased to 7 departments commanded by a Wg Cdr: PM1 - General Security Matters. PM2 - RAFP organisation, discipline and personnel. PM3 - Special Enquiries. PM4 - WAAF matters. PM5- Passes, permits and vetting enquiries. PM6 - Special Security Operations. PM7 - Flying Indiscipline Enquiries.

Dec 1942 - Gp Capt Stammers retires as PROVOST MARSHAL - Replaced by Air Cdre de Putron. Gp Capt Kerby appointed as first DPM to assist Air Cdre de Putron.

Ministry of Aircraft Production Guard Dog Training School (MAPGDTS) formed at Woodfold near Gloucester under the control of Lt Col Baldwin and Flt Lt Bathhurst-Brown. RAF POLICE provides security during secret trials to develop the Barnes Wallace ‘Bouncing Bombs’ with No 617 Sqn (Later known as the Dam Busters).

Jul 1943 – Wg Cdr Brown and Sqn Ldr Instone attached to HQ Tactical Air Force (TAF) Bracknell to form RAF POLICE unit to support the planned invasion of France.

Late 1943 - RAF POLICE unit established to support the British N African Air Force.

RAF POLICE Districts with the UK are reduced from 13 to 8. RAF POLICE School moves from RAF Uxbridge to RAF Weeton near Blackpool.

1944 - RAF POLICE tasked with producing new RAF identity cards. RAF POLICE take over the MAPGDS and rename it as RAF POLICE Dog Training School - First RAF POLICE trainee dog handlers arrive at Woodfold in March. Cpl King forms the RAF POLICE Dance Orchestra at the RAF POLICE HQ.

Mar 1944 - The Great Escape of 79 RAF POWs takes place at Stalag Luft III. 50 out of the 76 recaptured RAF POWs are executed in cold blood by the Gestapo on the orders of Adolf Hitler.

Jun 1944 - D-Day invasion of France takes place; RAF POLICE accompany troops ashore on Juno Beach.

Sep 1944 - WAAF POLICE established in the Middle East (Egypt, Palestine, Iraq). One member of WAAF Police joined the Mounted Section at RAF Habbanyia Iraq. Provost Marshal seeks to recruit additional RAF Provost Officers. Air Ministry Order released which instructed RAFSP employed on units to remove the ‘S’ from their brassards. All RAF POLICE wear the same style brassards with ‘RAFP’. Term RAF Service Police dropped.

Late 1944 - RAF POLICE dog handlers successfully assist ARP in London to search for victims buried after German V2 rocket attacks.

Dec 1944 – RAF POLICE stationed in Athens Greece caught up in the civil war.

Jan 1945 - Establishment of RAF POLICE is 500 officers (55 WAAF) & 20,000 Ors (267 WAAF).

Apr 1945 - RAF POLICE in Brussels formed the Belgian Auxiliary Air Police Service to assist with guarding and security tasks.

8 May 1945 - Germany defeated with Victory in Europe.

Aug 1945 - After 2 atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, the war in the Far East came to an end.

RAF POLICE become involved in the investigation of RAF mutinies in Iceland, the Far East and the Middle East.

Nov 1945 - RAF POLICE tasked by War Crimes Judge Advocate to investigate the murder, by the Gestapo, of the 50 recaptured RAF officers from Stalag Luft III who took part in the Great escape. Wg Cdr Wilfred Bowes and Sqn Ldr Francis McKenna appointed to investigate the murders.

During same period, RAF POLICE NCOs are authorised to wear the newly approved white webbing equipment and hat covers and in doing so become known as ‘snowdrops’.

RAF POLICE command worldwide re-structured into Wing Headquarters as follows:

No 1 Wing - Situated in the UK - under command of Gp Capt Newbury.

No 2 Wing - BAFO in Germany - under the command of Gp Capt Brown.

No 3 Wing - In the Middle East - under the command of Gp Capt Grove.

No 4 Wing - In the Far East - under the command of Gp Capt Champion.

The 6 UK RAF POLICE District HQs, commanded by a Wg Cdr APM are:

No 1 District - Edinburgh.

No 2 District - Newcastle.

No 3 District - Nottingham.

No 4 District - Duxford.

No 5 District - London.

No 6 District - Bristol.

Jan 1946 - RAF POLICE School moves from RAF Weeton to RAF Great Sampford near Braintree in Essex.

Feb 1946 - RAF POLICE Dog School moves from RAF Woodfold to RAF Staverton outside Gloucester. Lt Col Baldwin remains as Chief Instructor (Dogs) and Flt Lt R D Cooper is appointed as OC RAF POLICE Dog Training School. Second RAF POLICE School formed at Buckeburg in Germany to cope with BAFO matters.

RAF POLICE worldwide are established in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Far East. Nationalist unrest begins to stir in Egypt, India, Burma and Palestine. RAF POLICE join Allied Occupation Force in Japan.

Jun 1946 - 30 RAF POLICE Auxiliaries recruited & trained in Singapore. Dakota aircraft with 20 RAF POLICE NCOs on board crashes in Malaya in a storm with no survivors.

Jul 1946 - RAF POLICE vehicles in Egypt fitted with 2 way radios for efficiency - These helped during the successful search to locate the body of an airman, murdered and buried in the dessert by a Sudanese robber.

Oct 1946 - RAF POLICE School moves from RAF Great Sampford and joins the RAF POLICE Dog School at RAF Staverton. RAF POLICE serving in Calcutta India assist civil authorities during serious sectarian violence earning a great many commendations.

Jan 1947 - RAF Provost Branch formally recognised as a specialist branch within the RAF.

During 1947 – RAF POLICE Headquarters moves to West London and into accommodation which was formerly a wartime hospital in Bromyard Ave, Acton. The HQ is joined by the RAF SIB from their former accommodation at Princess Gate Court, Kensington.

May 1947 - The first edition of ‘Provost Parade’ is published - sold for a shilling: The magazine would quickly become the RAF POLICE journal.

Jul 1947 - First 18 defendants implicated in the Stalag Luft III murder investigation go on trial at Hamburg. Case continues.

Aug 1947 - Independence for India after which RAF POLICE leave the mainland. RAF POLICE assistance given to Pakistan in forming and training the PAF Police. RAF POLICE dogs used for the first time to help search for victims of coalmine disaster in Whitehaven, Cumberland.

Jun 1948 - As the RAF withdrew from Palestine, 40 RAF POLICE Dog Teams appeared on parade in public at the Three Counties Agricultural Show at Staverton. In the Egyptian Suez Canal Zone FS McNeil RAFP was murdered on duty by 3 Arabs on a journey between Ismailia and Fayid.

In Berlin and Germany, the Berlin Airlift was well under way with RAF POLICE fully committed to support the operation. RAF POLICE School moves from RAF Staverton to RAF Pershore.

Oct 1948 - The remaining defendants in the Stalag Luft III, murder investigation go on trial at Hamburg. British government policy change makes the prosecution of further Nazi war criminals impossible.

Nov 1948 - To promote overall efficiency professionalism amongst RAF POLICE Flights, the PROVOST MARSHAL introduced an annual competition and trophy known as the ‘De Putron Trophy’.

Jan 1949 - RAF POLICE supervise the loading aboard USS Atenas in Liverpool Docks, the last 300 coffins of US Servicemen killed in WW2, being returned to the USA. Wg Cdr Bowes and Sqn Ldr McKenna awarded the OBE for their work in bringing the Stalag Luft murderers to justice at Hamburg.

Apr 1949 - NATO formed and four days later the Soviets lifted their blockade of Berlin. Experimental dog breeding program at the Dog School was terminated as being non-cost effective and unreliable.

Jun 1949 - RAF POLICE Dog Demonstration Team appeared for the first time at Royal Tournament Olympia and became an instant public relations success.

Sep 1949 - RAF POLICE at RAF Filton control crowds and huge media interest during the maiden flight of the huge Brabazon passenger aircraft.

Oct 1949 - 18 RAF POLICE NCOs from RAF Buckeburg Germany formed into Special VIP Escort Unit for British High Commissioner; General Sir Brian Robertson.

Nov 1949 - RAF POLICE Auxiliaries formed on Cyprus and RAF POLICE NCOs in Rhodesia tasked with training Rhodesian Military Police NCOs.

Jan 1950 - RAF POLICE Dog handlers sent to Malaya to assist Commissioner of Police in tracking terrorists and establishing a Police Dog Unit.

Jul 1950 - Large RAF POLICE presence at RAF Farnborough for the first post-war public RAF Flying / Static Display attended by the Royal Family.

Sep 1950 - RAF POLICE established at the newly formed Inter-services Identification Bureau (ISIB) in Hong Kong; the Vetting Agency for the Royal Naval Dockyard and Armed Forces in the colony.

Dec 1950 - RAF POLICE & Royal Military Police (RMP) assist in controlling serious riots in Singapore following sectarian problems. King George VI graciously approves the Griffin badge & motto ‘Fiat Justitia’ for the RAF POLICE. The badge was designed by Wg Cdr Henniker-Heaton and Flt Lt McMahon. The Provost Branch is joined by many former colonial Police Officers.

Feb 1951 - RAF POLICE Dog School leaves RAF Staverton and joins the RAF POLICE School at RAF Netheravon. RAF POLICE under the control of the PROVOST MARSHAL re-titled as Provost & Security Service (known thereafter as P&SS). Start of the ‘Cold War’.

Mar 1951 - 6 RAF POLICE Reserve Flights formed within the UK at Cambridge, Liverpool, Derby, Stanmore Park, Glasgow and Bristol.

Apr 1951 - The new RAF POLICE badge is formally handed over to the PROVOST MARSHAL, during a parade at RAF Pershore, by AVM Sanderson. RAF POLICE are established at the NATO HQ at Fontainbleau in France.

May 1951 - Air Cdre de Putron retires from the RAF after a successful appointment which saw the establishment of the RAF POLICE grow from 1,000 to a peak of 20,500. He was succeeded by Air Cdre Yarde.

Jun 1951 - RAF POLICE Dog Teams presented to HRH Queen Mary at Royal Tournament.

Sep 1951 - Large RAF POLICE presence at the 4th Singapore Air Day at Kallang Airport, which was attended by 30,000 members of the public. In addition the local RAF POLICE Dog Demonstration Team entertained the crowds.

Jan 1952 - Cpl Andrew Kirk RAFP killed and Cpl Clarke RAFP wounded by Egyptian terrorists as they responded to assist a British Army unit being attacked in the Suez Canal Zone.

Feb 1952 - RAF POLICE School completed move from RAF Pershore to RAF Netheravon in Wiltshire and was re-titled as the Royal Air Force Police Depot. In addition, a RAF POLICE tie (dark blue with silver griffins) was authorised to be worn with civilian dress.

Oct 1952 - UK tests her first Atomic weapon on Monte Bello Islands to the West of Australia.

Nov 1952 - 15 RAF POLICE dogs were transported by air for the first time between RAF Abingdon and RAF Gutesloh in Germany.

Oct 1952 - Mau Mau State of emergency declared in Kenya - RAF POLICE at RAF Eastleigh increase internal security measures. The Yfai Tribe in the Sultanate of Mukalla (Aden) appointed as RAF POLICE Auxiliaries to protect the air staging post at Riyan on the hostile South Arabian coastline.

Jan 1953 - UK P&SS Districts increased from 6 to 7, with the formation of HQ at Castle Bromwich. RAF POLICE on East coast deploy to assist civil authorities during severe weather conditions and flooding.

Feb 1953 - At the request of Earl Mountbatten, RAF POLICE established to provide security at HQ Allied Forces (Med) at Floriana, Malta.

