2026: Celebrating one hundred years of Military Policing

This year marks a very special milestone: It is 100 years since the Corps of Military Police was officially formed.

Known as "Redcaps," the Royal Military Police have spent a century keeping order, upholding the law, and supporting British soldiers in some of the most dangerous places on earth. From the snows of Norway to the deserts of Iraq, they have been there every step of the way.

A sepia photo of a soldier from the early 20th century. He wears a uniform with sergeant stripes, a peaked cap, and has a confident expression.

A mounted police officer in formal uniform sits confidently on a dappled horse. The background shows rustic wooden buildings and foliage, evoking a historical atmosphere.

A person in a military uniform directs traffic with arms outstretched in front of a damaged building. Two others in uniform stand nearby, one reading a document and the other adjusting gear. A sign with

How it all began

When the British Army was first established in the 1660s, a Provost Service was set up with responsibility for military policing, however, it only operated in times of war.

In 1813, the Staff Corps of Cavalry was created to deal with indiscipline among Wellington’s troops, and would police occupied France after Waterloo. Today’s Royal Military Police traces its origins back to 1855, when the Mounted Military Police was formed from various cavalry regiments to maintain order and discipline in and around Aldershot.

It become a permanent corps in 1877, and was renamed the Corps of Military Mounted Police (MMP). An equivalent Corps of Military Foot Police (MFP) followed in 1885, originally raised in 1882 for duties in Egypt, comprising Army Reservists then serving in the Metropolitan Police.

Historically, the two Corps shared a Depot at Aldershot, trained together, and undertook many duties together. The first official mention of the “Military Police Corps” was in the Corps Orders for October 1887.

Throughout the rest of the 19th century, through the First World War and into the 1920s, the MMP and MFP were still designated by their respective titles, but to the Army, they were treated as a single Corps, wearing the same cap badge.

The colour red has been associated with military policing since the 1800s. During the Napoleonic Wars (1809-1814), the Duke of Wellington’s provost marshal was identified by the wearing of a red scarf on their shoulder.

The iconic red cap

Two individuals in military attire stand in front of army vehicles, both wearing red berets. One holds a clipboard. The vehicles are marked with

The colour red has been associated with military policing since the 1800s. During the Napoleonic Wars (1809-1814), the Duke of Wellington’s provost marshal was identified by the wearing of a red scarf on their shoulder. More recently, red berets and red covers were added to peaked caps making officers highly visible. The nickname "Redcaps" became widely used in both World Wars and is still used today.

During the First World War, nearly 19,500 men had served as Redcaps, with around one in seven of them having been civilian police officers before joining up. By the end of the Second World War in 1945, that number had grown to almost 65,000

A growing force

The 27th February 1926 saw the re-designation of the MMP and MFP as the Corps of Military Police (CMP).

During the First World War, nearly 19,500 men had served as Redcaps, with around one in seven of them having been civilian police officers before joining up. By the end of the Second World War in 1945, that number had grown to almost 65,000. New specialist units were also created, including a detective section called the Special Investigation Branch, set up in 1940.

Royal recognition

A large formation of military personnel stands in organized rows on a parade ground. Several military vehicles, including jeeps, are lined up on the left side. Buildings surround the area, with spectators seated along the edges. The scene conveys a sense of formality and organisation.

On 28th November 1946, King George VI awarded the corps the title "Royal," in recognition of its outstanding service during the Second World War. From that point, it became the Corps of Royal Military Police. A name it still carries today.

Serving the world

Two soldiers in camouflage gear and helmets are leaning over a stone wall. They are holding rifles with yellow-tipped barrels. One soldier has an

A group of military personnel in camouflage uniforms are in a desert landscape. Some are kneeling with their weapons, while others are standing and talking to a person in civilian clothing. An adobe building is visible in the background.

In the decades that followed, the Royal Military Police served in Korea, Malaya, Northern Ireland, the Falklands, the Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Their work went far beyond policing, they handled detainees, secured routes, and supported commanders on the front line.

In 1992, the corps became part of the Adjutant General's Corps, while keeping its own identity and cap badge.

Today, the Royal Military Police continue to serve around the world, proud of its history, and ready for whatever comes next.

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2026: Celebrating one hundred years of Military Policing