Military Provost Staff Corps

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Soldier Details:
Surname: Sykes
Initials:   N.C.M.
Rank:   Lieutenant Colonel
Army No.:  6712
Notes:   Provost Officer. 11th Hussars, RAC. London Gazette 34619, page 2751, 25/4/39 Command & Staff. Maj N C M Sykes MC 11 Hussars relinquishes the appointment of Assistant Provost Marshall. 25/4/39. APM II Corps BEF 1940. DPM Allied Forces HQ. 45-46 PM India.

Decorations/Medals/Awards (3)
  1. Decoration:   Mention in Despatches Gazette Date: 1940-07-26 Gazette Issue: 34904 Gazette Page: 4580
Citation:   Operations in the Field to March 1940. BEF.
  2. Decoration:   Order of the British Empire Gazette Date: 1943-09-16 Gazette Issue: 36173 Gazette Page: 4119
Citation:   North Africa. Citation for the OBE: This Officer came out with the First Army in the early stages of the operations in North Africa and has shown the greatest ability in dealing with the many Provost problems which faced him in a new theatre. He has never spared himself and has obtained first class results in all he has done. His sincerity and tact have made possible real co-operation between our own provost services and those of our Allies and on that account difficulties in administration of discipline in an inter allied force have been reduced to a minimum. His services are undoubtedly worthy of recognition. DAG AFHQ. Maj Gen Chief Admin Officer Allied Force HQ. National Archive WO373/71 Pt.1.
  3. Decoration:   Commander of the British Empire Gazette Date: 1945-02-22 Gazette Issue: 36950 Gazette Page: 1040
Citation:   Gallant & distinguished Service in the Field. Citation for the CBE: Col N.C.M. SYKES has been in charge of Provost in this theatre since the original landing in North Africa. In building up the Provost organization in the face of difficulties to its present successful standard, he has shewn organizing ability and energy above the average. His co-operation with US Provost has ensured the smooth operation of both Provost Services in close harmony with excellent results. Many critical problems and heavy responsibilities, including dealing with organized gangs carrying out robbery with violence and other serious crimes, tracking down deserters and recovering stolen property, have been faced with marked success. Maj -Gen DAG AFHQ, Gen Supreme Allied Commander Mediterranean Theatre. National Archive 373/75 Pt.2.