Apr 1953 - Air Cdre Yarde promoted and hands over as PROVOST MARSHAL to Air Cdre Carter. RAF POLICE Dog handlers in Hong Kong appear on public parade for the first time.

May 1953 - 40 members of the RAF POLICE on parade in London to mark the Coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II. RAF POLICE presence on discipline patrol in London over the week.

Jun 1953 - Large RAF POLICE presence at RAF Odiham for the Royal Review of the RAF. Venue hosts the largest every assembly of RAF aircraft and equipment.

Aug 1953 – The first RAF Provost officers attend the Home Office Detective Training Course at HQ Lancashire Constabulary.

Oct 1953 - Lt Col Baldwin retires as RAF Chief Training Officer (Dogs) and hands over to Mr Charles Fricker.

By late 1953 - The first kiloton range ‘Blue Danube’ atomic weapon was delivered to the RAF to be matched with the ‘V Force’, Britain’s nuclear deterrent strike force. No 543 Bomber Sqn formed at RAF Gaydon with Valiant bombers became the first nuclear armed part of the V Force. The RAF POLICE commence nuclear security duties, a task which will last for just over 40 years.

Apr 1954 - RAF POLICE in Singapore assist civil police dealing with the crash of large Constellation passenger aircraft at Kallang, killing all on board. During same month, RAF POLICE Auxiliaries in Ceylon were sworn in as Special Constables to assist during a visit by Queen Elizabeth II.

May 1954 - Cpl Elvin RAFP and his dog, assist British Army patrols in Malaya to track down terrorists in the jungle.

Jun 1954 - The first 4 members of the USAF Air Police arrive at the RAF POLICE Dog School to be trained as dog handlers.

Jul 1954 - RAF POLICE at RAF Eastleigh, Kenya, ambush Mau Mau terrorists and make 22 arrests and recover weapons and other evidence.

Aug 1954 - The EOKA terrorists in Cyprus, demanding union with Greece, begin to stir up trouble on the island.

Oct 1954 - Air Cdre Carter retires as PROVOST MARSHAL and is replaced by Air Cdre Proud.

Mar 1955 - P&SS organisation at home and abroad re-organised. Wing HQs abandoned and newly established District HQs re-numbered as follows:

No 1 Dist - Bishopbriggs - Scotland.

No 2 Dist - Weeton - Lancs.

No 3 Dist - Hucknall - Notts.

No 4 Dist Duxford – Cambridgeshire.

No 5 Dist - Ruislip - Middlesex.

No 6 Dist - Filton - Bristol.

No 7 Dist - Castle Bromwich - W Mids.

No 8 Dist - Gibraltar.

No 9 Dist - Malta.

No 10 Dist - N Ireland.

No 21 Dist - Ismailia - Egypt.

No 22 Dist - Steamer Point - Aden.

No 23 Dist - Habbanyia - Iraq.

No 24 Dist - Nicosia - Cyprus.

No 31 Dist - Changi - Singapore.

No 32 Dist - Kuala Lumpar - Malaya.

No 33 Dist - Colombo - Ceylon.

No 34 Dist - Kai Tak - Hong Kong.

No 41 Dist - Buckeburg - Germany.

No 42 Dist - Wahn - Germany.

May 1955 - The Warsaw Pact is signed by the Soviet Union and 7 of her allies - The Cold War threat increases as the Soviets continue to stockpile military hardware and research development of nuclear weapons.

Jun 1955 - P&SS Traffic Sections formed in West Germany to deal with the increasing number of fatal and serious accidents involving personnel under RAF law.

Aug 1955 - Armed American Serviceman; Napoleon Greene, went berserk at RAF Manston in Kent, killing 3 people and seriously injuring 7 others before committing suicide. During the incident, RAF POLICE Cpl R P Grayer was shot dead by Greene as he tried to rescue a young lady from the mayhem. Later Sgt J Sutcliffe the senior NCO in charge of the RAF POLICE on the station collapsed and died of a heart attack.

Sep 1955 - EOKA violence in Cyprus increases and RAF POLICE & RMP placed on full alert - RAF POLICE carry out Travel Control Security (TCS) checks at Larnaca & Nicosia Airports.

Feb 1956 - Avro York passenger aircraft taking off from RAF Valetta in Malta crashes killing all 50 personnel onboard including 14 RAF POLICE NCOs on route to the UK.

June 1956 - The last British troops leave Egypt. In the years leading up to the withdrawal there had been widespread hostility towards British forces and many service personnel had been killed and injured in clashes with the Egyptian security forces and hostile Egyptian civilians.

Jul 1956 - Following Egyptian take-over of Suez Canal RAF POLICE join British Task Force assembled to liberate the waterway.

Sep 1956 - Air Cdre Proud retires as PROVOST MARSHAL and is succeeded by Air Cdre Kerby, the first man to hold all ranks within the RAF POLICE from AC up to Air Cdre

Oct 1956 - Op Musketeer - the liberation of the Suez Canal launched - RAF POLICE join the invasion force in Cyprus and Egypt.

1957 - RAF POLICE Stationed on Christmas Island provide Police and Security support during the testing of Britain’s nuclear weapons.

Mar 1957 – 8 RAF POLICE dog handlers and 11 police dogs were amongst those killed when a Blackburn Beverley transport aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from RAF Abingdon.

First Annual RAF POLICE Working Dog Trials held at RAF POLICE Depot Netheravon and the trade of Kennel-Maid was officially authorised within the RAF POLICE Trade Group. RAF took delivery of the newly designed ‘Yellow Sun’ thermonuclear megaton bomb. The V Force increases along with RAF POLICE nuclear security commitments.

1958 - Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) formed. A stand-off launched megaton nuclear weapon ‘Blue Steel’, with a range of 100 miles enters service with the RAF V Force.

May 1958 - State of emergency declared in Aden in response to Egyptian backed anti-British terrorist activity.

Jul 1958 – in Cardiff and at RAF St Athan, RAF POLICE assist with security at the British Commonwealth Games.

Sep 1958 - RAF POLICE established to provide security at the first site used to deploy the RAF’s first ‘Thor’ ballistic missiles.

Dec 1958 - UK P&SS Districts reduced from 7 to 5:

No 1 - RAF Turnhouse - Scotland.

No 2 - RAF Church Fenton - Northern.

No 3 - RAF Spitalgate - Central.

No 4 - RAF Innsworth - Western.

No 5 - RAF Northolt - Southern.

Jun 1959 - RAF withdraws from Iraq - The horses from the RAF POLICE Mounted Section are transferred to Cyprus.

Tension in many of Britain’s overseas territories becomes unsettled and in a number of areas, hostile anti-British demonstrations and violent terrorist activity are becoming common-place. The British Government are forced to take action.

Feb 1960 - Air Cdre Kerby retires as the PROVOST MARSHAL and is succeeded by Air Cdre Gardner. As travel by air replaces troopship movements, the RAF POLICE become fully involved with TCS measures.

The enquiry report by Lord Radcliffe into National Security is published and RAF Security measures are reviewed. Seven RAF POLICE Auxiliaries are trained as dog handlers in Cyprus.

Mar 1960 - CND protests at RAF units within the UK require deployment of additional RAF POLICE to maintain security.

Apr 1960 - RAF POLICE Dog Demonstration Team are extremely popular and an instant success to the 250,000 people who attended the 30 performances of the Royal Tournament at Earls Court.

Aug 1960 - The RAF POLICE Depot moves from RAF Netheravon to RAF Debden near Saffron Waldon but the RAF POLICE Dog Training element remained behind until suitable accommodation could be built.

Sep 1960 - Cyprus is granted independence and the Sovereign Base Area (SBA) Police Force is formed - However, because of manning shortfalls, 35 RAF POLICE NCOs are sworn in as constables and attached to establish and run the force for the first 6 months of its life.

Dec 1960 - National Service conscription into the British Forces ends - Cpl John Stewart from Greenock in Scotland became the last national serviceman to join the ranks of the RAF POLICE. Counter Intelligence courses developed at the RAF POLICE School.

Mar 1961 – In Iran Corporal T Maddox and Corporal A Whiteley, on detachment from No 5 RAF POLICE District, are granted a private audience with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, at Golestan Palace in Tehran.

Aug 1961 - The Berlin Wall is erected by the East German Authorities, together with the ‘Iron Curtain’ between the East and West. P&SS stationed in Berlin functioned as the only RAF POLICE unit behind the ‘Iron Curtain’.

1962 - Tension increases between East and West over the Cuban missile crisis. The possibility of nuclear war became a reality as the crisis peaked.

Jul 1962 - Air Cdre Gardner retires as PROVOST MARSHAL and is succeeded by Air Cdre Millar.

Jul – Aug - RAF POLICE dog teams deployed to the Tower of London to enhance security.

1962 – RAF POLICE Dog Training School transferred to RAF POLICE Depot Debden.

Mar 1963 - RAF POLICE are attached to the Joint Service Police Unit in Borneo to assist the Sultan in maintaining law and order following a violent rebel uprising.

Jun 1963 - RAF POLICE from Waddington, Scampton, Conningsby, Hemswell and Finningly assembled at RAF Waddington to provide security and anti-CND cover during a visit by US President, J F Kennedy. Dog School leaves Netheravon and joins the RAF POLICE Depot at RAF Debden. ‘Village Constable’ policing smaller non-operational RAF units is introduced.

Dec 1963 - RAF POLICE Mounted Section formed at RAF El Adem in Libya.

Jan 1964 - P&SS Berlin involved in the security operation during the exchange of alleged agents; Greville Wynne (MI5) and Gordon Lonsdale (KGB) which took place on Berlin Wall.

Feb 1964 - Following the Radcliffe review of RAF Security, Air Cdre Pike appointed as the new RAF Director of Security, while the PROVOST MARSHAL retains responsibility for police matters.

Mar 1964 - RAF POLICE NCOs join UN Peace-keeping force in Cyprus to keep Turkish (in North) and Greek (in South) Cypriots apart.

Egyptian sponsored violent terrorist activity within Aden increases dramatically and British Forces are placed on full alert.

Nov 1965 - Air Cdre Millar retires as PROVOST MARSHAL & is succeeded by Air Cdre Inness.

Dec 1965 – No 10 RAF POLICE District at RAF Sydenham in Northern Ireland is disbanded and becomes a detachment of No 1 RAF POLICE District.

Jul 1966 - RAF POLICE NCOs established at the NATO HQ in Brussels, following the transfer from Fontainbleau in France. RAF POLICE employed on TCS duties at RAF Changi also act as Customs and Immigration Officers for Singapore Government.

Dec 1966 - P&SS Detachment at RAF Eastleigh in Kenya disbanded but RAF POLICE NCOs remain to train new Kenyan Air Force Police. 2 RAF POLICE NCOs on TCS duty in Aden are seriously injured when a terrorist bomb explodes in the freight shed at RAF Khormaksar.

Feb 1967 - The terrorist problem in Aden becomes so serious and violent that the wives of British service personnel are issued with machine guns for self defence.

Jul 1967 - Service families and non-essential personnel are evacuated from Aden as situation becomes chaotic.

Nov 1967 - All British personnel and HM Forces are withdrawn from Aden which is abandoned and left to its own fate by HM Government.

Dec 1967 - P&SS called in to assist civil police investigation following the discovery of murdered airwoman in woods near RAF Halton.

