Royal Military Police

Cap Badge of the Royal Military Police (King George VI)
Soldier Details:
Surname: Melville
Initials:   D.W.L.
Rank:   Colonel
Army No.:  59099
Notes:   Provost Officer. Formerly 21 Lancers. APM 30 Corps at the time of D Day. 7/6/45 DPM (German Control) HQ 21 Army. See info on "Melville Force" No. 335721 Capt K E Wilkinson entry. Provost Marshall, Middle East Land Forces 1946-1947. David William Leslie Melville.

Decorations/Medals/Awards (3)
  1. Decoration:   Mention in Despatches Gazette Date: None Gazette Issue: Gazette Page:
Citation:   Capt & Brevet Major (temp. Maj) D W L Melville, MC. (59099) Lancers. Middle East from 2/41 to 7/41.
  2. Decoration:   Military Cross Gazette Date: 1917-06-18 Gazette Issue: 30135 Gazette Page: 5995
Citation:   2/Lt. David William Leslie Melville, Lancers, Special Reserve. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while in charge of a patrol. He carried out a daily reconnaissance under heavy fire, and was the means of obtaining most valuable information.
  3. Decoration:   Order of the British Empire Gazette Date: 1944-03-23 Gazette Issue: 36436 Gazette Page: 1363
Citation:   Capt (temporary Major) (local Colonel) David William Leslie Melville, MC (59099) Royal Armoured Corps. (Stratford-upon-Avon). For distinguished service in Sicily. Citation: HQ 30 Corps, David William Leslie Melville, MC. Major D W L MELVILLE has served as APM of this Corps since February 1943. During this period he has been responsible for solving the many complicated problems of traffic control and direction firstly in the advance from TRIPOLI to SFAX and recently in the SICILIAN campaign. The latter period; with winding and narrow roads, blown in many places has been particularly difficult. Major MELVILLE, by personal visits, often up to the most forward troops, has not only ensured the access of road traffic and control but has set a magnificent example to all ranks of the Provost Service in the Corps and its satellite formations. Recommended by: Brig. E P Sewell, D A & Q M G. Lt/Gen O W H Leese Commanding 30 Corps.
Casualty Details:
Date Killed: 28th July 1947
Company: UNKNOWN
Cemetery: STRATFORD UPON AVON CEMETERY   UNITED KINGDOM
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