Hello to all. I've read this forum quite a few times since I found it a few weeks ago, and have to say it makes for some good reading. OK, here's my question. Does anyone know of a good site to find out about MP units during WWII, and immediately following WWII? My grandfather spent the last few months of the war as an MP in Europe/Germany. He then came back to the states and was a MP at Camp Chaffee in Ft Smith Arkansas. Apparently he dealt with the German POWs intered there. I want to find out what MP unit(s) were there during 1946 so I can start constructing a biography about him for a family military hsitory I am working on. If this would be better posted on one of the other sections of the WWII Forum, please feel free to move it.
Hi, firstly, welcome to the forum. You'll find most of us don't bite, well most!! Do you know what unit he served in? Maybe try this as a starting point: http://www.military.com/HomePage/UnitCreatedPage/0,11003,721117,00.html
Thanks for the welcome guys. Mahross, no I don't know what unit he was in. I have been trying to find this info out for about ten years now. He died in '65 when I was less than a year old, so I couldn't ask him. I have been picking my grandma's brain, but she remembers dates and locations here in the states, but can't remember the unit. All she remembers is that he was a MP at Fort Chaffee, and had something to do with the German POWs. I figure if I can find out what MP units were at Ft Chaffee in '46, I can work back from there.
Try the RMPA site on net, or look at the RMP Museum on the net as well in Chichester. If you want info on any British RMP stuff that is. You can usually enquire on their notice boards for stuff regarding other MP units from other countries as we have a longstanding association with the US MP associatons as well.
Welcome sdkfz181, I might be able to find the MP units station at Chaffee. I am an MP currently deployed to Afghanistan but I am due back in about a week or so. I have access to all MP records dating back to the 40's when we were formed. I will look them over and give you any info I can find. Steve
Urqh, Thanks. I will have to check that out. Steve that would be excellent. I look forward to hearing from you. Take care. Brett
Hi sdkfz181, Sorry for taking so long to get back with you. I am still looking for info but you should also try this link from the University of Arkansas. See if you can get access to their research on WWII POW camps in Arkansas. http://libinfo.uark.edu/specialcollections/findingaids/ww2priswar.html
Question - is it true that during the D-Day invasion Amerian and German soldiers chose not to engage in battle as they slipped by each other on the streets of Sainte-Mere-Eglise as depicted in the movie "The Longest Day"?
sdkfz181, welcome to the forum. Have you made any attempt to get a copy of your grandfather's separation paper? It might give some clues what units he was attached to in Europe.
Just a thought.Many men were assigned to MP duty after the war to build points to return home.Chances are he fought his war as something other than an MP. It sounds like you may have figured that out. If you need help.there are professional researchers that can check the archives.
I agree with Chibobber. Years ago, when I asked my dad about his service, he said he a was military police train guard in San Antonio. While that was true, he was only an MP for the last 6 months (of his 3+ years service) and after returning stateside.