Apr 1968 - 50th Anniversary of the RAF and the RAF POLICE - RAF POLICE deployed at various high profile celebrations at home and abroad providing police and security support. A number of experienced RAF Kennel maids at Debden were given permission to form their very own dog demonstration team, which was successfully used to thrill and entertain the crowds attending summer fetes, galas and charity events that were organised within the local area. At the end of the summer season the team was disbanded.

May 1968 - RAF POLICE NCOs volunteer as film extras during the making of the film; Battle of Britain at RAF Debden and RAF Duxford.

Mid 1968 - Ch Tech Britten jailed for 19 yrs for spying for the Russians. He had been under P&SS and Special Branch observation for some time before his arrest.

Oct 1968 - The 5 UK RAF POLICE Districts are abolished and replaced by 3 P&SS Regional HQs:

P&SS (Northern Region) based at RAF Linton-on-Ouse with detachments in N Ireland (Aldergrove) and Scotland (Leuchars).

P&SS (Central Region) based at RAF Spitalgate.

P&SS (Southern Region) based at RAF Northolt.

P&SS Support Sqn formed at Debden under the command of Sqn Ldr Thompson.

Air Cdre Inness retires as PROVOST MARSHAL and is succeeded by Air Cdre Panton.

Apr 1969 - The 2 appointments of Director of Security and PROVOST MARSHAL combined to form a single appointment re-titled; Director of Security & Provost Marshal (RAF) - (DSy&PM(RAF).

May 1969 - Support Sqn motorcyclists provide escort for RAF pilots through London to take part in the Daily Mail Transatlantic Air Race.

Mid 1969 - State of emergency declared in N Ireland as situation deteriorates.

Sep 1969 - Instant success as the RAF POLICE Dog Demonstration Team go on tour of Canada and USA with the Parachute Regt.

Dec 1969 - RAF POLICE in Cyprus assist local authorities to clear up after severe weather conditions cause chaos in Limassol. In response to Spain’s closure of the border with Gibraltar, 4 additional RAF POLICE dog teams were detached, at the request of HM Governor, to patrol the frontier.

Jan 1970 - RAF POLICE Dogs trained for the first time to detect the drug Cannabis.

Feb 1970 - Security Officer courses commenced at the RAF POLICE School to train non-police security officers the basics.

Mar 1970 - The RAF withdrew from RAF El Adem their last unit in Libya.

May 1970 - The RAF withdrew from RAF Seletar in Singapore.

Late 1970 - With the introduction into service of the Harrier jump jet, RAF POLICE deploy into field conditions during combat exercises to support operations.

Feb 1971 - RAF POLICE Auxiliaries in Far East Air Force (FEAF) celebrate their Silver Anniversary at RAF Changi (establishment up to 400 men).

Mar 1971 - Operation Golden Eagle - NCOs from Support Sqn arrive at RAF Cranwell to provide enhanced security while HRH the Prince of Wales undergoes his officer and flying training to become a pilot.

Jun 1971 - 2 solid silver mace heads were donated by the RAF POLICE to St Clement Danes church in London to replace 2 which were stolen during the previous year.

Sep 1971 - HQ P&SS(FEAF) disbanded and RAF Tengah in Singapore closed.

Oct 1971 - Air Cdre Panton retires as the PROVOST MARSHAL and is succeeded by Air Cdre Shephard.

Dec 1971 - RAF Changi in Singapore and RAF Muharraq in Bahrain close down.

Apr 1972 - RAF make final withdrawal from Singapore and last RAF POLICE Mounted Section at Akrotiri in Cyprus is disbanded.

Jun 1972 - Provost Branch celebrate their Silver Anniversary at the RAF POLICE Depot.

Oct 1972 - RAF POLICE are detached to No 1 Regt RMP in N Ireland to assist with patrolling the ‘streets’. RAF Provost Officer; Squadron Leader J Roberts is nominated as first OC RAF POLICE Detachment and 2IC No 1 Regt RMP: He was succeeded in 1973 by Squadron Leader C Burghope.

Jun 1973 - First Royal Review of the RAF POLICE and Provost Branch carried out by HRH The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, at the RAF POLICE Depot Debden.

Jul 1973 - RAF POLICE & RMP NCO on joint patrol in Londonderry shot and wounded.

Late 1973 - RAF POLICE Firearms and Explosives (FX) Search Dog handler narrowly escapes death but his dog is killed when a booby trap bomb explodes in a house being searched in N Ireland.

Jan 1974 - Air Cdre Shephard retires as the PROVOST MARSHAL and is succeeded by Air Cdre Player.

Apr 1974 - Sgt Window, a former RAF POLICE NCO, becomes the first RAF POLICE NCO to be appointed to the Queens Body Guard of the Yeoman.

Jun 1974 - Turkey, fearing a Greek take-over in Cyprus launched an invasion onto the island - panic followed and all British & UN Forces placed on full alert. RAF POLICE fully committed to protecting service families living outside Sovereign Base Areas. RAF Nicosia in Cyprus evacuated under fire. Gallantry awards for RAF POLICE.

Sep 1974 - The political situation in Cyprus calms down but the island is divided with the Turks in the North and the Greeks in the South. The SBAs remain intact and RAF POLICE in Nicosia join UN Force.

Oct 1974 - RAF POLICE Depot is disbanded and re-titled RAF POLICE School and moves from Debden to RAF Newton, Nottingham. RAF POLICE detachments to RMP Units in N Ireland end.

Feb 1976 - Air Cdre Player retires as PROVOST MARSHAL and is succeeded by Air Cdre Innes.

Mar 1976 - RAF Gan in the Indian Ocean and RAF Masirah in Oman close.

Apr 1976 - RAF POLICE, RAF Regiment and RAF Fire Service combine to form Trade Group 8. AVM Griffiths is appointed Director General RAF Security and the PROVOST MARSHAL becomes Deputy Director of RAF Sy & PM(RAF).

Apr 1976 - Fighter, Bomber & Coastal Commands disbanded to form HQ Strike Command, while Training, Transport & Maintenance Commands disbanded to form HQ Support Command. RAF POLICE Provost staff established at each of the 2 new HQs.

Sep 1976 - Mr Charles Fricker retires and is succeeded as Chief Training Officer (Dogs) by Mr Terry McHaffie.

Jun 1977 - HQ P&SS(UK) move out from Bromyard Ave in Acton to RAF Rudloe Manor in Wiltshire - PROVOST MARSHAL and staff remain at MOD Whitehall - Support Sqn & RAF P&SS(SR) move from Northolt to join HQ P&SS(UK) at Rudloe Manor. RAFP brassard replaced for normal use by newly designed epaulettes.

Jul 1977 - RAF POLICE are out in force to support the largest ever Royal Review of the RAF at RAF Finningley, which also marked the Silver Jubilee celebrations of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Apr 1978 - The RAF POLICE Dog School is selected by HM Customs & Excise to provide trained drug detection dogs and to train their Drug Detection Teams.

May 1978 - Air Cdre Innes retires as PROVOST MARSHAL and is succeeded by Air Cdre Young.

Aug 1978 - RAF POLICE Flt is established in British Honduras (Belize) to support Harrier jet and Puma helicopter operations against increased threat from Guatemala to invade the colony.

Dec 1978 - As UK Fire Brigades go out on strike, RAF POLICE along with other military personnel take up fire fighting duties around the country.

Mar 1979 - RAF withdraw from the island of Malta.

Apr 1979 - OC HQ P&SS(UK) receives the new HQ P&SS(UK) Unit badge approved by HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Oct 1979 - RAF POLICE involved in humanitarian Red Cross famine relief in Kampuchea.

Jan 1980 - RAF POLICE NCOs from Support Sqn join Commonwealth Force in Rhodesia to monitor pre-election cease-fire and surrender of weapons from differing political factions.

May 1980 - Operation Golden Eagle II - Support Sqn deploy to RAF Leeming to enhance security while HRH The Prince Andrew trains to become a RN pilot.

Oct 1980 - RAF POLICE deployed to enhance security at Rolleston & Frankland Prison during National Prison Officers strike.

As French Foreign Legion and Royal Marines deploy to Vanuatu to restore law and order RAF POLICE deploy to provide Air Transport Security (ATSy) on Fiji and Vanuatu in S Pacific.

Jan 1981 - IRA bomb explodes at RAF Uxbridge London causing serious damage. Casualties avoided by prompt action of RAF personnel. P&SS Investigators assist New Scotland Yard Anti-Terrorist Squad with enquiries. Security at all RAF units within the UK reviewed and Gate Controls introduced.

Sep 1981 - CND establish a Peace Camp at RAF Greenham Common Newbury to protest about deployment of USAF Cruise Tomahawk missiles, capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Dec 1981 - Air Cdre Young retires as PROVOST MARSHAL and is succeeded by Air Cdre David.

Apr 1982 - Argentinean Forces invade and occupy the Falkland Islands. British Task Force and Support Sqn prepare to deploy.

May 1982 - His Holiness Pope John Paul II visits the UK and RAF POLICE provide enhanced security measures at RAF Leeming in Yorkshire and RAF Turnhouse in Scotland to facilitate his reception.

Jun 1982 - RAF POLICE from Cyprus assist authorities with the sea evacuation of foreign nationals from war torn Lebanon. Argentinean Forces on the Falkland Islands surrender to British Forces. RAF POLICE (Support Sqn), RMP and Royal Navy Police establish post-conflict provost operations on islands. RAF POLICE NCOs established on Ascension Island to setup Airhead between Falklands, Ascension and UK.

Oct 1982 - RAF POLICE Dogs have always been donated to the RAF POLICE by the public but during Oct, the 10,000th dog entered service to become a trained RAF POLICE dog.

Sep 1983 - 9 RAF POLICE motorcyclists posted onto the strength of USAF 501st Tactical Missile Wing Greenham Common to carry out convoy escort duties during the deployment of the Cruise missiles.

1983 - HQ P&SS (Germany) were honoured when HM Queen Elizabeth II graciously approved a unit badge for the headquarters.

Jan 1984 – RAF POLICE detachments to Greenham Common begin.

Feb 1984 - RAF POLICE from Cyprus assist with a second sea evacuation of refugees from war torn Lebanon.

Apr 1984 - Drug Abuse Prevention Officers established on each of the P&SS Regions in an effort to educate RAF personnel about the dangers of drug and solvent abuse.

Jun 1984 - Air Cdre David retires as the PROVOST MARSHAL and is succeeded by Air Cdre Hales.

Aug 1984 - Sgt Flinn Support Sqn takes part in Exercise Airwave - a 4 month exchange program with the Royal Australian Air Force Police (RAAF Police) - Sgt Dusting RAAF Police joins Support Sqn. WO Figgins and Sgt Rowe go to Thailand to train Thai Police FX Dog Detection Teams.

Oct 1984 - HQ P&SS(Germany) presented with the Wilkinson Sword of Peace (for their outstanding contribution to the ‘local community’ .

Nov 1984 - WO Broddle RAFP retired from the service having completed 500 Royal Flights with The Queens Flight. Before he left the service he became only the third member of the RAF POLICE to be granted a private audience with HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Jan 1985 - The RAF POLICE once again become engaged in Humanitarian Famine Relief operations in Ethiopia, where security of the Relief flight line and operations area is carried out at Addis Ababa International Airport.

Feb 1985 - A coach carrying the RAF Germany Band on tour crashes on the Autobahn killing and injuring many of those on board. Cpl George Crawford RAFP, the security NCO was amongst those tragically killed.

Mar 1985 - Mikhail Gorbachev becomes the new radical Leader of the Soviet Union and almost immediately talks to the West about bringing an end to the Cold War and his plans to introduce internal political change. The Western world watches with interest as events unfold.

