| Surname: | Thompson |
| Initials: | R K |
| Rank: | Major |
| Army Number: | 497531 |
| Notes: | RMP. OC 150 Pro Coy, Provost Officer. London Gazette 46270, 5059, 23/4/1974. Corps of Royal Military Police. Regular Army. Special Regular Commn. (Subject to confirmation). The undermentioned Officer Cadet from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst to be 2/Lt. 9/3/1974: Raymond Kenneth Thompson (497531). London Gazette 46427, 12553, 10/12/1974. Corps of Royal Military Police. Regular Army. Special Reg. Commn. R K Thompson (497531) with seniority 9/9/1969. To be Lt., 9/3/1974, with seniority 9/9/1971. London Gazette 46845, 3580, 9/3/1976. Corps of Royal Military Police. Regular Army. Special Reg. Commn. Lt. R K Thompson (497531) to be Capt., 9/3/1976. Provost Officer. London Gazette 47780, 2655, 27/2/1979. Corps of Royal Military Police. Regular Army. Capt. Raymond Kenneth Thompson (4957531) from Spec. Reg. Commn to be 2/Lt., 28/9/1978, with seniority 13/5/1969. To be Lt., 28/9/1978, with seniority 13/5/1971. To be Capt., 28/9/1978, with seniority 13/11/1975. (483948) to be Capt., 15/12/1973. London Gazette 48080, 1440, 29/1/1980. Corps of Royal Military Police. Regular Army. The undermentioned Capt. to be Maj. 31/12/1979: R K Thompson (497531). London Gazette 49619, 689, 17/1/1984. Corps of Royal Military Police. Regular Army. Maj. R K Thompson MBE. (497531) retires on retired pay, 21/12/1983. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Member of the British Empire (London Gazette: 48837 Page: 7 Dec. 31, 1981) |
| Citation: | OC Provost Element Frankland Prison, Durham, Prison Officers Strike. Maj. Raymond Kenneth Thompson (497531), OC 150 Pro Coy RMP. Her Majesty's Prison Frankland, (OP PAddock). 20 Oct 1980 to 30 Jan 81. Officer in Charge Interface Force.Citation: During the period 29 October 1980 to 30 January 1981 major Thompson was continuously employed as the Officer in Charge of the prison interface force which was responsible for the direct handling of all prisoners. He assumed his prison duties almost immediately after a lengthy convalescence following injuries received in a traffic accident and it is an indication of his determination and sense of duty that he at once set about the complicated business of forming an interface force. this called for long and irregular hours and a considerable amount of organisation and planning all of which was carried out under pressure. The force compromised members of the Royal Navy, Royal Military Police, Military Provost Staff Corps and Royal Air Force and it was his blend of tact, patience, flexibility and good common sense that ensure a harmonious working relationship between all these elements and the creation of a highly efficient force. the direct handling of prisoners always carried with it the strong possibility of serious incidents occurring which could have resulted in unfortunate consequences and adverse publicity. By his attention to detail and constant awareness Major Thompson saw to it that throughout his long spell at Frankland no such incidents occurred. Because of circumstances the interface force carried out far longer tours in the prison than other service elements. The duties were unvaried and frequently monotonous but always vital and called for long hours of constant vigilance. Over a protracted period of time they could so easily have led to strain and a certain demoralization. Due to his excellent leadership and personal example the high morale of the force was maintained throughout. During his tour of duty he acted as the continuity link between the Prison Governor and his staff and four Military Commanders who were rotated monthly. In this time his sound advice, expertise and diligence earned him the respect and esteem of all who were concerned in the running of the prison. Major Thompson made a major significant personal contribution to the success of the operation. no other officer provided the continuity, stability and sound advice that he did over some very difficult periods. He rose to the occasion well and was not found wanting in a task which taxed him fully and which was beyond the scope of his routine work. By his outstanding performance in this difficult operation Major Thompson represented the Corps of Royal Military Police and the British Army in a most exemplary manner. as award by Her Majesty The Queen in recognition of his service would reflect not only a tribute to him but to his Corps and indeed the Police of the other two Services who did so much to make the operation so successful. Throughout a most difficult and testing time he rose to the challenge magnificently.Recommended by: Maj. APM (North). Maj. Gen. GOC. North East District. Gen. C in C. UKLF. |
Provost Officer Appointments: | |
| No appointments recorded | |