Bobbies in Khaki: The British Military Police in the First World War

Abstract

The British disliked and often feared the idea of an armed, military police, hence they never created a gendarmerie for home policing. During the nineteenth century, however, they created a permanent Military Police for the Army and the growth of the Army during the First World War led to an equal expansion in the Red Caps as their distinctive head gear led these police to be known. This chapter seeks to outline the expansion and role of the Military Police during the war. In conclusion it draws some comparisons between the duties and acceptance of the British Bobby and attitudes towards the British Redcap.