Apr 1985 - Support Sqn send re-force teams to Cyprus and Gibraltar to enhance security on RAF bases after USA is permitted to use UK bases to launch air raids against Libya, following evidence suggesting links with international terrorism. Following a complicated P&SS & Special Branch investigation in Cyprus, the Cyprus spy trial of 6 RAF and 2 soldiers, charged with passing secrets to a hostile Intelligence Service, commenced at the Old Bailey in London.

May 1985 - As RAF Mount Pleasant on the Falkland Islands is opened, the first RNP/RMP/RAFP Joint Service Police Unit, known as the Falkland Islands Joint Service Police Unit (FIGPU) is formed.

Oct 1985 - Air Cdre Hales retires as the PROVOST MARSHAL and is succeeded by Air Cdre Winch. P&SS(NR) respond along with civilian emergency services to a large fire at RAF Brampton which completely destroys the premises housing HQ Support Command.

Oct 1985 - The Cyprus spy trial at the Old Bailey collapses and all the defendants are acquitted. Allegations of ill-treatment in RAF POLICE custody were made by defendants which results in the Government ordering a formal inquiry into the matter. Mr George Carman QC is appointed to head the inquiry team. The new Service Police Codes of Practice as part of the Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984 are introduced into service replacing the Judges Rules.

Mar 1986 - Following a full examination of the evidence submitted to the ‘Cyprus Spy Trial Inquiry Team’, Mr George Carman QC, cleared the RAF POLICE of all the allegations concerning the ill-treatment of all the defendants whilst in RAF custody.

Aug 1986 - A pro-Libyan terrorist group attacks RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus using mortars and machine guns. Although no-one is killed 2 RAF wives are injured. All police forces on the island go onto full alert.

Mar 1987 - Following the disaster when the Channel ferry; Herald of Free Enterprise, capsized outside Zeebrugge Harbour with a large loss of life, RAF POLICE from the UK and Germany called in to assist with the identification of the service victims.

Apr 1987 - The first RAF POLICE covert Drug Intelligence Teams are established on UK P&SS Regions in an effort to identify drug and solvent abusers within the RAF.

Apr 1987 - FIGPU on the Falkland Islands is re-titled as the Joint Service Police Unit (JSPU) under the command of an RAF Provost Sqn Ldr. All personnel are sworn in as Falkland Islands Special Constables.

Jul 1987 - After an absence of 17 yrs, the first 3 females successfully complete their training to become RAF Provost Officers. Thomas Kruger defects from E Germany and lands his light aircraft at RAF Gatow in Berlin. P&SS called to assist with the request for political asylum before handing him over to the West Germans.

Sep 1987 - After 4 yrs of policing the CND Peace camps, the Americans remove the Cruise missiles from Greenham Common and the RAF POLICE detachments are stopped.

Dec 1987 - After completing a 4 month exchange program in New Zealand, Sgt Davies P&SS(SR) returns to the UK. Cpl Bruce RAFP and his Drug detection dog assist the Customs authorities in Gibraltar in searching a Moroccan passenger and finding 6.5 kilos of Cannabis resin (valued at ￡18,000) hidden in a pair of deer antlers he was trying to import. The longest RAF POLICE VIP close protection operation, which had been mounted in Jun 1985, to protect HRH Prince Hussein of Jordan, during his RAF flying training at RAF Cranwell, Valley & Chivenor, ended successfully.

Dec 1987 - Mikhail Gorbachev meets Margaret Thatcher at RAF Brize Norton on route to Washington. P&SS and KGB on duty together to provide security during the brief but successful visit.

Mar 1988 - 3 IRA suspects are shot dead by the SAS in Gibraltar. P&SS Gibraltar presented with their new Unit Badge, approved by HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The IRA mounted a new terror campaign on the European mainland by targeting and killing mainly off duty service personnel and their families in Germany, Holland and Belgium. Such was the horror of the latest sickening and cowardly attacks that all civil and British Service Police forces within the countries affected went on full alert to track down the killers. RAF POLICE reinforcements were drafted into Germany to assist P&SS and armed patrols were mounted outside RAF Units.

Sep 1988 - As the ‘Cold War’ continues to thaw, Vitaliy Konstantonovich Boyarov, Deputy Chief of Soviet Customs & Excise, visits the RAF POLICE School to see how the RAF POLICE train their drug detection dog teams.

Feb 1989 - The IRA placed and detonated a bomb in an accommodation block at Clive Barracks Shropshire. Although no-one was killed in the attack, there after, all armed service personnel including the RAF POLICE in the UK carried weapons with ammunition magazines fitted and ready for instant use.

The peace accord agreed and signed by Ronald Reagan & Mikhail Gorbachev, brought an end to the ‘Cold War’ between the East and West and promised a massive reduction in both nuclear and conventional forces. Gorbachev also announced radical changes within the Soviet Union and a new openness known as ‘perestroika’.

Mar 1989 - Air Cdre Winch retires as the PROVOST MARSHAL and is succeeded by Air Cdre Seymour.

Oct 1989 - The world is sickened when the IRA shoot and kill an off duty RAF Cpl and his 6 month old daughter in Germany. RAF POLICE reinforcements conduct counter-terrorist patrols off base areas.

Nov 1989 - As the ‘Cold War’ continues to thaw, the border between East and West Germany is opened without warning and thousands cross into W Germany from the East. As events unfold revolution against communism erupts in many Eastern Bloc countries.

Dec 1989 - HM Queen Elizabeth II, graciously approved 2 more Unit badges; the first to P&SS (Scotland) and the second to P&SS (Cyprus),

Mar 1990 - RAF POLICE take part in a month long detachment to the Far East to protect 6 Tornado aircraft from No 5 and No 27 Sqn.

Jul 1990 - The UK Government announced their ‘Options for Change’ plans to reduce the establishment of the UK Armed Forces in line with the reduced threat from the Eastern Bloc. RAF establishment is planned to drop from 89,000 to 75,000 in 2 yrs.

Aug 1990 - Iraq invades and occupies Kuwait triggering of a crisis within the Gulf region. RAF POLICE selected to support the UK air force being assembled to force Iraq out of Kuwait and to provide the close protection of Senior British Officers.

Dec 1990 - RAF POLICE accompany a detachment of 2 Harrier jump jets & a Puma helicopter from Belize to the Aurora Air Base for the Guatemalan National Air Force Day.

Jan 1991 – Coalition Forces begin military action to repel occupying Iraqi forces from Kuwait. 4 month security operation by RAF POLICE at Cape Canaveral ends with the successful launch of a NATO satellite into orbit.

Apr 1991 - RAF POLICE dog training element merged with the Army’s Dog training unit to form the Defence Animal Centre (DAC), under the control of the Royal Veterinary Corps at Melton Mowbray - Army Wing at Melton trains horses & FX dogs while RAF Wing at Newton trains specialist drug detection and general patrol dogs.

May 1991 - Trials begin at RAF Cranwell, Shawbury and Uxbridge with the lesser trained and dual handled High Profile Counter-Terrorist Patrol Dogs (HPCT).

Mar 1992 - Civil war erupts within the former Yugoslavia and RAF POLICE are deployed to protect RAF transport aircraft assisting the UN with their humanitarian relief efforts. Various studies and audits take place to look at practical ways to reduce the establishment of the RAF and develop value for money through greater efficiency.

Jan 1993 - RAF POLICE from the UK and Germany on 4 month detachments to fill un-established posts to support UN operations in S Arabia, Turkey, Bahrain, Italy and Bosnia.

Apr 1993 - The RAF & RAF POLICE celebrates its 75th Anniversary whilst being pressurised to reduce the defence budget and establishment.

Jun 1993 - To cope with closures of RAF units, the UK P&SS regions are increased from 3 to 6 but with reduced manning:

P&SS (Scotland) RAF Turnhouse,

P&SS (NI) RAF Aldergrove,

P&SS (NR) & P&SS (CR) RAF Newton,

P&SS (WR) & P&SS (SR) RAF Rudloe Manor.

Sep 1993 - RAF Gutesloh in Germany closes and P&SS (Det N Germany) is disbanded and recovers to HQ P&SS (Germany).

Nov 1993 - Air Cdre Seymour retires as the PROVOST MARSHAL and is succeeded by Air Cdre Uprichard.

Dec 1993 - A second 4 month security operation, carried out by the RAF POLICE at Cape Canaveral in Florida, comes to an end as the NATO IVB military satellite is successfully launched into orbit.

Apr 1994 - HQ Support Command disbanded. 2 new commands; HQ Personnel & Training Command and HQ Logistics Command are formed. HQ RAF Germany demoted to a Group HQ with HQ Strike Command.

Jul 1994 - As part of their plan to further reduce the strength of the UK Armed Forces the Government announced their ‘Front Line First’ initiative - The RAF were to reduce their establishment by a further 7,500 to 67,500.

Jul 1994 - Plans are announced to disband the trade of Kennel-Assistant and The RAF POLICE Dog Demonstration Team. Efforts are made to find sponsorship to keep the team up and running.

Aug 1994 - Final RAF POLICE UK Dog Trials held at Newton before it closes and dog training moves to the DAC & the school to Halton.

Aug 1994 - After 25 yrs of terrorism and bloodshed in N Ireland, the PIRA agrees to a permanent cease-fire in the province.

Sep 1994 - Following the unification of W and E Germany; All American, French and British forces are withdrawn from Berlin and P&SS (Berlin Det) is disbanded. RAF Belize is closed and RAF POLICE return to the UK.

Sep 1994 - With the price of official sponsorship set at too high a price, the RAF POLICE Dog Demonstration Team is disbanded.

Oct 1994 – A/WO Summers RAFP returns from Zimbabwe after successfully training their Air Force & Military Police personnel.

Jan 1995 - A convicted drug dealer who fled from the UK was returned to justice in London after being arrested in Cyprus and kept for 3 months in RAF POLICE custody at RAF Akrotiri while the necessary arrangements were made for his extradition. The RAF POLICE custody NCOs were sworn in as SBA Police Special Constables.

Mar 1995 - As part of the continuing defence cuts, 150 RAF POLICE NCOs were offered and took their redundancy from the service. Membership of the RAF POLICE Association increases as former members of the Branch throughout the country and overseas join up.

Apr 1995 - With the disbanding of the 3 separate service security directorates, a newly established single MOD Security Directorate emerged. The PROVOST MARSHAL, re-titled as the Air Officer Security & Provost Marshal (RAF) AOSy & PM(RAF), leaves MOD and sets up his office at HQ P&SS(UK) Rudloe Manor. RAF POLICE School & Dog Training School leave Newton; School goes to Halton and dog training to the DAC at Melton Mowbray.

Apr 1996 - Trade Group 10 (RAF Admin) is disbanded and RAF POLICE take over the administration and running of RAF unit guardrooms once again.

Jun 1996 - RAF POLICE personnel return to the UK after taking part in a 2 month training exercise called; ‘Purple Star 96’, which took place in North Carolina & Virginia in the USA. RAF POLICE respond to assist with rescue efforts and security after terrorists in S Arabia detonated a huge vehicle bomb at the Dhahran Air Base which totally destroyed an accommodation block at the used by American military personnel, killing and injuring many.

P&SS (NR) move to RAF Linton-on-Ouse. P&SS (CR) move to RAF Cranwell. P&SS (SR) move to RAF Halton and P&SS (Scot) move to RAF Buchan. P&SS (WR) remains at RAF Rudloe Manor while P&SS (NI) remains at RAF Aldergrove.

Dec 1996 - RAF Sek Kong in Hong Kong closes in preparation for the handing over of the colony to the Chinese.

