Military Police contains information about military police functions in maneuver and mobility support, area security, law and order, internment/resettlement, and police intelligence operations.
Issue link: https://militarypolice.epubxp.com/i/383260
MILITARY POLICE . 19-14-2 36 By Master Sergeant Patrick V. Garland (Retired) and Mr. Mark S. Lindsay O n 8 November 1942, the military forces of the United States and the United Kingdom launched an amphibious operation against French North Africa— in particular, the French-held territories of Algeria and Morocco. That landing was code-named "Torch." The fnal plan was for the Allies to transport 65,000 men, commanded by Lieutenant General Dwight D. Eisenhower, from ports in the United States and England and to invade French North African possessions at Casablanca, Morocco, and Oran and Algiers in Algeria. The primary mission of Center Task Force, under the command of Major General Lloyd R. Fredendall, was to capture Oran. The task force was to be composed of the 16th, 18th, and 26th Regimental Combat Teams from the 1st Infantry Division; a combat command from the 1st Armored Division; and the 1st Ranger Battalion—all of which were to be transported from the United Kingdom in 13 infantry landing ships, 23 motor transport ships, seven personnel ships, three tank landing ships, and one gun landing ship. 1 By the morning of 10 November, the 1st Infantry Division was in position on the eastern edge of Oran and the armored combat command was drawn up on the southern outskirts of the city. At 0737, they launched a coordinated attack. By 1100, armored units had penetrated the city, which surrendered at noon. Major General Fredendall received the formal capitulation of the French commanding general at 1230. 2 The city of Oran was to become a major port for the of men and materiel to support the invasion troops. The need arose for a specialized military police organization to control traffc from the port to the forward areas and facilitate the unloading, storage, and distribution of military necessities. A 4 September 1943 order issued by Headquarters, North African Theater of Operations, titled "Constitution, Activation and Organization of 6685th MP Platoon," made that organization a reality. With an authorized strength of one offcer and 55 enlisted Soldiers, the unit was authorized the following equipment: y 10 ¼-ton, 4 x 4 trucks (three of which were to be equipped with 12-volt electrical systems). y 11 motorcycles. y One .45-caliber pistol. y 55 Model 1903, .30-caliber ri es. y Three SCR 294 radio sets. In addition to normal personnel administration, the duties of this organization consisted of traffc regulation enforcement, traffc control for convoys moving through and around the city, control of radio communications between patrols and headquarters, operation of two parking lots in Oran, control of traffc and policing of convoy embarkation and debarkation to and from the ports, installation of new traffc signs throughout the city, cooperation with French police at checking stations for civil vehicles, and operation of a military police wrecker service. 3 A three-page set of traffc regulations showing speed limits and routes to be followed by various convoys was adopted. In cases of delay or obstruction, routes barred from use were outlined and alternate routes were provided. Quartered in the Caserne Nouve area formerly occupied by the French military, the unit was commanded by First Lieutenant Earl A. Robertson, Corps of Military Police, from its inception. Two other offcers, Second Lieutenant Arthur L. Trenam and Second Lieutenant Frank J. Robinson, were assigned shortly thereafter. On 31 December 1943, First Lieutenant Robertson requested a reorganization of the unit, which would increase its size to 75 enlisted Soldiers. This request was denied. 4 Manpower was a constant problem, and training newly assigned personnel was an ongoing process—especially for those with no military police training or experience. Each platoon member was required to undergo a thorough orientation of the city and its surrounding area and at least rudimentary training in operating all of the vehicle types assigned to the unit. The platoon was sometimes able to obtain assistance from motorcycle-mounted military police Soldiers from other units in the city to perform their mission. For a 5-month period beginning on 1 January 1944, the number of vehicles in regular convoys escorted or moved under guidance from platoon personnel amounted to nearly 40,000. Most of this traffc moved between the port and outlying staging areas and back, in all types of weather and road conditions. Many other smaller, irregular movements