From exercises and military training to sports and social events, Cannock-based 116 Provost Company (116 Pro Coy) Royal Military Police have had an action packed six months so far. Read on to discover more about their recent activities.
Autumn’s highlights
Gaining new experiences
In September Corporal Newman transferred across from the Military Provost Staff (MPS) Reserves and completed his Phase 2 RMP Initial Course at the Defence School of Policing and Security; he is now gaining experience supporting their Regular sub-units during their shifts.
50 years of 116 Provost Company
Organised by Staff Sergeant Lown, family members and previously serving members were invited to the unit to thank them for their support.
Stands demonstrating weapons handling, forensic awareness and the history of the Company were set up for guests to enjoy – it was a hit!
Exercise SAVA STAR 24
Two members of the unit deployed to Croatia to take part in the two-week long annual camp exercise for 8 RIFLES, with 116 Pro Coy personnel attached in order to deliver captured persons (CPERS) training to personnel.
The primary aim of the exercise was to build interoperability between the Croatian and British Armed Forces. Sergeant Henry and Corporal Bailey integrated the CPERS training into existing serials to provide realistic training in the management of prisoners of war, internees and detainees. For taking the lead on delivering the training Sergeant Henry was awarded a Commanding Officer’s coin by 8 RIFLES.
Double sporting success
No stranger to the world of Army Sports and having delivered sport for the British Army since 2018, Sergeant Karim received the runner up award for the Army Sports Official of the Year at the Army Sports Awards. She then won the Army Equitation Association Sports Official of the Year Award, two weeks later. Congratulations!
Read our previous article detailing Sergeant Karim’s Army Equestrian success here.
Remembrance 2024
116 Pro Coy conducted their annual act of Remembrance supporting the Cannock Town Parade on Remembrance Sunday. They also held their own private act of Remembrance within their Company HQ to pay their respects to Corporal Dewi Pritchard and Corporal Steven Boote, who were serving members of 116 Pro Coy when they were sadly killed in action during Op HERRICK.
Welcoming the New Year – and new challenges
Breaking records to raise funds for the Combined Cadet Force Association
In May Corporal Bailey is attempting the gruelling feat of attempting to raise £10,000 for the Combined Cadet Force Association – by trying not to beat just one, but four World Records. He is also a Cadet Instructor at Ferris School in Northampton, so the cause is close to his heart. Read all about his challenge.
You can also follow Corporal Bailey’s training progress on his Instagram page: @markbailey_armyfit
Phase 2 training completed
Five personnel from 116 Pro Coy passed the Phase 2 Royal Military Police Initial Course at Defence School of Policing and Security, Southwick Park.
This two-week trade specific course teaches individuals the skills required to serve as Royal Military Police Reserves, covering training such as stop and search, arrest, and entry, search and seizure.
Personnel also complete a week of Protective Personal Safety Training covering techniques such as de-escalation, and baton and cuff training.
116 Pro Coy provided the biggest cohort of the 13 personnel on the course, with 116’s Corporal Forsyth receiving the Top Student Award.
Representing the U25 Hockey team
After being part of the University Officer Training Corps, Lance Corporal Heald joined the Company in July 2024. Despite the commitment of completing both Phase 1 Basic Training course and his Phase 2 Royal Military Police Initial Course, he was able to continue to compete in competitive hockey. After being selected for the U25 Army Hockey Association Lance Corporal Heald competed against both the Navy and RAF teams; whilst the Army didn’t win on this occasion it gave him a huge sense of personal achievement.
He commented, “The whole tournament was really enjoyable, both to participate in and to watch other teams play. It was a challenge to play at a higher level than I usually do with a team I hadn’t played with before”.
Council connections
116 Pro Coy invited Cannock Chase District Council to one of their parade nights to share the history of the Company, the activities they undertake within the local area and the support they provide to the local community.
It was extremely beneficial to exploring the opportunities to strengthen ties with the local council and explore ways in which the Company and Council can continue to mutually support each other.
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116 Provost Company, part of 1st Regiment Royal Military Police, are an Army Reserve Regiment based in Cannock. Trained initially as soldiers, they undertake further training to provide specialist military police support to the Army, including patrolling, incident control, crime scene management, military and civil law and captured persons handling.
Find out more about starting your own journey with the Royal Military Police Reserves and Reserve Forces. Stay up to date with 116 Provost Company’s latest activities via their Instagram account: @116provostcompany_remso
Published 28/04/25