Apr 1997 - HQ P&SS (UK) Vetting Wing is disbanded and absorbed into the newly established single Defence Vetting Agency (DVA). P&SS (Cyprus) & P&SS (Gibraltar) merge with the RN & Army and are re-titled as Joint Service Police & Security Units (JSP&SU).

May 1997 - AOSy & PM(RAF) leaves Rudloe Manor to set up office at HQ Strike Command. The book entitled ‘Fiat Justitia - A History of the Royal Air Force Police’ by Stephen R Davies (a serving RAFP FS) is published.

Jun 1997 - British troops withdraw from Hong Kong as it’s handed back over to China. Serious RAF POLICE manning shortages throughout the RAF world, coupled with the 4 month detachments in support of UN peace-keeping missions, begin to cause a strain to the system.

Aug 1997 - As membership increases, the number of regional branches of the RAF POLICE Association is increased to 7; E Midlands; W Midlands; NW England; Hants & Dorset; S Wales; E Anglia & Essex and Scotland.

Sep 1997 - Morale amongst the rank of A/Cpl and Cpl is seriously deflated as their scales of pay are reduced after a recommendation by the Defence Job Evaluation Team.

Oct 1997 - MOD announced that full time reservists will be recruited into the RAF POLICE to overcome manning shortfalls.

Dec 1997 - AOSy&PM(RAF) announces the start of an internal study, to be conducted by HQ PTC Sy staff, into the future of the RAF POLICE; known as ‘Provost 2000’.

Feb 1998 - British and American forces on full alert when Iraq fails to comply with UN directives. However, conflict in the Gulf is narrowly averted by the personal intervention of the UN Secretary General, who managed to advise Saddam Hussein, to co-operate with UN Weapons Inspection Teams.

Mar 1998 - Strength of the RAF reduced to 56,064 and the strength of the RAF POLICE stood at 162 Provost Officers and 2,200 other ranks.

Apr 1998 - As the RAF celebrates its 80th Anniversary, control of the P&SS organisation is transferred from HQ PTC to HQ STC under the direct control of AOSy&PM(RAF). HQ P&SS(UK) is re-titled as HQ P&SS. HQ P&SS Passes & Permits section is disbanded and transferred to the Defence Passes & Permits Agency at Worthy Down. Provost Marshals’ Standards Unit (PMSU) moved from Rudloe Manor to HQ PTC.

Government announces that all nuclear weapons held by the RAF are to be de-commissioned during the year, leaving the UK nuclear deterrent in the hands of the RN. Agreement reached in N Ireland during the ‘All Party Talks’, to look towards peace within the province by democratic political means and not through violence.

Oct 1998 - HQ P&SS and RAF P&SS (WR) move from RAF Rudloe Manor. HQ P&SS to RAF Henlow and RAF P&SS (WR) to RAF Innsworth. An oil painting depicting the RAF POLICE at work is formally presented to OC P&STS at Halton. Air Cdre Uprichard retired and is succeeded as the 20th PROVOST MARSHAL by Air Cdre R McConnell.

Nov 1998 - The PROVOST MARSHAL investigates the feasibility of forming a tri-service police training school at one of four locations; RAF Halton, the RMP Depot Chichester, Army Worthy Down or HMS Whale Island.

Dec 1998 – Provost & Security 2000 study paper presented to the Air Force Board.

Sep 2000 – Air Cdre McConnell hands over as AOSy&PM to Air Cdre Morgan.

Aug 2001 – RAF begins final stage to withdraw from Germany by closing RAF Bruggen the last RAF operational unit within the group.

Sep 2001 – Islamic terrorists hijack 4 civil aircraft in USA. 2 are crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York, one into the Pentagon Washington DC and one in Pennsylvania. Soon after, US and UK start to plan attack on Osama Bin Laden’s HQ in Afghanistan.

Oct 2001 – US & British troops begin ‘Op Enduring Freedom’ by launching air strikes against Al Qaeda & Taliban targets in Afghanistan.

Dec 2001 – The first RAF POLICE from HQ P&SS TPW enter Afghanistan.

Jan 2002 – On the orders of the PROVOST MARSHAL, RAF Provost Officers replace their APM shoulder insignia with RAFP versions to bring an end to the confusion of what APM stands for with other forces. PROVOST MARSHAL announces radical changes to the way RAF POLICE are employed. In future they will concentrate on core police skills and abandon ‘misemployment’ on guard duties & other minor security tasks.

Jun 2002 – RAF POLICE deployed at various locations in connection with the Golden Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II. PROVOST MARSHAL releases details of units earmarked for Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS) to replace misemployed RAF POLICE.

Jul 2002 – RAF POLICE return from Afghanistan after 2 months of instructing new Afghan Police recruits in Kabul.

Aug 2002 – Serious demonstrations take place at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus against the proposed building of a radio mast at Salt Lake site. RAF POLICE injured during troubles.

Sep 2002 – In response to Saddam Hussein’s refusal to co-operate with UN, US and British forces start planning for military action against Iraq.

Nov 2002 – RAF POLICE take part in ‘Op Fresco’ to provide fire service cover during a national strike by civil fire-fighters. PROVOST MARSHAL authorises trials in Cyprus of white beret for RAF POLICE.

Mar 2003 - American and British forces launch a number of air strikes on targets around Baghdad and in the south of the country to prepare for a full stage military invasion of Iraq.

May 2003 - Coalition forces in control in Iraq and began the process of trying to restore order and government.

Jul 2003 - First platoon of MPGS soldiers take over responsibility for the physical security of RAF Linton-on-Ouse from RAF POLICE.

Oct 2003 - Directive from Provost Marshal stating that all ranks of the RAF POLICE will wear newly issued 'MP' badges on their ‘Soldier 95’ disruptive pattern combat clothing to distinguish them as military police personnel to civilians and multi-national military personnel.

Dec 2003 - Commemorations around the world marked the first century of flight by fixed wing aircraft.

RAF POLICE Association area branches within the United Kingdom stood at fifteen, comprising; Western Branch, Hants and Dorset Branch, South Wales Branch, East Midlands Branch, Scottish & N Ireland Branch, Norfolk Branch, South West Area Branch, London & SE Area Branch, North West Area Branch, North Yorkshire Branch, Midlands Branch, South Yorkshire Branch, Essex and Suffolk Branch, Durham Tyne & Wear branch and finally the Mid-Anglia Branch.

Feb 2004 - Air Cdre Morgan retires as PROVOST MARSHAL and Air Cdre Drissell becomes only the second RAF Regiment officer to fill the top RAF POLICE appointment.

Mar 2004 – 60th Anniversary of the RAF POLICE working with police dogs.

Apr 2004 – P&STS at RAF Halton re-titled again to RAF POLICE School. Operational control of the Tactical Police Wing (TPW) transferred from HQ P&SS to the HQ 2 Group, as an independent unit and part of other RAF elements belonging to the Force Protection Centre at RAF Honington.

May 2004 - The application for the introduction of the white ‘RAF POLICE beret’ is rejected by the RAF Dress Policy Committee. The white beret, with the association cap badge, continued to be adopted by the RAF POLICE Association as a form of headdress to be worn during official occasions and parades.

Jun 2004 - The first ‘all female’ Volunteer RAF POLICE Dog Demonstration Team performed a display for the public at HMS Collingwood.

Sep 2004 - The Provost & Security Command Staffs from HQ PTC & HQ STC combine at HQ STC High Wycombe as a single organisation within the Provost Marshal’s Department to provide improved and co-ordinated staff function.

Oct 2004 - The new RAF POLICE Association Standard was dedicated at St George’s Church, RAF Halton.

Jan 2005 - RAF POLICE personnel deployed to Banda Aceh Airport, Indonesia to provide ATSy for RAF aircraft operating in support of the huge disaster caused by the earthquake and the tsunami in Asia.

Mar 2005 - Ceremony took place in the War Memorial Chapel Edinburgh Castle to dedicate the new Standard of the RAF POLICE Association’s Scotland & Northern Ireland Branch.

Apr 2005 – Air Cdre Drissell becomes the Asst Chief of Staff Force Protection & Air Officer RAF POLICE, while Gp Capt E Scaplehorn becomes the new PROVOST MARSHAL (RAF). Under Project Darwin the term P&SS is dropped in re-organisation and the new regional policing element is re-titled as No 1 Specialist Police Wing. The former P&SS units are disbanded in favour of 3 new single-capability squadrons; RAF Special Investigation Branch (SIB), Counter-Intelligence Squadron (CIS) and Security Services Squadron (SSS). SSS in its entirety based at RAF Henlow with HQ PM (RAF), along with the nucleus and command structure of the SIB and CIS, while elements of expertise from the SIB and CIS are established at HMS Caledonia (Scotland), RAF Cranwell (Lincoln) and RAF Halton (Berkshire). RAF POLICE become integrated in the RAF Force Protection Wings.

Aug 2005 – RAF POLICE ATSy NCOs on board RAF C-17 Globemaster fly to Petropavlovsk in East Russia to deliver British equipment to help rescue Russian Navy mini-submarine AS-28 Priz with a crew of seven, trapped on the ocean floor off Russia’s isolated Kamchatka Peninsula.

Sep 2005 – Ceremony at RAF Henlow to commemorate the 60^th anniversary of the start of the investigation into the murder of 50 RAF officers who were recaptured after the Great Escape from Stalag Luft III in Mar 1944. Service took place in St Georges Church Halton to dedicate a window, commissioned jointly by the RAF POLICE and RAF POLICE Association, which displayed the two crests in stained glass.

Oct 2005 - After being at RAF Halton for ten years the RAF POLICE School moved to what was formerly HMS Dryad, renamed as Southwick Park, Fareham, Hampshire, where it merged with the training schools of the Royal Naval Regulating Branch and RMP to become the Defence Police College.

Nov 2005 – The book ‘RAF POLICE Dogs on Patrol’ by former RAF POLICEman Stephen R Davies was published by Woodfield Publishing Ltd. www.woodfieldpublishing.com

Apr 2006 – A watercolour painting depicting the world-wide role undertaken by the RAF POLICE between 1918 and 2005, was handed over to the PROVOST MARSHAL by the artist, Michael Ewins, at RAF Brize Norton. Members of the East Midlands branch of the RAF POLICE Association & serving members of the RAF POLICE, gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire, to plant four thousand snowdrop bulbs on the bank behind the plot of land on which the RAF POLICE Memorial stone is to be sited in 2007.

May 2006 - Gp Capt Scaplehorn retired from the RAF and was succeeded as Provost Marshal by Gp Capt G D Horscroft.

Aug 2006 - The Gibraltar Provost & Security Unit (GPSU) was renamed as the Joint Provost & Security Unit (JPSU).

Oct 2006 - The new RAF HQ at RAF High Wycombe, combining HQSTC and HQPTC, was officially opened.

Nov 2006 – The new Armed Forces Act 2006 received Royal Assent and the book ‘RAF POLICE Operations in Europe’ by former RAF POLICEman Stephen R Davies, was published by Woodfield Publishing Ltd.

24 Dec 2006 - An attempt by four members of the first RAF team, including Corporal I Kirk RAF POLICE, to walk unassisted to the geographical South Pole and back was abandoned after cold weather injuries sustained by two of the team became too serious for them to carry on. The team participating in the RAF Southern Reach Expedition were just one hundred nautical miles away from the South Pole when disaster struck.

