Military Provost Staff Corps

Soldier Details:

Surname: Westrop

Initials: J.W.

Rank: Lance Corporal

Army No.: P/825

Notes: MMP. Awarded the 1915 Star, Victory and War Medals. First served abroad (1) France, 24/8/15 to 11/11/18. Later Sgt. Discharged class Z reserve 25/2/1919. Later Metropolitan Police. Metro - PC Westrop (W), now L/Cpl of the MMP, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Police Review, 27/10/1916, page 436. 11/1/1902 he enlisted in the Imperial Yeomanry No. 39947, age 27.6 years, born Romford, Essex, occupation Smith Farrier. Served in 38 Bn Imperial Yeomanry, 168 Company. 11/11902 enlisted, served home 11/1/1902 to 27/5/1902, Abroad 28/5/1902 to 16/1/1903, Home 17/1/1903 to 14/1/1903 to discharge time expired, conduct good.5/8/1900 married Alice Elizabeth Hill at St James Parish Church, Hatcham, New Cross London SE. 29/2/1904 he enlisted in the Metropolitan Police No. 90540, Constable, 3/3/1929 he retired at W Brixton Division having served 25 years, age 54. He retired with a pension of £153-13-5 per annum. John Wallace Westrup.

Decorations/Medals/Awards (2)

1. Decoration: Commendation

Gazette Date: 1916-04-20

Gazette Issue: Police Review

Gazette Page: page 190

Citation: Police Review 20/4/1916 page 190. Brave South Shields Constable. Lance Corporal Whitehead, of the South Shields Police, who is serving in France with the Military Mounted Police, has earned by his bravery the warm praise of his commanding officer. In a report the latter wrote:- “His example of absolute fearlessness and calm under very trying conditions undoubtedly helped to prevent panic among a large civil population and assisted materially the work of the Army. Lance Corporal Whitehead was proceeding down -------- road to relieve Corporal Westrop when shelling commenced. He went to Westrop’s assistance and helped him in the duties he performed. He also patrolled shops, the windows of which were broken, exposing goods, and moved soldiers standing outside the shops away from them to prevent either looting or charges of looting. He investigated and reported to APM a case of looting involving the theft from a damaged shop of 400 francs which had been in a cash box, but the troops were not in any way involved.” The Chief Constable of South Shields is very gratified that one of his force should have so distinguished himself, and he brought the report of Lance Corporal Whitehead's commanding officer before the Committee, which put on record their appreciation of his exemplary conduct.

2. Decoration: Military Medal

Gazette Date: 1916-09-14

Gazette Issue: 29749

Gazette Page: 9006

Citation: France & Flanders.

Surname:	Westrop
Initials:	J.W.
Rank:	Lance Corporal
Army No.:	P/825
Notes:	MMP. Awarded the 1915 Star, Victory and War Medals. First served abroad (1) France, 24/8/15 to 11/11/18. Later Sgt. Discharged class Z reserve 25/2/1919. Later Metropolitan Police. Metro - PC Westrop (W), now L/Cpl of the MMP, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Police Review, 27/10/1916, page 436. 11/1/1902 he enlisted in the Imperial Yeomanry No. 39947, age 27.6 years, born Romford, Essex, occupation Smith Farrier. Served in 38 Bn Imperial Yeomanry, 168 Company. 11/11902 enlisted, served home 11/1/1902 to 27/5/1902, Abroad 28/5/1902 to 16/1/1903, Home 17/1/1903 to 14/1/1903 to discharge time expired, conduct good.5/8/1900 married Alice Elizabeth Hill at St James Parish Church, Hatcham, New Cross London SE. 29/2/1904 he enlisted in the Metropolitan Police No. 90540, Constable, 3/3/1929 he retired at W Brixton Division having served 25 years, age 54. He retired with a pension of £153-13-5 per annum. John Wallace Westrup.