1st INFANTRY DIVISION PROVOST COY 1951-52

As Remembered By Albert Williams

I read with interest Malcolm Keates memories of his time spent with the 1st Infantry Division Provost Coy . I was posted to the same company but, at that time, they were based in Tripoli which was considered a ‘dream posting’. We were due to go by boat but the order never came through until the boat had sailed so Group 5105 was informed that we would fly out instead. In August 1951 we found ourselves at the Transit Centre, Gooch Street, London where we were transferred by coach to Stansted for a flight by Harding Airways to Malta.

After a 3 day stop-over the RAF flew us to Tripoli where we were based about three miles outside in a barracks previously garrisoned by a Scottish regiment. It was air-conditioned, had great food and even its’ own swimming pool. “Bring it on!” I thought. We soon settled in – joint patrols with the US Army Air Force, with an occasional invite back to their base to be entertained. The division was already on ‘Stand-by’ for Persia with our transport already at sea.

October 1951 brought rumours of trouble in Suez and within 48 hours we where on our way. Arriving in Egypt they based us in the Military Corrective Establishment, North Camp, Moascar. The solitary confinement cells became our Administration Block. The O.C. taking No. 1 cell. I was allotted Cell 5 and, at that time, was company signwriter. I often told the story of the O.C. being 4 cells away – Cell Mates!!

About January 1952, the company moved to Fayid – the Engineers had cleared ground behind the Church of Scotland so we had the bonus of a football pitch. The only building was a Nissan hut which became the N.C.O.’s club – and so “Arno Camp” was created from derelict land.

At this time I was kept busy with signwriting during the day and foot patrols around the Green Valley area, the Old Vic Lido and the NAAFI. One task was to ensure that servicemen did not go on the beach at night under the influence of ‘Stella’ as previous incidents had brought this order about.

During the 1956 Suez Crisis I was with the 9th Independent Armoured Brigade TA and was alerted to be put on ‘Standby’ but before we could be kitted out we were stood down and one month later discharged from any further duties.

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