Feb 2007 – The PDSA Dickin Medal; the Animals' Victoria Cross, was awarded posthumously to ‘Lucky’ on behalf of 4 RAF POLICE tracker dogs that had worked tirelessly in the Malayan jungle between 1949 - 1952. Lucky's award was accepted by former Warrant Officer B A Stapleton, who retired from the RAF in Nov 1981. As a corporal he had been the loyal German Shepherd's handler during the Malayan Campaign when Lucky, Bobbie, Jasper & Lassie had been instrumental in the capture of hundreds of communist terrorists

1 Apr 2007 - With the amalgamation of HQ STC and HQ PTC completed, the new organisation, located at RAF High Wycombe, was renamed as Headquarters Air Command (HQAC) under the command of Air Chief Marshal Sir Clive Loader.

23 Jun 2007 – The RAF POLICE Memorial situated within the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire dedicated during a formal ceremony at the site.

Nov 2007 - The book ‘RAF POLICE CapeTown to Kabul’ by former RAF POLICEman Stephen R Davies, was published by Woodfield Publishing Ltd.

1 Sep 2007 - Celebrating its Golden Anniversary, the 2007 Annual RAF POLICE Dog Championship Trials were held at RAF Henlow. After a gruelling competition the winning team was declared as Cpl Helen Strange and Air Dog Harry from RAF Northolt, while Cpl Kaye and Air Dog Ben from RAF Aldergrove attained 2^nd place and Cpl Ginger and Air Dog Alfie from RAF Kinloss took 3^rd place.

1 Apr 2008 - The RAF, including the RAF POLICE, celebrated their 90^th anniversary. At the time, the establishment of the RAF comprised 41,000 personnel, and from that number, 1,415 personnel; 159 officers, 42 warrant officers and 1,214 NCOs, were serving in the RAF POLICE.

With MPGS established on RAF stations to undertake guarding and routine security commitments, there was no longer a requirement to staff individual RAF stations with police flights in the traditional way. As such, 4 RAF POLICE squadrons were formed around the country, as part of No 2 (General) RAF POLICE Wing, to undertake general police duties, higher level security tasks and Air Transport Security operations on and off RAF stations within their respective area of responsibility. The units chosen to base the district headquarters of each squadron were: RAF Lossiemouth (No 4 Squadron), RAF Waddington (No 5 Squadron), RAF Marham (No 6 Squadron) and RAF Brize Norton (No 7 Squadron). The elements of expertise from SPW, comprising SIB and CIS, established at HMS Caledonia, RAF Cranwell and RAF Halton continued to operate as before.

May 2008 - With the formation of the new RAF POLICE Association regional Branch (South Downs), the former London & South East Branch changed its name to London Home Counties Branch (LHC).

29 Aug 2008 – Some 300 former and serving dog handlers, kennel-maids and their partners attended the first ever mass reunion of RAF POLICE dog handlers and kennel-maids at RAF Waddington. As a result, all the monies raised from the reunion were donated to the charities; “Help our Heroes - ￡2,105-00”, the “RAFPA Welfare Fund - ￡750-00” and “Hearing Dogs for the Deaf - ￡750”.

5 Sept 2008 - HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG KCVO ADC, conducted the second Royal Review of the RAF POLICE at the Headquarters of the Provost Marshal, RAF Henlow.

Oct 2008 - RAF POLICE drug detection dog team stationed on the Falkland Islands discover 30.06 kilograms of the ‘Class A’ drug Cocaine, valued at one million pounds sterling, during a routine search of a fishing vessel. The books “RAF POLICE Bombay to Ascension Island” & “Those Bloomin’ Snowdrops” by former RAF POLICEman Stephen R Davies, were published by Woodfield Publishing Ltd.

Dec 2008 – British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his Iraqi counterpart Nouri al-Maliki announced that UK troops, having completed their momentous task in assisting to stabilize the country, would be withdrawn from Iraq during the first half of 2009.

Jan 2009 – MoD announced that in March the RAF POLICE had been nominated to take charge of the UK forces' Theatre Military Working Dogs Support Unit (TMWDSU), at the Contingency Operating Base (COB) in Basra.

Feb 2009 – Former RAF POLICE investigator Stephen R Davies, acts as a consultant for, and is interviewed during the making of a documentary about the post-war RAF POLICE investigation which tracked down the Nazi killers of the 50 recaptured RAF officers who took part in the ‘Great Escape’ from Stalag Luft III in March 1944.

Mar 2009 – For the first time in the history of the RAF POLICE, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary carried out a formal inspection of HQ RAF POLICE at RAF Henlow.

May 2009 – Group Captain Horscroft relinquished his appointment as Provost Marshal (RAF) and moved to Headquarters Air Command as the Senior Security Advisor to the Chief of Staff (CAS). As a result, Group Captain J W Whitmell was appointed as the 31^st RAF Provost Marshal.

Jun 2009 – In Afghanistan Corporal Gareth Hughes RAFP was shot and seriously wounded on night patrol when Taliban insurgents opened fire in Helmand Province. After receiving urgent medical treatment in Afghanistan he was flown home to the UK for further emergency treatment.

1 Sep 2009 – RAF POLICE operating within the UK were authorised to use roadside breathalyser units (Lion 500B) and evidential machines (Intoximeter EC/IR) to ascertain whether or not military personnel, suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, were fit to drive.

Sep 2009 – As part of the Silver Anniversary celebrations of the RAF POLICE Association, a slate floor plaque depicting the RAFPA badge was set into the floor of the North Aisle in the Central Church of the RAF, St Clement Danes in Central London.

Oct 2009 – The Armed Forces Act 2006, which established a single system of Service law across all three arms of the British Armed Services came into force.

Nov 2009 – The book, ‘RAF POLICE-The Great Escape Murders’, written by former RAF POLICEman Stephen R Davies, is published by Woodfield Publishing Ltd.

Feb 2010 – Air Commodore La Forte was appointed as the new Air Officer RAF POLICE and Assistant Chief of Staff Force Protection. He also accepted the invitation to become the new President of the RAF POLICE Association.

Apr 2010 – The RAF POLICE Association completed the legal formalities to register their badge as a Trademark.

22 Apr 2010 - With N European airspace closed because of volcanic ash from Iceland, RAF POLICE deploy to Santander in Spain to assist stranded British troops from Afghanistan and UK civilians to board HMS Albion.

Jan 2011 - Approx 180 RAF POLICE personnel were detached overseas on deployed operations in support of OPERATION HERRICK (Afghanistan) or providing police and security expertise with the Joint Service Police & Security Unit (JSPSU) in the Falkland Islands. As such, 75% were serving in Afghanistan, 10% were serving in the Middle East supporting OPERATION HERRICK and 20% were detached to the Falkland Islands. Furthermore, 75% of the detachments were for 6 months (with a further 6 months of pre-deployment training), while the other 25% were for 4 months.

Feb 2011 - Flight Lieutenant S Puckering commissioned a painting by Michael Ewins which depicts the role of the RAF POLICE in Afghanistan. The work measuring a metre across, is divided into 3 areas and covers the period between 2009 and 2011: Area 1 at the left, captures force protection, security and RAF POLICE activities at Camp Bastion and the forward operating bases: Area 2 in the centre captures support activity, mentoring of Afghan police and SIB activities within the Green Zone in Helmand Province, and: Area three to the right, captures force protection, ATSy and RAF POLICE activity at Kandahar Airfield.

Mar 2011 - Air Marshal A Pulford, Deputy C-in-C Personnel, revealed plans to cut more than 1000 Service personnel from the RAF during the first phase of an ongoing scheme to reduce around 5000 personnel by 2015 in a bid to claw back a￡38 billion ‘black hole’ in the defence budget. RAF POLICE included in the redundancy program.

Mar 2011 – RAF POLICE working from the British Embassy in Malta help to co-ordinate OPERATION DEFERENCE, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office led operation launched to evacuate UK and other nations' entitled personnel from Libya between February and March.

Jul 2012 - With the increased demand in Afghanistan for military working dogs (MWD), the RAF POLICE came under pressure to supply sufficient dog teams globally and as such, were forced to temporarily introduce non RAF POLICE dog handlers into the Falkland Islands to undertake security patrols of military installations.

Aug 2011 - RAF POLICE dog handler Corporal M McConnell wounded in Afghanistan when an IED exploded. He sustained injuries to his left foot and right leg and was evacuated to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment. His dog 'Memphis' was unharmed in the incident.

Nov 2011 – Gp Capt N Sexton takes up the appointment of Provost Marshal (RAF) upon the retirement of Gp Capt Whitmell.

Dec 2011 - HQ RAF POLICE, released a brief account of the commitments carried out by the RAF POLICE during 2011, which was to be included in the annual RAF Review magazine:

No 1 (Specialist) Police Wing conducts the higher-level elements of Policing, Protective Security and Counter-Intelligence support to the RAF. It comprises three squadrons: The RAF Special Investigations Branch (SIB), which exists to conduct independent investigations in support of the military criminal justice system, which includes investigations into criminal activity and disciplinary offences against Service regulations, as well as complaints of low flying, aircraft noise and investigations into bullying and harassment. Crime scene examiners, as well as forensic information technology specialists, support SIB personnel: Counter-Intelligence Squadron examines and counters the threat to the RAF from terrorism, espionage, subversion and other sources. In addition, the squadron is responsible for the provision of timely advice to all units following analysis of criminal activity that may affect the Service. Personnel also provide support to NATO and other partner organisations during deployments and exercises: The Security Services Squadron provides security consultation for the RAF and, at times, other government departments and agencies. It is responsible for the provision of security and operational resilience advice to commanders, identifying and assessing security risks and vulnerabilities, and advising on the best way to address, mitigate or manage them. Security Services Squadron personnel are also involved in assessing the security requirements for the construction of new buildings and the development of new aircraft. In addition, and critically for the RAF, they also play a key role in advising on aviation security and in particular, the safety of the air transportation fleet and its passengers. A compact team of highly experienced and trained security professionals, the squadron’s work is not limited to homeland bases.

For security duties purely within the UK, No 2 (General Police Duties) Wing embraces the soldiers of the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS). The role of the wing is to deliver efficient, effective and enduring policing and security support to thirty-four RAF stations and units and, where applicable, operations projected from those stations. Delivery of that support is by means of patrols, inspections, investigations, security consultancy and advice, response forces, incident management and the use of military working dogs. Concurrently with its ‘day-job’, the wing generates RAF POLICE personnel for deployment. A key role for the wing is to provide a focal point for the coordination of all police and security resources, both military and civil, available to commanders, which can includes the civil police, MoD Police, MoD Guard Service, MPGS and, where appropriate, private security companies.

No 3 (Tactical) Police Wing is the expeditionary arm of the RAF POLICE. Designated as an Air Combat Support Unit, it provides generic Force Protection command and control, and police and security support, to deployed operations. The wing also provides the RAF POLICE with a high readiness capability, through general policing duties, close protection body guarding, police search teams, aviation security, prisoner handling and custody, and lines-of-communication policing. Personnel from No 3 (Tactical) Police Wing are the ‘spearhead’ for all RAF POLICE expeditionary operations. In addition to providing, on a continuous basis, at least one flight of personnel to undertake internal and external force protection duties at Camp Bastion in Helmand, the wing is responsible for ensuring that all RAF POLICE formed units receive the necessary mission-specific training to conduct their arduous duties in Afghanistan. The wing is on standby to deploy personnel worldwide to support non-combatant evacuation operations of UK and other entitled personnel from the world’s hot spots, humanitarian missions and disaster relief situations. These commitments are undertaken by No 1 (Tactical) Police Squadron. During the past last year the squadron has been involved in the evacuation operation in Libya and supported relief aid missions to Chile, Columbia and Pakistan. A vital part of No 3 (Tactical) Police Wing is No 3 (Royal Auxiliary Air Force) Police Squadron, which provides auxiliary police for operations, using the experience and wider civil police skill sets afforded by its civilian personnel.

