| Surname: | Corbett |
| Initials: | J |
| Rank: | Major |
| Army Number: | 177901 |
| Notes: | Provost Officer. Royal Irish Fusiliers. From Borrisokane, Co Tipperary. OC 245 Beach Pro Coy 43. later DPM Berlin. London Gazette 40207, 3598, 18/6/1954. Corps of Royal Military Police. Short Serv Commn. Maj J Corbett, OBE (177901) from R Ir F (Emp List 4) to be Maj, 19/6/1954, retaining his present seniority. London Gazette 40890, 5560, 2/10/1956. Corps of Royal Military Police. Short Serv. Commn. Maj. J Corbett, OBE. (177901) relinquishes his commn on completion of service, 1/10/1956, and is granted the hon. rank of Lt/Col. |
Decoration Record: | |
| Decoration: | Member of the British Empire (London Gazette: 37004 Page: 1705 March 29, 1945) |
| Citation: | Normandy. Citation for the MBE: Capt CORBETT commanded 245 HQ Pro Coy in 101 Beach Sub Area until July 44. He landed on the SWORD Beaches on D Day and was responisible for the organisation and development of traffic control in the Port of OUISTREHAM and the BMA. For five weeks the beaches and BMA Area including the Port of OUISTREHAM were under fire. During this period his steadfastness of purpose and quiet leadership was an inspiration to his Company and the Beach Group. At the end of June and until the end of July he was attached to HQ 101 Beach Sub Area as DAPM. He entered Caen on 10 July 44, the day after the town fell, and had under his direct command 245 HQ Pro Coy, 2 sections of Canadian Army Pro, and , at varying times, one or two secs of 1 Corps and 3 Cdn Div. To him fell the task of organising the control of momement through CAEN, the imposition of restrictions of entry and exit, both civilian and military, and the maintenance of discipline in a town so severely damamged by bombing and shell fire that the temptations to looters were countless. This entailed the early recce of his area of operations and frequent and rapid readjustments in the deployment of his limited resources. Over 29 control points were at one time necessary in and around the town. He maintained close liaison with the RE engaged on street clearance, with the Pro of 3 Cdn Div, 2 Cdn Corps, and with the civil authorities. His posts were under constant mortar and shell fire until the advance continued beyond VAUCELLES; Capt CORBETT continually visited these posts inspiring and encouraging his men who were at times on duty for periods of 48 hrs without a break or respite. Capt CORBETT worked quietly and efficiently. His execution of quick orders and new plans was beyond all praise. He was largely responisible for the fact that at no time did the flow of refugees cause any embarrassment to the military operations. For this quiet, efficient and cheerful example of leadership and resourcefulness under the most trying conditions I recommend him for the award of the MBE.Col E J Montgomery, Comd 101 Beach Sub Area. Brig H C T Stronge Comd 12 L of C Area. Maj-Gen Comd L of C. National Archive WO 373/83. |
| Decoration: | Order of the British Empire (London Gazette: 38493 Page: 7 Jan. 1, 1949) |
| Citation: | New Years Honours. |
| Decoration: | Mention in Despatches (London Gazette: 36994 Page: 1557 March 22, 1945) |
| Citation: | North West Europe. |
Provost Officer Appointments: | |
| No appointments recorded | |