No 2 (Tactical) Police Squadron is integral to the RAF Force Protection Wing at Camp Bastion and, together with a contingent of US Marines and members of both the Bahraini Special Security Forces and the Tongan Defence Force, is responsible for the internal and external security of the vital Coalition main operating base. The squadron’s personnel come from all three police wings and prior to deploying, spend up to four months training together. RAF POLICE personnel perform vital control duties in and around the approach to, and entrances to, the camp; conduct internal mobile security patrols; counter-terrorist search operations; security for the vast aircraft operating areas; security risk management and biometric screening; and deliver joint security patrols with the US Marines and the Afghan National Police and Army, into the multinational communities outside the base. Another important output of No 2 (Tactical) Police Squadron is delivered exclusively by female RAF POLICE who, as part of a Coalition Female Engagement Team (CFET), have been instrumental in key leadership engagement activities with the women of the multinational communities that continue to grow around the base. The CFET has assisted in breaking down cultural barriers and the RAF POLICE element have played a vital role in, among other things, enabling the success of the Village Medical Outreach programme in the Camp Bastion Area of Operation, providing basic medical care to the occupants of outlying villages.

RAF POLICE personnel, together with their Army colleagues, mentor the Afghan National Police (ANP) at the Helmand Police Training Centre and on patrols with British Army battle groups in Helmand Province. This ‘training for transition’ role is vital in creating the conditions for the smooth transfer of security authority to the Afghan National Security Forces. Working outside the safety of the main operating bases, close support personnel are routinely deployed as far as the forward line of enemy troops, acting as first responders to incidents; providing advice and confidence to commanders engaged in contact situations with insurgents trying to undermine the government of Afghanistan and subsequently when dealing with prisoners; evidence collation; and forensic handling. Weapons intelligence is another important element of operations involving RAF POLICE personnel who provide a highly specialised service through the exploitation of pre- and post-blast scenes. As biometric systems advisors, the RAF POLICE, in company with Royal Navy personnel, carry out daily moves in Mastiff armoured vehicles and support helicopters to forward operating and patrol bases throughout Helmand Province. They are responsible for training British soldiers, collating and transferring data from the front line, and the management of biometric equipment. Under OPERATION Barma, RAF POLICE and other personnel use special equipment and tactics in an effort to detect improvised explosive devices and other threats. The work is exacting and dangerous, but may come down to something as simple as spotting a section of disturbed wall. As part of the Counter-Intelligence Squadron’s mission, Counter-Intelligence Field Teams are deployed to examine threats to the security of the RAF’s contribution to operations. This is achieved through liaison with deployed security and intelligence organisations, as well as the investigation of breaches of security at deployed locations.

In addition to the RAF POLICE’s valuable contribution to OPERATION Herrick, the branch has personnel deployed across the globe: from providing a permanent policing and security role in the Falkland Islands, where the full range of capabilities is employed, to providing protective security and aviation security in support of flights to Middle Eastern air bases. In response to the UN Security Council Resolution 1973, the RAF POLICE provided specialist security support to OPERATION Ellamy (Libya). Military working dog handlers undertake the full spectrum of duties at mainland home bases and in Northern Ireland and in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, RAF POLICE handlers provide vehicle search dogs and patrol dogs for base security, as well as enhanced armaments explosives search and high assurance search dogs to accompany patrols on the ground.

THE STORY CONTINUES

Countries where The RAF POLICE have been stationed since 1918

(This excludes countries visited for short detachments or exercises)

United Kingdom (All parts)

Gibraltar

Malta

France

Belgium

Holland

Germany

Austria

Greece

Crete

Cyprus

Morocco

Algeria

Tunisia

Persia

Japan

Hong Kong

Afghanistan

India

Ceylon

Gan

Malaya

Sumatra

Australia

Christmas Islands

Cocos Islands

Belize

Spanish Sahara

Southern Rhodesia

South Africa

Ascension Island

Falkland Islands

Libya

Trucial States (now UAE)

Portugal (Azores - Terceira)

Sardinia

Italy

Norway

Denmark

Iceland

Bosnia

Croatia

Kosovo

Egypt

Palestine

Jordan

Iraq

Kuwait

Qatar

Bahrein

Saudi Arabia

Oman

Aden

Turkey

Sudan

Burma

Singapore

Brunei

Siam

Canada

Kenya

Gold Coast (Ghana)

Sierra Leone

Gambia

Bahamas

Somaliland

Macedonia

British Indian Ocean Territory (Diego Garcia)

ROYAL AIR FORCE PROVOST MARSHALS

01 Major J A Pryor 1918 - 1919

02 Wing Commander G T Brierley 1919 - 1922

03 Wing Commander S Grant-Dalton 1922 – 1923

04 Wing Commander L L MacLean 1923 - 1925

05 Wing Commander A H Jackson 1925 - 1927

06 Wing Commander W J Ryan 1927 - 1931

07 Group Captain F G Stammers 1931 - 1942

08 Air Commodore O W de Putron 1942 - 1951

09 Air Commodore B C Yarde 1951 - 1953

10 Air Commodore N Carter 1953 - 1954

11 Air Commodore H J G E Proud 1954 - 1956

12 Air Commodore W I G Kerby 1956 - 1960

13 Air Commodore W S Gardner 1960 - 1961

14 Air Commodore J C Millar 1961 - 1965

15 Air Commodore W I C Inness 1965 - 1968

16 Air Commodore A D Panton 1968 - 1971

17 Air Commodore H M Shephard 1971 - 1974

18 Air Commodore B C Player 1974 - 1976

19 Air Commodore G Innes 1976 - 1978

20 Air Commodore I Young 1978 - 1981

21 Air Commodore M J David 1981 - 1984

22 Air Commodore A E G Hales 1984 - 1986

23 Air Commodore G E Winch 1986 - 1989

24 Air Commodore A C P Seymour 1989 - 1993

25 Air Commodore J L Uprichard 1993 - 1998

26 Air Commodore R McConnell 1998 - 2000

27 Air Commodore C R Morgan 2000 - 2004

28 Air Commodore P J Drissell 2004 – 2005

29 Group Captain E J Scaplehorn 2005 – 2006

30 Group Captain G D Horscroft 2006 – 2009

31 Group Captain J W Whitmell 2009 – 2011

32 Group Captain N Sexton 2011 –

AIR OFFICER RAF POLICE & ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF FORCE PROTECTION

2005 - Air Commodore P J Drissell

2007 - Air Commodore S Abbott

2010 - Air Commodore La Forte

2012 - Air Commodore N Bray

RAF POLICE Headquarters within the UK

RAF Uxbridge, Middlesex. 1937 – 1941

RAFP HQ Hitchen House, Burnham Breeches, Bucks. 1941 – 1947?

HQ SIB Princess Gate Court, Kensington. 1941 – 1947?

HQ P&SS (UK) Bromyard Ave, Acton, W London. 1947 – 1977

On leaving Acton PM went to MOD (1^st Norman Shaw Bldgs Old

Scotland Yard then the Metropole Bldg (MOD) in Whitehall). 1977 – 1995

The PM then moved briefly to Rudloe Manor before moving

To HQ Strike Command RAF High Wycombe. 1997

HQ P&SS(UK) Rudloe Manor, Wilts. 1977 – 1998

PHQ Henlow, RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire. 1998 –

RAF POLICE - THE GREAT ESCAPE MURDERS

2009-03-10T14:09:00.020Z

NOW ON SALE ............... (2 December 2009)

RAF POLICE - THE GREAT ESCAPE MURDERS

(ISBN: 1-84683-086-9).

This book tells the remarkable story of the Great Escape made by British, Commonwealth and Allied prisoners-of-war from Stalag Luft III in March 1944; the brutal murder of fifty of the recaptured RAF officers by the Gestapo on the orders of Hitler; the story of those recaptured and sent to concentration camps; and, the subsequent complex post-war investigation, carried out by the Royal Air Force Police Special Investigation Branch, which identified, from the German High Command, those responsible in the conspiracy to murder the fifty as well as their Gestapo executioners.

Indeed, the wanted Gestapo and Criminal Police who had survived the war were swiftly hunted down in the chaos of worn-torn Europe and rounded up as war criminals by the small but dedicated RAF Police investigation team and brought to justice in Hamburg. Sixteen of those found guilty by the International and British War Crimes Tribunal were sentenced to death and were hanged at Nuremburg and Hamburg while a further four were hanged by the authorities in Czechoslavkia for a variety of war crimes against humanity; others found guilty by the tribunals of complicity received various terms of imprisonment.

Regrettably, a change in British government policy in 1948, prevented others arrested by the RAF Police from being prosecuted by the International War Crimes Tribunal and in most cases they walked away with blood on their hands as free men. This remarkable war crimes investigation, the only one of its kind entrusted to a British military police force, began at the end of 1945 and twenty-three years later in 1968 one of the last suspects in the case was traced and convicted by a West German Court for his part in the mass murder of RAF prisoners-of-war.

Order the book direct from Woodfield Publishing http://www.woodfieldpublishing.co.uk/

Further details can be obtained by e-mailing the author stephendavies021@gmail.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stop Press - The Great Escape: The Reckoning.
A one-hour documentary made by Electric Pictures of Australia and co-produced with Brook-Lapping, United Kingdom. Directed by Steve Westh - Made for ABC, Channel Four (UK), and the History Channel (UK).

A gripping one-hour documentary drama that centres on the true story of the post-WWII investigation by the RAF Special Investigation Branch (RAF SIB) to hunt down the Gestapo henchmen who murdered 50 RAF and Commonwealth officer prisoners-of-war who were recaptured after taking part in the 'Great Escape' from Stalag Luft III in the spring of 1944.

Stephen R Hingeley-Davies, RAF Police Historian, acted as a consultant to the director and was interviewed on film for the documentary regarding the successful RAF SIB investigation.

THE DOCUMENTARY WAS FIRST SCREENED IN THE UK ON CHANNEL 4 ON MON 2 NOV 2009 at 9PM....... Google in the title to read the reviews, or see the documentary.

Watch the documentary on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMLVW0a-530&feature=related

THOSE BLOOMIN’ SNOWDROPS

2009-03-10T14:08:00.002Z

THOSE BLOOMIN’ SNOWDROPS (ISBN 1-84683-057-5) contains a collection of real-life anecdotes, humorous stories and cartoons, a number of which come from the 1950s when a minority of National Servicemen viewed the RAF Policeman as his biggest irritation. All the articles have been contributed by former RAF Policemen, otherwise known as the Snowdrops to the wider RAF community. It’s the type of book you can read sitting on the loo, but you might be inclined to stay longer than you should, or you can take it to bed and fall asleep chuckling without worrying about losing the plot, and of course, its great company while you’re in the car waiting for the wife or kids, but be warned, passers-by might think you’ve gone mad as they hear you crying out with laughter to yourself.

This book is sure to have its readers rolling around in fits of laughter as they read some of the antics that the RAF Police have been associated with. It is sure to appeal to any former Snowdrop, airman or airwoman, or indeed anyone with a wicked sense of humour.

(See Links Woodfield Publishing for how to order)

RAF POLICE - BOMBAY TO ASCENSION ISLAND 1918 - 2007

2009-03-10T14:06:00.002Z

RAF POLICE - BOMBAY TO ASCENSION ISLAND (ISBN 1-84683-056-7) describes the wide-ranging police and security operations undertaken by the RAF Police between 1918 and 2007 in a vast area of the world stretching south from the Himalayas through Asia, Australasia, the American Continent and the islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. It includes Special Investigations, Counter-Intelligence, Air Transport Security and Canine operations undertaken by this unique branch of the RAF in Nepal, Pakistan, India, Ceylon, the Indian Ocean, the Far East, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Canada, the United States of America, Central America and finally the Falkland and Ascension Islands.

Soon after the formation of the RAF in 1918, members of the RAF Service Police began working alongside other RAF personnel at airfields in India. With the outbreak of World War II, the RAF quickly expanded both at home and abroad and so did the RAF Police. RAF deployments throughout India, Ceylon, the Far East and the Indian Ocean rapidly spread and additional numbers of RAF Police were established to support RAF commanders on the ground. Following the Japanese invasion of the Pacific Islands and the Far East, the RAF mounted operations mainly from within India in support of ground troops. After the detonation of Atomic bombs forced Japan to surrender, the RAF Police joined the British Commonwealth Occupation Force stationed in Japan.

In 1946 and 1947 violent post-war anti-colonial unrest within India saw the RAF Police at the very forefront in protecting RAF units and personnel and other Europeans from the daily threat of sectarian violence as well as assisting the civil authorities in maintaining law and order. Locally recruited RAF Police Auxiliaries were established in Singapore and were so successful that the scheme was quickly widened around the RAF world. During the Cold War and after the establishment of the Peoples’ Republic of China, the RAF Police were very much involved in fighting Communist guerrillas in the jungles of Malaya and Borneo. By then, RAF Police units were established in Malaya, Singapore, Ceylon, Gan and Hong Kong and were detached to Australia and Christmas Island to provide high-level security during British Atomic tests.

As the global political situation changed and the operational deployment range of military aircraft increased, the RAF withdrew from units within the region but maintained a presence in Hong Kong until it too was handed back to China in 1997. RAF Police were stationed in Belize in Central America as part of the British military presence to counter any threat of invasion by Guatemala and in 1982 RAF Police were established on the Falkland Islands after they had been forcibly recovered from Argentinean forces by a British task force. RAF Police were also established on Ascension Island and at Goose Bay in Canada and also detached to America, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands.

Illustrated with many photographs, and enlivened by first-hand accounts from former and serving members of the branch who were stationed within the region at the time of the events related, this easily readable book is full of interesting facts and is certain to be of great interest to those who served in the RAF Police. However, there is also much to be enjoyed by anyone with a general interest in the RAF or modern military history.

(See Links Woodfield Publishing for how to order)

RAF POLICE OPERATIONS - CAPE TOWN TO KABUL 1918 - 2006

2009-03-10T14:03:00.001Z

RAF POLICE OPERATIONS - CAPE TOWN TO KABUL (ISBN 1-84683-019-2) describes in detail the wide ranging operations undertaken by units of the RAF Police from Cape Town in South Africa through Africa, Malta, Cyprus, the Middle East and Persia to Kabul in Afghanistan between 1918 and 2006.

After the formation of the RAF in 1918, members of the RAF Service Police were deployed on RAF airfields in Iraq, Palestine and in Egypt. After the outbreak of World War II, the RAF quickly expanded and so did the RAF Police. RAF deployments throughout Africa, Malta, Cyprus, the Middle East and Iraq rapidly spread and additional RAF Police units were formed to support RAF commanders on the ground.

Violent post-war anti-colonial unrest within Palestine and Egypt saw the RAF Police at the very forefront in protecting RAF units, aircraft, materiel and personnel from the daily threat of terrorism, sabotage, subversion, espionage and widespread pilfering. Additionally, similar RAF Police operations undertaken during the later Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, the Cypriot EOKA terrorist campaign, and the Yemeni backed guerrilla conflicts within Aden and Oman were effective in maintaining RAF security on the ground and in the air. As the global political situation changed and the operational range of military aircraft increased, the RAF withdrew from former units within the region but maintained an ever-ready presence on the troubled island of Cyprus. In recent times, the RAF Police have served alongside Coalition forces in both Gulf wars against Saddam Hussein, and during operations in Afghanistan against the Taliban and Al-Queda. Furthermore, they were involved in the rescue of British and foreign civilians from war-torn Beirut and were deployed to Sierra Leone in 2000 to support British military operations to stabilise the country after a bloody civil war.

This informative but easily readable book is illustrated with many photographs, and supported by many first-hand accounts from former and serving members of the branch who were stationed within the region at the time of the events. It is certain to be of great interest to those who served in the RAF Police. However, there is also much to be enjoyed by anyone with a general interest in the RAF or modern military history and current affairs.
(See Links Woodfield Publishing for how to order)

RAF POLICE OPERATIONS IN EUROPE 1918 - 2005

2009-03-10T14:01:00.001Z

RAF POLICE OPERATIONS IN EUROPE (ISBN 1-84683-019-2) traces the development of the RAF Police and describes in detail the wide-ranging operations undertaken by this unpretentious but highly specialised branch of the Royal Air Force within Europe between 1918 and 2005.

Following the formation of the RAF in 1918, the new service remained dependent upon Army military police skills but in 1919, the transfer of responsibility for policing RAF units by the RAF Police was authorised and the last Army Officer at the Air Ministry responsible for police matters was replaced by an RAF Officer.

During World War II the RAF Police rapidly expanded to support war operations in the UK, Iceland and the Açores. They formed part of the British Expeditionary Force into France and were later deployed onto the Normandy beaches on D-Day to help liberate Europe from the Nazi regime. In late 1944 they became caught up in the Greek civil war, and at the end of hostilities the RAF Police had 21,000 men and women serving within its ranks.

On the 1st July 1947, with the subsequent growth of the officer corps, the Provost Branch was formally constituted by His Majesty, King George VI. In 1949 the RAF Police successfully concluded an investigation into the murder, by the Gestapo in 1944, of 50 RAF officers who took part in the Great Escape from Stalag Luft III. In September 1950, the King approved a badge for the RAF Police, with the motto, Fiat Justitia. Throughout the period of the Cold War the RAF Police were responsible for safeguarding nuclear weapons deployed on standby by the RAF. The RAF Police have supported operations in Northern Ireland and NATO and UN operations in the troubled Balkans.

This easily readable book has 12 chapters (including a complete chapter on Air Cdre Bill Kerby) and is illustrated with many photographs, and enlivened by many first-hand accounts from former and serving members of the branch. It is full of interesting facts and is certain to be of great interest to those who served in the RAF Police. However, there is also much to be enjoyed by anyone with a general interest in the RAF or modern military or European history.

(See Links Woodfield Publishing for how to order)

RAF POLICE DOGS ON PATROL

2009-03-10T13:52:00.002Z

RAF POLICE DOGS ON PATROL (ISBN 1-903953-87-1) traces the deployment of dogs by the RAF between 1942 and 2005, during which time the RAF Police has earned a glowing reputation at home and abroad for the high standard of training exhibited by its dog teams and for its highly professional use of dogs for patrols and specialist duties.

The story begins in 1942, at the height of World War II, when Lieutenant Colonel Baldwin formed the Ministry of Aircraft Production Guard Dog School (MAPGDS) at Woodfold near Gloucester, turning out professionally trained RAF dog handlers which in turn released hundreds of men for war duties who had previously been employed as guards. In 1944 the MAPGDS was absorbed by the RAF Police and re-titled as the RAF Police Dog Training School and from that point on, the RAF Police excelled in the development and training of dogs for police and security purposes.

In 1949, the RAF Police Dog Demonstration Team appeared for the first time at the Royal Tournament in London and became an instant public success. In 1957 the first annual RAF Police Dog Championship Trials were held at Netheravon. In 1969 the Dog Demonstration Team covered 8,000 miles around the USA and Canada giving 65 public performances in 23 cities and became a favourite at every venue.

The RAF began training dogs to detect illicit drugs in 1970 and since 1971 RAF Police dogs on loan to HM Customs & Excise have recovered illicit drugs with a street value of many millions of pounds and are a significant deterrent to smugglers. Dogs were later successfully trained dogs to detect firearms and explosives.

This enjoyable book looks in detail at the development of the special relationship between the RAF Police and their dogs. Illustrated with many photographs, and enlivened by many first-hand accounts from former dog handlers, it is certain to be of great interest to those who served in the RAF, but there is also much to be enjoyed by anyone with a general interest in dogs or in their training and development for police and security purposes.

(See Links Woodfield Publishing for how to order)

THE BOOK 'FIAT JUSTITIA'

2009-03-07T08:59:00.005Z

The Foreword by Air Commodore J L Uprichard CBE RAF
Provost Marshal (RAF) & Chief of Air Force Police (1997)

Following the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918, the new Service remained dependent upon the Army military police skills until an integral Provost and Police Force could be established. In 1919, the transfer of responsibility for policing RAF stations and units was authorised, and the last Army Officer to hold an appointment at the Air Ministry responsible for police matters was replaced by an RAF Officer the following year. In 1931, the office of Provost Marshal (RAF) and Chief of Air Force Police was approved by King George V and, during the intervening 64 years, nineteen Provost Marshals have held office. The subsequent growth of the officer corps at home and abroad justified the formation of a specialist branch and, on 1 July 1947, the Provost Branch was constituted by His Majesty, King George VI. In September 1950, the King also approved a badge for the RAF Police which depicts a griffin passant - the heraldic device associated with guardianship, courage and audacity. The motto, `Fiat Justitia', may be freely translated as "Let justice be done". Indeed, the RAF Police is the only RAF trade to receive the honour of having it's own badge approved by the Monarch. As the 19th Provost Marshal, it gives me enormous pride and pleasure to commend this history to you. Stephen Davies has skilfully related world events with milestones in the history of a fine police service and, as befits the RAF Police Service antecedents of the author, the chronological style of his work provides clear but interesting reading. Although a relatively small cadre, the force has excelled in the provision of a professional police and security service to the RAF. Whether the reader is a serving or former RAF Policeman or woman, or anyone with an interest in modern military history, I am sure that all will enjoy this well researched account of a `Service Family' unit of which I am proud to be its latest surrogate father.

The book comprises 10 chapters, 2 Appendixes and is complimented with 34 photographs.

Chapter 1 - The Origins of the Provost
Chapter 2 - Formation of the RAF (1918 - 1939)
Chapter 3 - The War Years (1939 – 1945
Chapter 4 - The Post War Years (1945 - 1950)
Chapter 5 - The Cold War (1950 - 1959)
Chapter 6 - The End of an Empire (1959 - 1968)
Chapter 7- Fifty Years and Beyond (1968 - 1985)
Chapter 8 - Thawing of the Cold War (1985 - 1989)
Chapter 9 - A Time for Change (1989 - 1997)
Extra 'Chapter 10' now takes the book up to the year 2000..................

As a result of the original publisher going into liquidation in early 2002, ‘Fiat Justitia – A History of the RAF Police’ is no longer available for sale in hard form. However, an improved edition is still available on CD for you to read directly from your PC or to print off your own hard copy (THIS IS NOT A ‘TALKING BOOK’ CD AND CANNOT BE PLAYED ON YOUR MUSIC CD. YOU MUST HAVE A COMPUTER TO ACCESS THE CD)

This unique book on CD retails for:

£11-00p (incl 50p P&P) within the UK,
£12-00p (incl 50p P&P) to other locations outside the UK,

It can be purchased by e-mailling the author stephendavies021@gmail.com with your order. Sterling cheques or bankers drafts are to be made out to ‘Stephen R Davies’